The most frustrating aspect of tragedy is that, by definition, it is avoidable. Perhaps it is excusable to make mistakes if you do not know what the consequences will be. Inversely, it is inexcusable to make self-inflicted mistakes when you actually do know better.

Perhaps the single most astonishing, ridiculously contradictory set of public policies we face, is the left hand of government promoting reduced greenhouse emissions, conservation of diminishing freshwater, soil fertility and other declining natural resources, while the right hand promotes rapid population growth through increased birthrate and immigration.

For many in Australia, the most pressing issue is that of climate change in relation to global warming.  The focus on the issue of global warming has placed the environment at centre stage for Australians and people around the world, regardless of their ideological orientation.