US-Aust to work on climate change initiative

The US has agreed to work with Australia on a global deforestation initiative to address climate change.

The agreement comes as politicians and environmentalists react to the latest report on global warming, which predicts increased droughts and floods in Australia.

With almost a fifth of the world's emissions coming from forest clearing, the Government says the initiative aims to prevent forest logging in developing countries.

Federal Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull has discussed the plan with officials in Washington.

He says they did not make a financial commitment, but they are supporting
the initiative.

"I would be amazed if you would get a particular dollar or an amount within a few hours of visiting but what we have got is a commitment of resources to work on joint projects," he said.

Labor's Environment spokesman, Peter Garrett, has welcomed the initiative.

He says while it may have positive effects, it is not a substitute for many of the climate change policies the Government has avoided adopting.

"Mr Turnbull and Mr Howard refuse to set targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, they belittle the idea that we should have targets and yet there's a clear consensus that a target is necessary," he said.

"They won't set a date when Australia's greenhouse gas emissions are going to be reduced and yet under current scenarios we will see significant increases in greenhouse gas pollution."

Labor has described the Government's reaction to the latest climate change report as "extraordinary".