It has been a turbulent time during the last few weeks regarding the climate change issue. There have been a number of natural disasters all around Australia all linked to weather pattern changes. Although, some may argue that these would have happened anyway –saying that these have nothing to do with global warming- it is unlikely. There has been an increase of floods all around the world in the last few years as well as extreme temperatures resulting in bush fires or heavy snow falls in countries … read more
Emissions trading scheme or direct action – What’s the best choice?
In Australia I see essentially two political choices for taking action on climate change. Vote for a party committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing an emissions trading scheme (ETS) or vote for a party not committed to an ETS and relying on ‘direct action’ to reduce carbon emissions. The major political parties are in essence providing these two choices to the Australian public – Labor for an ETS and the Coalition against an ETS. The two key minor, but still influential … read more
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What are you voting for?
The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) has released its scorecard for the forthcoming federal election, and will update it weekly. With only 3 weeks to go, the three major political parties have clearly put entirely different emphases on the importance of the world in which we live. Which best suits you?
Forecast energy use in Australia to 2030 indicates that greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels will continue to increase.
Last month ABARE, the Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics released its Australian energy projections to 2029-30. The blow dried picture of a wind turbine on the front page is unfortunately very misleading. The projections take into account the likely effects of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (if it ever comes in), the Renewable Energy Target, and other measures designed to reduce Australia’s carbon footprint. ABARE predicts that the amount of electricity generated in … read more
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Walmart plans to save more carbon than Australia
American retailer Walmart has announced it will cut its supply chain emissions by 20 million tonnes by 2015. If Walmart can do this why can’t the Australian government get our country to do the same? My understanding is that if the government’s proposed CPRS goes ahead Australia’s emissions will be cut by around 20 million tonnes by 2015. The Australian government’s target is a 5% reduction by 2020. According to the Environmental Leader, Walmart’s target “translates into 150 percent … read more
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Don’t Lose Interest in Climate Change but take part in International Day of Climate Action
According to dire news reported in the media last week Australians are losing interest in Global Warming. While in 2007 this issue was ranked as the equal most important foreign policy goal for the Federal Government the most recent polls indicate that out of ten possible goals it is in seventh place. Now fewer people see Global Warming as a threat to Australia’s national interests and it is perceived as the fourth most critical threat facing us out of twelve possibilities. The fact that … read more
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Linfox cuts energy use by 9%, on track for 15%
Linfox is well known for the “You are passing another Fox” sign on the back of its vehicles. But the company has also cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 9% in the last eighteen months, and is on track to cut its emissions by 15% by December 2010. I had the privilege of interviewing David McInnes, Group Manager Environment and Climate Change yesterday and being inspired about Linfox’s approach to the climate change challenge. It was refreshing not to hear the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme … read more
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Its nice to consulted on voluntary carbon abatement
Yesterday I attended the public consultation in Melbourne about accounting for and measuring voluntary greenhouse gas savings. The consultation was run by the Offsets Policy Team from the Department of Climate Change. It was good to be consulted and heard, and made me feel a little less disenfranchised by the CPRS. Four or five years ago I attended a number of state government consultations on climate change. There was always strong disagreement and a lack of consensus. Yesterdays workshop … read more
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Have your say on whether voluntary energy savings are recognised under the CPRS
Starting today, public workshops are being held by the government to get public opionion and advice about how voluntary climate change action can be taken into account when setting emission caps for the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). Workshops are being held on the following dates: Perth 11 June 2009 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Rydges Hotel Perth Corner Hay & King Street, Perth Adelaide 12 June 2009 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Mercure Grosvenor Hotel 125 North Terrace, Adelaide Brisbane 30 June 2009 … read more
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Get a solar system for FREE – but only in the next couple of weeks – and don’t think its going to save the planet!
The federal government's $8,000 rebate to householders installing a PV system runs out on 30 June. Time is running out if you want to take advantage of the rebate, which you are eligible for you if you own a home and your household income is less than $100,000 a year. If you do an internet search or scan the papers you can find at least two companies offering a 1kW grid connect solar system for free, excluding the metering. You have to assign the installer the RECS (Renewable Energy Certificates) … read more
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