Green with shame: Rudd’s emissions targets

ABC News

The Rudd Government have been slammed by green groups over its targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions by just five per cent of 2000 levels by 2020. The Government have stated that 15 per cent cuts are possible, but will only be considered if other countries sign up to similar reductions. Given that European nations are aiming for at least 20 per cent reductions of their 2000 levels by 2020, Green Senator, Christine Milne, has described Rudd’s targets as a global embarrassment.

posted by steve on December 15, 2008 at 6:04 pm · filed under

PM Rudd’s big decision - 5% emissions cuts

The Age Business

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd today announced the long awaited blueprint for Australia’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme - or Emissions Trading Scheme. The target he has set for 2020, for Australia’s emissions cut is 5%. He has however, left the door open, to increase this target to a maximum of 15%, if the rest of the developed world commits to tougher targets. The announcement also includes free pollution permits to many businesses and $4bn in aid to coal and power. This, despite calls from scientists globally for countries to commit to 20% - 40% emissions cuts by 2020 and up to 80% - 90% by 2050 to avoid catastrophic Climate Change.

Key Points of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Plan:

• 5% cuts in Carbon Emissions (on 1990 levels).
• 15% cuts IF a global pact is reached (if no global pact is reached, Australia’s target will remain at 5% ).
• More Companies to get free permits, and more permits will be made available.
• Household power bills will rise by up to $6 per week, which will be offset by many low-income households being fully compensated and many middle income households being partially compensated.
• Coal Industry will receive $4 billion in compensation.
• Scheme will begin on July 1, 2010.

posted by Vinnie on December 15, 2008 at 2:55 pm · filed under

Scientists predict ice-free summers for the Arctic in 6 years

ABC News

Scientists say the Arctic may have no ice during the summer in as soon as six years, in contrast with earlier research that predicted this would not occur until 2030. Researchers say that an ice-free Arctic for part of the year would have a major effect on the northern ecosystem. 

posted by anna on December 14, 2008 at 11:06 pm · filed under

Saving water and energy together

CSIRO

CSIRO and the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) have released a new report that reveals a strong connection between water and energy use in Australia and New Zealand, and highlights effective ways to save energy in water use. CSIRO scientist and project leader, Steven Kenway, said the energy required to supply water would increase even further in the future, with an increasing population and growing dependence on more energy-intensive water sources such as desalination plants. The researchers found that energy use for providing urban water resources is relatively little in comparison to the energy needed for heating water, and so significant energy savings can be made by reducing hot water use.

posted by anna on December 14, 2008 at 11:04 pm · filed under

Rudd announces $500 million for green investment

ABC Environment

On the eve of the Federal Government’s announcement on emission targets- PM Kevin Rudd has promised to invest $500 million in renewable energy over the next 18 months. Mr Rudd said that Australia will now enter a solar energy revolution.

posted by rochelle on December 14, 2008 at 2:25 pm · filed under

Europeans split over climate change action

The Guardian

European governments are deeply divided over how to deliver on climate change pledges in the lead up to a crucial EU summit later this week. Affluent western nations and the poorer east are split over questions of affordability and equity, leading to fears of a diluted summit outcome that would send a negative message to the US, China, India and other key global players.

posted by patrick on December 11, 2008 at 1:29 pm · filed under

Government announces Central Victorian Solar City

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts

Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has announced Australia’s fifth solar city, encompassing fourteen central Victorian municipalities including Ballarat and Bendigo. A key initiative of the Central Victorian Solar City  will be the creation of two large solar parks, each generating 300kW, which will enable residents to support solar power via a community-owned renewable energy business.

posted by patrick on December 11, 2008 at 1:10 pm · filed under

Climate change a national security issue: Obama

Reuters

Barack Obama says climate change is an urgent problem requiring an immediate response. The President-elect of the United States said his administration would tackle climate change in a serious way because it has become an issue of national security.

Meanwhile, outgoing US President George W. Bush is attracting criticism for a series of last-minute environmental deregulation moves designed to lighten business responsibilities.

posted by seamas on December 10, 2008 at 9:14 pm · filed under

Tax review inundated with green submissions

ABC News

Environment related suggestions have reportedly dominated submissions invited by a review of the tax system. Submissions suggested tax deterrents against high carbon emissions and tax-breaks for low-emission technology.

posted by seamas on December 10, 2008 at 8:34 pm · filed under

Climate Action Summit (Canberra, Jan 31–Feb 3)

Australia’ Climate Action Summit will be two days of facilitated meetings and workshops, followed by a day of peaceful protest that includes plans to create a human chain around Parliament House.

posted by seamas on December 10, 2008 at 8:28 pm · filed under