(CNN) There is a certain mindset in politics, present the world over and across the political spectrum, which distrusts expertise. Turnbull's center-right Liberal party had pledged to reduce emissions from Australia's energy companies more than a quarter (from 2005 levels) by 2030, a key part of its efforts to meet its international obligations. But several of his own MPs, led by his predecessor as PM and long-term rival Tony Abbott, forced him into a climbdown by threatening to vote against the legislation. Turnbull's government barely has a majority in the House of Representatives, and losing such a key vote could have led to a leadership challenge. Internal Liberal party politics are one thing.

Source: CNN August 20, 2018 16:30 UTC