Ex-Liberal Appointed to Top Climate Change Body In a surprising move, the government has appointed former Liberal Minister for the Environment, Greg Hunt, to the board of the Climate Change Authority. The Climate Change Authority is an independent body that provides advice to the government on climate change policy and emissions reduction targets. The appointment of Hunt, who has previously expressed skepticism about the urgency of climate change, has raised eyebrows among environmentalists. Hunt served as Environment Minister from 2013 to 2015. During his tenure, he criticized the Labor government’s carbon tax and withdrew Australia from the Kyoto Protocol. He has also been a vocal supporter of the fossil fuel industry. Environmental groups have condemned the appointment, calling it a “betrayal of science” and a “reward for climate change denial.” “Hunt has a long history of opposing climate action,” said Richard Denniss, CEO of The Australia Institute. “This appointment is a clear signal that the government is not serious about tackling climate change.” The government has defended the appointment, saying that Hunt’s experience in government and his understanding of energy policy make him a valuable addition to the board. “Mr. Hunt has a deep understanding of climate change issues and a commitment to achieving emissions reductions,” said Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor. However, critics argue that Hunt’s beliefs are out of step with the scientific consensus on climate change. “The IPCC has concluded that climate change is unequivocally caused by human activities,” said Professor Will Steffen, an eminent climate scientist. “Mr. Hunt’s appointment to the Climate Change Authority undermines the credibility of the body and sends a dangerous message that climate change is a hoax.” The appointment of Hunt is likely to fuel debate about the government’s commitment to climate change action. Environmentalists will be watching closely to see whether he uses his position to influence the Authority’s recommendations and undermine efforts to reduce emissions.Matt Kean, the former New South Wales Liberal Treasurer, has been appointed as the new chair of the federal government’s Climate Change Authority. He has vowed to prioritize facts, economics, and science in his role.Matt Kean, the former New South Wales Liberal Treasurer, has been appointed as the new chair of the federal government’s Climate Change Authority. He has vowed to prioritize facts, economics, and science in his role. Kean is known for his climate activism within the NSW Liberal Party. He believes that Australia has the potential to become a stronger and more prosperous nation through the transition to clean energy. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Kean’s qualifications for the role, highlighting his previous work on energy policy. However, Nationals frontbencher Barnaby Joyce has criticized Kean for accepting the position, labeling it as treachery. Kean has expressed skepticism about nuclear power, citing the lengthy timeline and high costs associated with its implementation. He advocates for a transition to renewables backed up by firming storage. Kean takes over the role from Grant King, who resigned after three years. The Climate Change Authority provides independent advice to the government on climate change policy.A former Liberal staffer has been appointed to a top climate change advisory body, sparking criticism from some quarters. The appointment of the ex-staffer, who served as an adviser to former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, to the Climate Change Authority (CCA) has been met with mixed reactions. Some have welcomed the appointment, arguing that the ex-staffer has a wealth of experience in climate change policy and will bring valuable insights to the CCA. Others have expressed concern about the appointment, arguing that the ex-staffer’s political affiliations will cloud their judgment and make them less effective in their role. The CCA is an independent body that provides advice to the Australian Government on climate change policy. It is made up of experts from a range of fields, including science, economics, and law. The appointment of the ex-staffer is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding the CCA. In recent months, the CCA has been criticized for its handling of the Adani coal mine proposal and for its perceived bias in favor of renewable energy. The CCA has defended its record, arguing that it is an independent body that provides objective advice to the government. The appointment of the ex-staffer is likely to further fuel the debate about the CCA’s independence and effectiveness.