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Independent Australia: Morrison’s condescending response to kids and climate

Climate change is difficult to ignore when medical authorities declare a climate health emergency, defence experts are concerned, insurance and business are sounding the alarm bells and children and their supporters are taking to the streets in historic numbers to call for urgent action, writes Dr Graeme McLeay. Yet, when Prime Minister Scott Morrison addressed the UN last week, he said everyone had it wrong about Australia. The question is: when will our PM “get” the science and the need to act?

Mr Morrison said we are doing alright on emissions (we are not), we are taking real action (we are not), that our critics ignore our contribution because it doesn’t fit the narrative they wish to project (fake news?). 

His attitude to the striking children was dismissive and patronising. What he ignores is that many of their leaders, and indeed most of the children, understand what is happening to their world. 

Dr Graeme McLeay is a retired anaesthetist and member of Doctors for the Environment Australia. 

Read the full article in Independent Australia which was published on 29 September 2019.