The debate over climate change in Australia could be seen as evidence of the existence of parallel universes.  

It is as if Australia and 191 other countries, including China and India, never signed and ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992, as if the new Howard Government never signed the Kyoto Protocol in 1997. In this universe, Australia is a leader on climate change. 

Basic facts seem to have gone down the memory hole.  

Indeed, John Howard is asked: "Why won't you sign?"  

The reason he gives for not ratifying the protocol, unlike 175 other parties to the convention, is that it does not commit developing nations to targets, an exemption established under the convention.  

The real reason is that the US withdrew and Australia followed. 

Australia Is Not A Climate Change Leader