SMH
A delegation from the solar power industry is travelling to Canberra try to meet with Ministers to discuss the government decision to means test the $8000 solar panel rebate. Under budget changes, households earning more than $100,000 a year will no longer be eligible for the rebate.
posted by natasha on May 29, 2008 at 4:02 pm · filed under 
The Age
University of Queensland researchers say they have made a breakthrough in making solar energy more cost-effective. Professor Max Lu says they have been able to grow titanium oxide crystals, which are a cheaper alternative to solar panels.
posted by natasha on May 29, 2008 at 3:03 pm · filed under
Minister for Climate Change and Water
The Australian Government has committed A$4.5 million to efforts to tackle climate change by reducing deforestation in developing countries. The funds, allocated from the Rudd Government’s International Forest Carbon Initiative, will go to the Indonesia-based Centre for International Forestry Research and NGOs engaged in deforestation research projects in the region. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, said that “The allocation of this funding recognises that, while NGOs often have lots of practical experience, they often lack the resources to fully develop and implement on-the-ground solutions”
posted by patrick on May 29, 2008 at 11:53 am · filed under 
The Australian
The new Tasmanian Premier, David Bartlett, has confirmed that no further government funding will be provided for Gunns Ltd’s proposed Bell Bay Pulp Mill. Speculation has been rife that Mr Bartlett would continue with plans to fund a $65 million pipeline for the mill as ‘critical’ state infrastructure.
posted by warrick on May 28, 2008 at 5:28 pm · filed under
SMH
A major survey of the North American Pacific coast has found acidity rising in the ocean from increased CO2 in the atmosphere. The changes are occurring much faster than predicted and may outpace the ability of organisms to adapt. Shellfish, plankton and coral will have more difficulty in making their hard skeletons which will affect the productivity of the entire food chain, including fish stocks.
posted by shaun on May 28, 2008 at 2:29 pm · filed under 
ACF
Eighty five per cent of Brisbane residents agree “the Queensland Government should consider alternatives to building Traveston Dam” according to a poll released by the Australian Conservation Foundation on World Turtle Day.
posted by monica on May 27, 2008 at 8:01 pm · filed under 
Sydney Morning Herald
Two new major studies have recently shown major flaws in the United Nations’ carbon offsetting program. It is being alleged that leading European Governments and chemical, wind, gas and hydro companies that are unable to meet reduction targets, are using the UN’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) - a part of the Kyoto Protocol - to fund offsetting projects in the developing world that do not qualify, and then claiming the carbon credits. The result being, that despite European governments’ claims to the contrary, including Britain, and despite Billions being spent, genuine carbon cuts are not taking place.
posted by Vinnie on May 27, 2008 at 12:55 pm · filed under
Sydney Morning Herald
Getting consumers to ask themselves the question ‘where has my coffee come from?’ has been growing in success as Fairtrade and sustainable coffee labels such as the Rainforest Alliance are becoming more common. This is about to increase dramatically as McDonalds switches to sustainably grown coffee for all its cafes and restaurants by next year. The coffee beans are only sourced from areas not cleared of rainforest and thus are awarded the Rainforest Alliance label. Other big chain coffee retailers are also planning to make the move to sustainable and ethical bean sources.
posted by kirsty on May 27, 2008 at 12:20 pm · filed under 
ABC News
Environment ministers from six of the world’s eight richest nations - the G8 - have urged their respective governments to halve greenhouse emissions by 2050. A proposal was agreed to by Germany, France, Canada, Britain, Italy and Japan - but opposed by the US and Russia in Germany last year. Emerging economies such as China, and the European Union have backed the moves hoping that by July, when the next round of G8 talks are to be held in Japan, momentum will be building towards an agreement being settled on.
posted by Vinnie on May 27, 2008 at 12:04 pm · filed under
Sydney Morning Herald
The pulp mill proposed by Gunns in Tasmania will have to be entirely funded by Gunns and their financers, is the attitude of Tasmania’s new premier, David Bartlett. Bartlett says he is yet to see a proposal for public infrastructure and in reality whether or not the project goes ahead will be based on its merit and if the company can get the finances to back it. This comes at an unfortunate time for Gunns as it appears ANZ, a potential candidate for funding, has decided against funding the pulp mill.
posted by kirsty on May 27, 2008 at 11:55 am · filed under
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