Granted, they were only local councils but their point was to try to spur the other two levels of government into more definitive action.

The small island nations the PM so comprehensively put offside at the Pacific Forum face an existential threat brought on by the changing climate. Rising sea levels could see a couple of them vanish entirely, so their desire have the global issue taken seriously is easily understood. But, as he does so often, Mr Morrison went through the motions of listening but did not hear.

Australia's direct contribution to greenhouse gases might seem insignificant but its role in enabling through its coal exports other nations to pump out carbon dioxide is immense. It's one of the world's largest coal exporters and will become even bigger when the Adani coal mine comes on line.

Rubbing salt into the wound during the Pacific Forum was the tone deaf squawk from radio shock jock - or should that be sock jock? - Alan Jones. Again, another old bloke showed himself spectacularly incapable of moving with the times when he suggested the PM shove a sock down the throat of New Zealand PM Jacinda Adern.

Ms Adern has been recognised globally for her empathetic leadership style, especially in the wake of the Christchurch mosque massacre. Alan Jones, on the other hand, is known only for his hectoring, obnoxious and clearly misogynist radio tirades. A stampede of advertisers has finally recognised this, pulling the pin on their paid air time during his show. The old parrot mightn't be listening but the advertisers are and they reckon it's time Jones put a sock in it himself.

He'd learn from people like Takesa Frank, the Ulladulla High School captain whose stance against single use plastic bottles led to them being phased out at school. Takesa is part of an evergrowing vocal youth movement imploring the adult world to address the damage we are doing to our planet. These young people know the world they inherit will bear the scars of today's inaction. Like the Pacific nations, they are fighting for their future.

So, Mr Morrison and Mr Jones, do us all a favour. Stop talking and start listening.