Guy Pearse reports: “If you’ve got ACF, WWF and the Climate Institute in the tent, you can’t talk about export coal; can’t talk down ‘clean coal’ …” (‘Comment’). I have publicly spoken out about the oxymoron of ‘clean coal’ and the impossibility of it making a significant contribution. While it is true the Poola Foundation has been a major donor to ACF, policy is determined by our elected council. There is no way one supporter or board member can shape our approach to the urgent problem of climate change. The overwhelming bulk of ACF’s funds comes from individual members who expect us to campaign vigorously for a sustainable future. The package being introduced by the Gillard government is manifestly inadequate, but better than the alternative of masterly inaction. That is why it deserves qualified support. At the same time, we are working hard to build community support for a response reflecting the urgency demanded by the science.

Professor Ian Lowe

President, Australian Conservation Foundation, Marcoola, QLD