[Anthropgrad] RESEARCH SEMINAR - Tim Curtain - 12.30-1.30 pm 28 October 2008

[RMAP Seminars]

THE GARNAUT REPORT: A CRITIQUE

Tim Curtin, RMAP Associate

12.30-1.30 pm Tuesday 28 October 2008
Seminar Room B (Arndt Room) Coombs Building


Abstract
The Garnaut Report sets out targets for reductions of greenhouse gas 
emissions allegedly responsible for dangerous climate change. Its 
preferred target is 'holding' the existing atmospheric concentration of 
455 parts per million (ppm CO2-e) by securing almost total cessation of 
all anthropogenic emissions of these gases, to just 10 percent of the 
2000 level by 2050. Achieving this target will produce mass starvation 
by reducing atmospheric CO2 to the level of 1750 when life was nasty 
brutish and short for most. It is based on false claims the biosphere is 
already 'saturated' with CO2. In reality the 'Airborne Fraction' of 
anthropogenic emissions has averaged only 44 percent of total emissions 
since 1958.  Other errors in the Report include its treatment of the 
international agreements needed to secure large reductions in emissions 
as involving the free-rider problem of the 'Prisoners' Dilemma'. The 
Report's use of marginal utility theory to justify the low discount 
rates needed to sanction costly strong action now, overlooks the St. 
Petersburg Paradox. In short, the ETS proposed by the Report is likely 
to prove to be a weapon for mass destruction of the Australian economy 
and that of any other country foolish enough to adopt it.

Bio
Born near Bangalore 1937, educated in S. Africa, Zimbabwe and at LSE, 
lectured economics Universities of Zimbabwe & York 1964-70, economic 
adviser 1970-99 in Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria & PNG (Treasury) with 
Ford Foundation, EU, World Bank, Crown Agents.
-- 

Resource Management in Asia-Pacific Program

Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies

The Australian National University

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