There has been a lot of controversy lately about the plans to use a so-called "super-trawler" in Australian waters. A Tasmanian company has been working with authorities for two years, and spent millions of dollars, in order to gain permission to use the boat. The independent Fisheries Management Authority has used scientific studies to conclude that the quota the boat was given would not adversely affect the environment. The Primary Industry minister placed conditions on the trawler to make sure that other endangered species were not affected.

Suddenly all of that rational science-based process is thrown out the window when the Greens and groups like Greenpeace start a campaign to overturn it all. Legislation is introduced to Parliament giving the minister the power to ban any form of fishing he doesn't like for up to 2 years in the name of getting scientific information.

In the end environmentalism has little to do with science and facts. It is always about feelings and outrage, politics and control. Even when the science is beyond dispute they will campaign on whatever is the cause of the day.

That is why we have a carbon tax despite any rational evidence that it will affect the climate and regardless of its impact on business.