Cabinet papers reveal Alexander Downer warned of dire climate change outcomes in 2005

Officials warned of major economic, environmental and social disruption to Australia due to its dependence on coalGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Howard government was warned in 2005 that climate change was occurring more quickly than previously predicted and “many human and natural systems and economic activities in Australia” were vulnerable, newly released documents show.Cabinet papers made public by the National Archives on Thursday show officials warned the Coalition government of critical gaps in knowledge about the timing, location and magnitude of climate-related damage, even as international cooperation geared up to try to limit the worst effects on the planet. Continue reading...