"Australia’s Weak Climate Pledge Draws Instant Derision"

"Long recognized as a laggard on climate, Australia does little to burnish its image with a meek plan to reduce emissions."

"Australia on Monday submitted a modest emissions-reduction pledge to the United Nations negotiating body on climate change.  It was met by a disparaging chorus of critics who said it did not shoulder a fair load in the world’s struggle to keep global warming within safe limits.

Australia, a leading producer of coal with an unusually high per-capita output of carbon dioxide, has been viewed as a laggard in the climate fight for decades, especially since its government reversed course and abandoned a tax on carbon last year.

It now says it will reduce emissions 26 to 28 percent below the levels of 2005 by 2030, a rate of reduction that is less than promised by most leading industrial nations."

John H. Cushman Jr. reports for InsideClimate News August 11, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"Australia Carbon Plan Sends Shudder Through Neighbours" (BBC News)

"Rich Nations' Climate Plans Fall Short of Hopes for Paris Summit" (Reuters)

"Abbott Government's 'political' Climate Target Fails Three Key Tests" (The Age)