Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Roberts, that is simply an incorrect statement. There are many, many, many peer reviewed studies which establish the relationship between increasing concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere and changes in the climate, and there are many, many, many peer reviewed studies which establish the observed changes as a consequence of increasing concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere. I again quote from the most recent IPCC report, which tells us this, with high confidence:

Widespread and rapid changes in the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere and biosphere have occurred. Human-caused climate change is already affecting many weather and climate extremes in every region across the globe. This has led to widespread adverse impacts and related losses and damages to nature and people …

The report goes on to say:

It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land.

Senator, the way that the IPCC does its work is by contemplating the peer reviewed research. You don't accept that research; I understand that. But I do and the government does, and I'd venture that the Australian people trust our scientists and the nature of the scientific process. You are quite welcome to continue to put your objections to science. This government accepts the science.