Labor welcomes the 1st Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol in Montreal adoption of the decisions forwarded under the Marrakesh Accord. These provide the rules for implementation of the Protocol.

The rules provide for trade in greenhouse gas emissions and encourage investment in clean technology in developing countries.

It is unfortunate that Australia, along with the United States, had no say in this decision because we are the only 2 industrialised countries that have not ratified the Protocol.

Dangerous climate change is a real and present danger for Australia. It demands urgent domestic and international action.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, 2005 is on track to be the hottest year in Australia since annual records began in 1910. The Bureau says climate change is the cause.

Climate change is not a fate that we have to endure. In the same way that climate change is caused by human activity, humans can stop climate change having disastrous effects by taking the right decisions.

We also know that taking action is affordable.

All countries have a responsibility to future generations to ensure progress is made at the Montreal Climate Change Summit this week.

I am currently attending the Climate Change Summit in Montreal.