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The article reports on the impact of the film "An Inconvenient Truth," starring U.S. Vice President Al Gore, with regards to issue on climate changes in Australia. Two months after the release of the film, different members of the Federal Cabinet, such as Alexander Downer, has accepted the scientific reality of human-induced climate change. The Federal Government has initiated a landmark inquiry into emissions trading. Furthermore, several government agencies and organizations have recently committed to 60% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The article reports that the National Business Leaders Forum is supporting the national climate change framework that requires 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in Australia by 2020. The model is based on recommendations from the Australian Business Leaders Roundtable on Climate Change, which concluded that delaying action to cut emissions would harm the economy of Australia. On the other hand, a consensus statement was issued stating the essential elements of an effective national framework for climatic change and these include short and long-term targets for the emission reductions, a broad and equitable emissions trading program and Australian leadership in establishing an international scheme.