China’s Carbon Trading Plan Contradicts Abbott

China's announcement that it will develop a pilot carbon emissions trading scheme that it plans to expand nationally is good news for the planet and directly contradicts Tony Abbott's claims that China is doing nothing to rein in greenhouse gas emissions, the Australian Greens said today.

"China is already addressing its greenhouse gas emissions and is intent on developing dominant global market share in the new industries of the low carbon economy. News of its move to emissions trading and tax breaks for green technologies is the latest evidence of how seriously it is taking the challenge and the opportunity.

"Tony Abbott has used China as a scapegoat. He has denigrated China by saying that it proposes to increase its emissions by 500% suggesting a wilful lack of concern.

"His self serving remarks are not only wrong but short change Australia's jobs prospects and future economic development.

"China knows it is unlikely that there will be a second Kyoto Protocol commitment period and in that context, post 2012, is getting ready to engage with emissions trading globally. Where will Australia be if the European Union, China, California and New Zealand are all linked with trading and abatement opportunities in the transition to a low carbon world, and Australia is out in the cold?"

"Far from leading the world, Australia is in danger of being left behind as China moves to position itself as a key player in carbon markets whilst investing heavily in renewable energy, clean technology and electrification of the vehicle fleet.

"Tony Abbott's failure of leadership will see Australia entrenched as a quarry for Asia and a consumer market for everything Chinese, from wind turbines and solar panels to electric cars," Australian Greens Acting leader, Christine Milne said.