I was interviewed by the ABC in this report about threats to the Lake Eyre basin.

The original report aired on 30/05/11.

UPDATE: Read the details of the carbon price and clean energy package here.

Pollution from burning coal, oil and gas is driving a climate crisis, making our world more dangerous, increasing prices of food and water and jeopardising our way of life.

But if we cut pollution and invest properly in the clean alternatives, we can build a healthier, cleaner, more secure economy and community for all of us.

Why do we need a carbon tax?

Were you to arrive in Australia and read the front pages of our newspapers you would be forgiven for thinking that we are living in some type of black hole, devoid of information, news and expert opinion from the rest the world.

What other possible explanation could there be for the ignorance of those who warn of the end of civilisation were a carbon tax to established than by claiming Australia would be out on a limb, leading the world.

Having spent months inciting a people's revolt, Tony Abbott needs to take responsibility for the revolting tactics of his ''revolutionaries''.

Like many Australians, I was stunned to see the Leader of the Opposition and his some of his frontbench colleagues standing in front of a placard referring to the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, as ''Bob Brown's bitch''. It defies belief that none of them read this sign before standing in front of it.

The Australian Greens will support the flood levy in the House of Representatives and the Senate after important gains from the Government on their proposed funding cuts.

Greens Leader Bob Brown, Deputy Leader Christine Milne and MP Adam Bandt took their concerns directly to the government and negotiated a good outcome that will release funding for flood recovery and protect key programs.

Right now I am on an eight-hour road trip to the Thai-Burma border, which gives me time to reflect on the amazing parliamentary year that is finally drawing to a close.

It has been a big year for the Greens - our support has been on the rise, punctuated by a record performance for a third party in both Houses at the federal election in August. More importantly, on a federal level, we are starting to achieve real outcomes, both in terms of expanding the range of political debate and in working to secure improvements to legislation that affects people's lives.

Australia needs to live up to its responsibilities in the Pacific Region by acting as a good neighbour to other countries according to Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young.

Senator Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for Human Rights, says the Greens have a comprehensive plan for Australia to play a proper role in the region and help improve health, educational and humanitarian outcomes in developing countries.

"Australia is one of the wealthiest and most stable countries in the Pacific region,'' Senator Hanson-Young said.