Ian McLean Green Scene Spokesperson for the Green Party

Our environment had a couple of small wins recently. Although, you can hold off on the celebrations. There is a long way to go.

First, some sensible heads in the Senate stopped the Australian Government from throwing out its carbon tax.

Australia and Canada have both come out recently arguing climate change mitigation is a cost that should be assigned to another generation.

But Australia was blocked from doing so. At least President Obama is finally talking tough on climate change.

Second, New Zealand got national water standards. Don't get too excited. If you want to swim in a river you'll have to provide another river somewhere nearby that can be written off.

The standards deliver average water quality across a region that's safe for boating, but not for falling in. Planning a holiday next summer? Choose your river carefully.

In essence, both outcomes have preserved the status quo. But the status quo is no longer good enough.

The commons, meaning our air and water, has been absorbing our waste for too long. It's now starting to hurt, badly. Band aid solutions are no longer an option.