Business signs up to support short-term cuts.

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.