Wow, now students are experts.

If the subject is now political and few are aware of the actual science in parliament, how can these people effectively govern the country?

Student? A post-grad probably doing research for a doctorate. Hardly a "student", but definitely a researcher. This idiocy by the coalition will surely be its downfall. The science is clear. Idiots.

Two points Firstly, surely MPs have an absolute responsibiltiy to appraise themselves of the FACTS. The science is unambiguous and the best scientific minds on the planet are agreed there is a significant problem & we MUST take action. Secondly, as responsible citizens we must take responsibility to ensure we (& Australia is well placed as a wealthy technologically advanced nation) take the lead in reducing waste and pollution - innovation & commitment to improving our world should be our focus - not delaying and finding excuses to justify a political position. The human race (& the planet) depends on it.

One of the first prominant politicians to start publicising climate change was a conservative politician, well before Al Gore released his movie.

Margaret Thatcher was speaking of the dangers of acid rain, ozone thinning and greenhouse gasses well before that.

Thatcher has a degree in chemistry, so could easily understand the science behind it all. This was in November 1990.

It's a pity conservative politicians take notice only of some of Thatcher's ideals.

I'll be voting for the coalition politicians if they keep a open mind on this.

The problem is too many green geeks pushing their agendas, trying to make a dollar at the expense of the rest of us

I would like to know what Lizette Willenck really knows about earth science. The natural forces that determine our climate are immense compared to man's influence.

The climate has been changing on earth since day one and will continue to do so, regardless of what man does. There is real scientific evidence (written in stone) that tells us that CO2 levels have been much higher in times past during cold periods just as often as in warm periods.

There is no proven link between high CO2 and warm temperatures. Global warming due to CO2 is predicted by computer models that have become alters of worship by the greens, the left and the media.

Real science suggests that the world may now in fact be entering a cooling phase and most species including man have suffered more during cold periods in the past than during warm periods.

With a bit of luck some scientist-change gurus and pollies will disappear as a result.

I have to laugh at all these post-graduates who know everything. They have not lived long enough to really understand anything about the weather.

Probably never been out of their city into the bush either - just read from study books. When they get to middle age and above, maybe we can take them seriously. Why would Al Gore not meet the one politician who wanted to clear up some questions he had? I think that says it all - that this man will only talk to those he can manipulate to think his way.

What qualificiations does Al Gore have? He is a politician. Professor Plimer is a mature

-aged geoscientist and authority on climate change.

I am tired of these so called uni graduates who are going to fix the world - there is a difference between idealism and idealists.

What a relief. The comments so far indicate most of the correspondents have read or made themselves aware of the facts that are known about climate change.

It is reassuring that the comments have not regurgitated the abusive statements that are so often the fodder of climate change sceptics - for example see the comments on the George Negus interview of Lord Stern on SBS.

As for Mick's reference to "green geeks", I suggest he should open up his attitudes somewhat.

As an avocado farmer for 29 years, I am acutely aware of local weather and of objective observation. While I am in no position to comment on climate science, I am in a position to recognise that the science is legitimate, reproducable and furthermore many of the projections appear to be manifest findings.

This study indicates how appalling badly informed our politicians are. Yes, 'jerangle', L. Willinck is an expert in the attitudes and knowledge of rural MPs.

On Margaret Thatcher speaking on this well before Al Gore and the rest, this all started with Margaret Thatcher using the 'fear' of coal generated smog to wrest power from the coal mining unions.

When researching, look further than the point of finding what you wanted to see.