Australia is lagging behind other countries in tackling climate change, an environmental lobby group says.
The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) today called on the federal government to use 2007 to develop a plan to slash Australia's greenhouse pollution.
"Australia is a laggard when it comes to leadership and action on climate change," ACF campaigner Phil Freeman said.
"In 2007, we need the Australian government to respond to the science by adopting a plan that dramatically cuts our greenhouse pollution."
Without stronger action to reduce emissions, Australia faced dire economic consequences from worsening drought and storms like Cyclone Larry, which wiped out much of the nation's banana crop last year.
"The current drought is projected to wipe off billions from the value of farm production alone," Mr Freeman said.
"Unless we cut our greenhouse emissions, droughts will become more severe and frequent in parts of Australia.
"Cyclone Larry caused more than $1 billion damage in north Queensland.
"Without meaningful and urgent action on climate change, category-five cyclones are projected to become more frequent."
ACF urged the government to introduce a price on carbon pollution and to ensure 25 per cent of Australia's energy came from renewable sources by 2020.
Prime Minister John Howard has established an industry task force to investigate Australia's potential role in a global carbon trading system.
The Howard government still refuses to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on reducing greenhouse emissions.
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