Australian Greens leader Bob Brown says that the telephone calls to Rudd from global leaders on climate change action underscore an emerging recognition that the Australian government is opting for failure.

"The recognised minimum of 25% reduction by 2020 in greenhouse gas emissions has become, instead, a maximum for Rudd who is not disputing press speculation that he will set Australia's target as low as a 5-15% reduction," Senator Brown said in Hobart this morning.

The Greens policy is for a 40% reduction by 2020 in order to avoid dangerous climate change.

"The calls from global leaders indicate that the Rudd government is playing the role of spoiler at the world climate change conference in Poznan, Poland."

"Climate Change Minister Penny Wong would have helped more by staying home. The coal and logging industry are running Australia's agenda yet again."

"It is as if Kevin Rudd is morphing into John Howard on climate change," Senator Brown said.

Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603