A British comedian and TV host has slammed Australia by calling it a 'cultural and physical desert'.
Heydon Prowse made the comments on the PoliticsJOE Youtube channel, largely in response to Australia's climate response.
Prowse is an activist and satirist who wrote and performed in the BBC's 'The Revolution Will Be Televised'.
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He blasted Australia's lack of commitment to reducing carbon emissions, shutting down coal industries and tackling climate change.
"Seriously, it's a cultural and physical desert," Prowse said in the video.
"They're quite good at brunch. Brunch and casual racism are their two main exports.
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"I don't know what Australia is offering to the planet at this point.
"Could we just get rid of Australia? Seriously, what are they offering?"
During the interview, Prowse criticised Australia's contribution to carbon emissions, accusing the country of 'just driving around in SUVs' with a per head carbon emission close to that of the US.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison came under fire at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) for his promise that Australia will hit net zero emissions by 2050.
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The government also refused to join the pledge to reduce methane emissions and to phase out coal.
In response to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's comments that COP26 sounded like a 'death knell' for coal power, Morrison responded: "I don't believe it did, and for all of those who are working in that industry in Australia, they'll continue to be working in that industry for decades to come."
Prowse also took aim at Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce for his negative comments about COP26 president Alok Sharma, who had an emotional response to softening policies at the event.
"May I just say to all delegates, I apologise for the way this process has unfolded and I am deeply sorry," Sharma told the summit.
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"I also understand the deep disappointment but, I think as you have noted, it's also vital that we protect this package."
Joyce then openly mocked the president when asked about the incident on ABC.
"It annoys me that, what is that guy's name? Chairman Sharma with his gavel - 'I am crying, I can't do it' - he wants to talk about shutting down the coal industry but he never talks about shutting down the oilfields the North Sea," Joyce said.
"All the corporate billionaires and all the movie stars and chairman Sharma and all the tears as they shut down our industries. But they don't want to touch their own."
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Prowse accused Joyce of 'taking the p***' out of Sharma for his comments.
Prowse's comments have been challenged on social media, with TikTok users hitting back against the comedian.
"Tell me you know nothing about Australia without telling me know nothing about Australia," one person commented.
Another one added: "Umm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures? The oldest culture in the world."
Australia has been ranked last in the latest Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), with a mark of zero.
Featured Image Credit: Mark Kerrison / Alamy Stock PhotoTopics: climate change, News, Scott Morrison, Australia
