[Greens-Media] CPI - climate change is the elephant in the room

[Hollo, Tim (Sen C. Milne)]

CPI increases - climate change is the elephant in the room

Responding to today's CPI figures, Greens Climate Change Spokesperson,
Senator Christine Milne, said:

"Today's figures showing food price rises driving CPI should be a wake
up call on the links between climate change and the economy.

"Thanks in large part to our climate change-driven drought, food supply
has been cut and prices have risen almost across the board. The lack of
water to irrigate stone fruit, berry and vegetable crops has led to 6-8%
jumps in the price of those vital food products. Drought has also pushed
up prices for dairy and cereals, as Westpac senior economist, Anthony
Thompson, has already acknowledged.

"Rain in a few regions, including Sydney, has given some people a
breather, but the drought is still holding much of Australia in its
grip. There are already grave fears for the winter crops.

"Everyone buys food. Everyone knows prices are rising. Most of us know
why. The fingerprints of climate change are there for anyone to see.

"John Howard and Kevin Rudd think they can manage the Australian economy
without taking strong and urgent action on climate change. Today's
figures expose that as foolish in the extreme. While Kevin Rudd's
grocery commission may reveal some issues, it fails to look at the
underlying issue of inexorable price rises thanks to climate change.

"Meanwhile, Family First's naive and populist suggestion that we should
deal with inflation by cutting petrol taxes would only lead to more
greenhouse emissions, making the problem much worse."

Tim Hollo
Media and Communications Adviser
Senator Christine Milne
Phone: + 61 (0) 2 6277 3063
Mobile: + 61 (0) 437 587 562
Email: tim.hollo at aph.gov.au
Skype: timhollo
Website: www.christinemilne.org.au