Sunday, October 5, 2008

Science first, economy second in climate change fight: chief scientist

ABC News Online, Posted Sun Oct 5, 2008 1:00pm AEDT

Australia's new chief scientist has refused to be drawn on whether she agrees with the emissions cuts proposed in Professor Ross Garnaut's final report on climate change.

Professor Penny Sackett was appointed to the role last week and says one of her first tasks will be to carefully examine the economist's full report.

But she has told ABC Local Radio's Sunday Profile her job is to recommend a climate change strategy based on scientific merit, rather than economic consequences.

"In other words asking [what] a 10 per cent cut [in emissions] will mean with our best evidence and our understanding, how that will effect climate change," she said.

"There will be other questions about economics but the starting point must be is that cut appropriate in terms of how it will effect climate change?"

The extended interview with Professor Sackett will be aired tonight on ABC Local Radio's Sunday Profile.

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