Archived News for Green Sector Professionals
The Grattan Institute has released a new report, entitled, Learning the hard way: Australian policies to reduce carbon emissions, which assesses the outcome of 300 programs to tackle climate change introduced by Australian governments since the Kyoto Protocol in 1997.
The report analyses four kinds of carbon abatement instruments: market mechanisms; rebates; energy efficiency standards; and grant tendering schemes.
Of all the measures analysed, market mechanisms, such as a carbon trading scheme, have delivered the greatest emissions reductions and have met targets ahead of time.
By contrast, $7 billion of grant-tendering schemes – upfront grants to companies for proposals to reduce emissions – have done very little to reduce greenhouse pollution.
Governments have also spent $5 billion on rebate programs to encourage the purchase of low-emission products. Again, the impact on emissions growth has been minimal.
A fourth kind of program – energy efficiency standards – can reduce emissions cheaply and effectively, but is limited in scope.
Based on experience, only an economy-wide carbon price (a type of market mechanism) can meet Australia’s 2020 target, endorsed by both main political parties, of reducing annual emissions by five per cent below 2000 levels.
The report was written by John Daley, CEO and Tristan Edis, Research Fellow at the Grattan Institute.
It can be downloaded at http://www.grattan.edu.au/pub_page/077_report_energy_learning_the_hard_way.html
National Climate Adaptation Champions announced
A Queensland farmer, a Tasmanian journalist and a council planner from mid-coast NSW have been named among National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility’s (NCCARF) first Climate Adaptation Champions.
Water expert appointed new SA Chief Scientist
A leader and recognised expert in the field of water management and quality, Adjunct Professor Don Bursill AM, has been appointed as South Australia’s new Chief Scientist.
Nominations open for 2011 WA Coastal Awards for Excellence
Nominations have opened for the 2011 Western Australian Coastal Awards for Excellence.
Australian Trucking Association commissions environmental research study
With debate continuing about the Government’s proposed carbon price, the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has commissioned a major research study into the environmental credentials of the trucking industry.
The study is being prepared by The Centre for International Economics (TheCIE) and will provide evidence about how the industry has improved its environmental performance, before looking at possible future developments, including:
Renewable energy strategic directions report released
The Australian Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE) has released its Strategic Directions report setting out priorities for renewable energy technology development and recommends initiatives to support its development, commercialisation and large scale deployment.
Australia elected to the Council of the International Renewable Energy Agency
Australia has the opportunity to play a leading role in international efforts to increase the deployment of renewable energy technologies and drive down their costs with its election to the Council of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Queensland climate change and coastal processes report released
Queensland can expect coastal erosion and permanent inundation of coastal land as a result of a predicted 0.8 metre sea level rise by 2100, according to a new scientific report released by the Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence.
Victorian Auditor-General releases renewable energy report
The Victorian Auditor-General’s Office has released its report into whether the development of renewable energy has been facilitated effectively by the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC), Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Department of Business and Innovation (DBI) and Sustainability Victoria (SV).
New CSIRO Climate and Health Cluster launched
CSIRO has launched a new Climate and Health Cluster, with funding of $3.15 million over three years from CSIRO’s Flagship Collaboration Fund.
Grants help businesses make green changes
Grants totalling $4.4 million have been awarded to 16 businesses under the Australian Government’s Re-tooling for Climate Change Program.
Call for Tasmanian EPA board members
The Tasmanian Environment Protection Authority has called for expressions of interest for three positions on its Board.
Call for feedback on Queensland Biodiversity Strategy
The Queensland Government has extended the consultation period for its Biodiversity Strategy until April 8.
NPI data shows drop in air pollutants
Recently released National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) data have shown that emissions of a range of common air pollutants dropped slightly in 2009–10.
Interim Kelty report on Tasmanian forests released
Bill Kelty’s interim report on Tasmanian Forests has been submitted to the Senate and released publicly, setting out recommendations on how he believes the conflict over the future of the Tasmanian timber industry could be resolved.
Caring for our Country grants available
Proposals for land care and environment projects from across the nation are invited under the Caring for our Country 2011-12 business plan.
Australia climbs international clean energy ranking
The international environment agency, The Pew Charitable Trusts, has released a report that ranks Australia in 12th position in G20 countries - behind Brazil, Canada, Spain, France, India and Japan, but ahead of the UK - in terms of investment in clean energy.
Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Forum meets
Ministers from across the Murray-Darling Basin have met to progress a collaborative and inclusive approach for governments and communities to develop and implement a plan for the Basin in which a healthy river system underpins strong and viable communities.
ACCI adopts Carbon Tax Resolution
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), comprised of all State and Territory Chambers of Commerce and 28 National Industry Associations, has passed a resolution on the proposed carbon tax, ramining opposed to a unilateral carbon tax in the absence of similar policy action by major emitting nations and Australia's export competitors.
CSIRO launches climate change science book
CSIRO has launched Climate Change: Science and Solutions for Australia to help inform business, government, and the community about the many issues that need to be addressed in response to climate change.
Government avoids carbon tax speculation
The Federal Government says it is too early to speculate how much the proposed carbon tax would increase household expenses, after Treasury documents revealed it may add almost $900 a year to bills.