The signs of global warming are dramatic and disturbing. There can no longer be any question that climate chnage is happening, that it can be traced to human activity and that we need to respond urgently to prevent catastrophic changes to global systems. Australia's fragile ecosystems are extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change. We should both be preparing for the changes which are already happening and playing a responsible role to slow down change. There is much that individuals can do, but the lack of political leadership is preventing a concerted response.