“The Rudd government must come clean on how much it plans to give away to developing countries in climate change assistance,” said The Nationals’ Senator Ron Boswell today. “Climate Change Minister Penny Wong in answer to my question in the Senate today conceded that there was a multiplicity of financing vehicles involved but failed to provide any concrete details.” “Why is it so important to Labor to go to Copenhagen with a clearly defined ETS but not to have any clear commitments in place on the issue of funding climate change response in developing countries?”  “The European Community has suggested that Australia pay $3.8 billion per year which is close to our current entire foreign aid budget.” “A new UN Report calls for existing climate change funding of $21 billion to be astronomically increased to US$500 to $600 billion a year. Australians deserve to know what our share of the bill will be.” “The World Economic and Social Survey 2009 shows that developed countries are expected to foot the massive bill of financing renewable energy in developing countries.” “This dramatic escalation of required funding is a shock and shows that climate change is not well understood by anyone including the UN.” “It is a wake up call for taxpayers in developed countries like Australia who will be asked to pay the bill.”  “We need answers from the government before they go to Copenhagen with a blank cheque. What funding is Prime Minister Rudd going to commit Australians to?” “As current funding levels are written off as woefully inadequate, what demands will be made of Australia – will it be billions per year? Has cabinet considered and approved what our position will be on this very important issue?” “Senator Wong ducked for cover on whether the Australian government supports an international tax or levy in order to finance the green aid to developing countries. She did not rule out such a tax.” “The WESS report argues that there is insufficient recognition of the size and nature of economic adjustments involved in moving to low-emission development pathways.” “The UN has called for a revitalised public policy agenda with a global investment program for both mitigation and adaptation and substantial financial transfers to developing countries. They even raise the spectre of a ‘global green new deal’.” “The Prime Minister and Penny Wong must let Australians in on what their intentions are with regard to these very serious and costly changes proposed to global climate change policy.” ENDS