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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 
FEN
Cool Change Natural Spring Water recently launched its bottled spring water in compostable bottles - made from corn starch polylactic acid (PLA). Under commercial composting conditions comprising 90 per cent humidity and temperatures of 55 degrees Celsius, PLA bottles can break down completely within 80 days. The company hope to move production to the Sunshine Coast and switch from corn starch to sugar cane to help boost the Queensland sugar cane industry.
posted by steve on December 15, 2008 at 5:53 pm · filed under 
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
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
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 
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
Sydney Morning Herald
A caterpillar epidemic has struck southern Queensland town Yandaran, their numbers in the millions after 18 months of multiplying, causing health problems amongst residents and animals. According to Chris Burwell, a senior entomologist from Queensland Museum, it is the wet season that initiates the sudden increase of insect populations after long, dry spells. “The caterpillar can recover their population quicker than their predators, but as soon as their predators catch up it will all balance out,” he says.
posted by cecie on December 13, 2008 at 12:26 am · filed under 
CSIRO
CSIRO research shows that native revegetation projects should aim to source healthy, genetically diverse seed, and not necessarily locally sourced seed as is commonly believed to be best practice. CSIRO Plant Industry scientist, Dr Linda Broadhurst says that local seed sources are often small and isolated and can be severely inbred, leading to germination failure and poor seedling growth.
posted by patrick on December 12, 2008 at 12:02 pm · filed under 
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
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
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