Climate change

Fully understanding the importance of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) in 1992, Australia has adopted a comprehensive action program to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Recognizing the necessity of an international campaign to combat the threat of global warming and affirming that climate change is a global problem requiring global solutions, Australia urges the implementation of a global agreement on climate change. Recalling current international climate change negotiations aimed at beginning operations for elements of the Kyoto Protocol, including the establishment of an international emissions trading regime, Australia calls for the development of a longer-term framework to effectively address climate change. Cognizant of the Kyoto Protocol to bind country targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Australia decides to limit its greenhouse gas emissions to 108 percent of our 1990 level by 2008-2012. Bearing in mind the complex negotiations at the Sixth Conference of the Parties (COP-6) in the Hague, Australia emphasizes trading and reiterates the importance of securing a process leading developing States to control their greenhouse emissions. Emphasizing the great significance of including developing States, we consistently maintain that a workable international framework to address climate change must be economically manageable. Affirming the interdependence of climate change and sustainable development, Australia is implementing an A 1.1 billion Natural Heritage Trust to promote our biodiversity and to ensure sustainable use of our land and waters. Recalling the Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer, the Montreal Protocol, and subsequent amendments, and pursuant that the recovery of the ozone layer is dependent upon all States full implementation of the measures set out in these agreements, we strongly urge all Member States to ratify and fully implement said measures.
--Anonymous, Wright State University, 2002.

The impact of armed conflict on the environment

Cognizant of the Declaration of St. Petersburg of 1868, Australia affirms that the only legitimate act that parties should attempt to accomplish during war is to weaken the opposition's military, and the parties' rights in choosing means and methods of warfare are not unlimited; therefore, the environment must be protected against acts of war. As in the Hague Convention relative to the Laws and Customs of War on Land, the Hague Regulations, and the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, we recognize that international law has been slow to specify the necessity for a set of rules relating to the environment in times of conflict. Recalling the Protocol I of 1977 addition to the Geneva Convention relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts, Australia notes the importance of provisions of international law applicable to armed conflict's affects on the environment and further notes the provisions against making use of the environment as an instrument of warfare. Taking note of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, we strongly urge States to comply with international law by providing protection for the environment in times of armed conflict and cooperating in its further development, as necessary. Cognizant of the Final Declaration of the Second Review Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques, Australia firmly supports measures that protect the environment during armed conflicts.
--Anonymous, Wright State University, 2002.