Science versus shock jocks in battle for democracy

For Ross Garnaut the battle lines are drawn:

Professor Garnaut says while the science is clear on the issue of climate change, it is up to individuals to make sure they are properly informed.

"There's no doubt that there is a battle, an awful battle between ignorance and knowledge going on," he said.

"It's a great contest between the academies of sciences of Australia ... the academies of science of all of the countries of scientific achievement on the one side, and the shock jocks of Australia on the other.

"We've had these battles before in the history of our civilisation. This battle will have quite a lot to do with the future prosperity of Australia, the future quality of our civilisation.

"Our democracy is up to it."

Yet it is still unclear how the billions to be spent on reducing emissions will benefit either Australians or the planet – reduced emissions will make us feel like we're doing our part but will we, or the planet, really benefit?