High & dry: John Howard, climate change and the selling of Australia's future

by Guy Pearse

Australia's climate is changing. Water shortage is chronic and irreversible, temperatures are rising, extreme weather events are more frequent, species are dying on land and at sea.The world's scientists agree that to avoid the worst environmental damage we must cut at least 60 per cent of global emissions by 2050. Instead, Australia is on track to Increase emissions by 70 per cent over this period. Why Is the Howard government acting so conspicuously against the world's Interests, and against Australia's own future?In this damning account, Liberal Party member, lobbyist and former Howard-government advisor Guy Pearse takes us behind the rhetoric he once helped write. He reveals that the government has no plans whatsoever to reduce Australia's emissions, and explains why this is bad for Australia's economy. He exposes a prime minister wilfully blind to Australia's real Interests – a man who has allowed climate change policy to be dictated by a small group of Australia's biggest polluters and the lobbyists they fund.

Genres: Nonfiction

Paperback

First published June 27, 2007

About the author

Guy Pearse is the author of High and Dry. He joined the Liberal Party in 1989 and was a speech-writer for former environment minister Robert Hill. He has also been an industry lobbyist, consultant and spin doctor.

Reviews

[Paul Greenpage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks very much John Howard for throwing us back 15 years on climate action and placing us behind the 8-ball on reversing our emissions trajectory. Also your stupid tracksuit made you look short.

Bald git.

[Alex Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting insider's story to how John Howard sold out Australia to the oil & gas industry and set back our response to climate change by 15 years or more. Depressing reading, but its good to get an authoritative account of what happened. Howard will end up on the roll call of infamy when the reckoning is done...

Probably one for enthusiasts / recent history buffs / people really interested in the politics of climate change denial, its pretty dry for general readers.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great backgrounder in how Australia got shafted by the Howard regime, written by a man who's inherent decency overcame party loyalty. Much much better than Clive Hammilton's "Scorcher" which covers the same ground but without the hard research and passion to back it up. Recommended reading for anyone interested in the climate change debate in Australia.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shout-out-loud shocking in its revelations of how the Australian 'greenhouse mafia' have coopted and corrupted the political process in this country for over a decade. Brilliantly detailed and absolutely compelling.

[MadPierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Depressing read - but very interesting. Wish I had read it back when it was published.