Archive for September, 2010
National Australia Bank
One of Australia’s largest financial groups, National Australia Bank, claims to have reached its goal of carbon neutrality this month. NAB has taken steps to save an estimated 60,000 tonnes of annual greenhouse gas emissions (equivalent to taking 13,500 cars off the road). NAB credits its success to improving energy efficiency, buying energy from renewable sources where possible, investing in offsetting projects, and the commitment of its employees.
posted by seamas on September 30, 2010 at 8:25 pm · filed under 
The Age
Australian Greens Party leaders will hold key roles in a new committee chaired by Prime Minister Julia Gillard to recommend how carbon should be priced nationally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate Change Minister Greg Combet and independent Tony Windsor will also be on the committee, which will meet regularly over the next 12 months but has not been set a deadline for making recommendations.
posted by seamas on September 28, 2010 at 7:35 am · filed under 
Feature
Harrison Ford’s affinity for large hairy animals is well documented in the original Star Wars trilogy, but can he save a critically endangered species from extinction in the wild? Our feature for International Tiger Day takes a look at celebrity ‘eco-activism’ and the latest global tiger conservation initiative.
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posted by seamas on September 26, 2010 at 8:41 am · filed under 
Australian Conservation Foundation
A new poll has found 73% of Australians would support a national plan for tougher and more responsible management of our natural assets that includes targeting specific outcomes enhancing protection for wetlands, forests, oceans and wildlife within set time frames.
posted by seamas on September 24, 2010 at 7:24 am · filed under 
ABC News
An international treaty to phase out chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) started in the late 1980s appears to have had the desired effect, with United Nations scientists claiming loss of the ozone layer has been halted. Scientists predict the ozone layer could largely restore itself by 2045 to 2060. However, the hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) used by many industries in place of banned CFCs, because they are ozone benign, happen to be intense greenhouse gases. Rapidly increasing HFC emissions are understood to be contributing to global warming, posing a new challenge.
posted by seamas on September 20, 2010 at 7:28 am · filed under 
The Age
Running one of the largest desalination plants in the world will cost Victoria taxpayers around $570 million on average per year for at least the next 30 years, according to figures from the Department of Sustainability and Environment. With Victorian water reservoirs rising, the State Government faces criticism over the need for the Wonthaggi plant. Whether or not desalinated water is needed, Victoria is obligated to make regular “water security” payments to Aquasure Consortium, the private financing partner for the multi-billion dollar project.
posted by seamas on September 17, 2010 at 7:41 am · filed under 
Conservation Council of South Australia
The new South Australian state budget will deliver mixed results for the environment, according to the Conservation Council of South Australia. CCSA Campaign Coordinator Julia Winefield says, “Some cost-savings will see big hits to critical programs to protect and enhance our state’s natural resources and ecosystems. But revenue raising from increased fees and levies will deliver some environmental benefits.” Over $30 million will be cut from the Natural Resource Management program and funds to aquire land and manage national parks. However, the budget promises significant investment in clean transport and sustainable industry initiatives.
posted by seamas on September 17, 2010 at 7:28 am · filed under
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