UNFCCC chief: we're more than on target but there are worrying trends * NSW releases biobanking RIS * Businesses, NGOs, union and farmers jointly urge climate action * Global voluntary carbon standard launched * EPA Victoria and sustainability index provider sign covenant * Australian Paper gets 'carbon neutral' accreditation for paper range * Video warns of 'the elephant in the room' * Climate Institute and WWF assess political parties
The Coalition's climate policy includes $125 million for hot dry rocks and sequestration projects and research, while its urban water policy promises to draw 'to the extent possible' on permit auction revenue to fund innovative urban water infrastructure. Meanwhile, Labor says it will target large, industrial water users.
In a speech making Australia's 'stage 2' energy efficiency plan look faint-hearted, a senior executive of California's utilities regulator today outlined to a spellbound Melbourne conference the U.S. state's new 'big, bold energy efficiency strategies' - including making all commercial and residential buildings 'zero net energy' users.
Ecodollars or dollars? EPHC seeks help with impacts of waste and e-waste * Pilot carbon storage project shows regulatory challenges * Woolies sets out sustainability targets * Property group halves water use in two city buildings, beats 2007-08 water target ahead of schedule
The fact that mining companies have not matched their swelling profits with increased expenditure on the environment shows that governments need to put in place the right regulatory and market measures to spur business to act on climate change, Ecos Corporation founder Paul Gilding said today.
The head of the UN has called for 'sweeping, concerted action now', as the head of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns even if greenhouse gas emissions peaked by 2015, temperatures would increase by up to 2.4°C and sea levels would eventually rise up to 1.4 metres – without factoring in melting ice. (plus extracts, audio)
SA Greens win Upper House solar bill changes but knocked back on national electricity bills* WA waste bill passes Lower House * Environment group urges refundable deposit scheme for car batteries * Power generation largely behind 22% rise in NOx * NSW looks for 2008 Green Globe award winners
EPA Victoria has piqued interest worldwide – including from the Clinton Foundation – with its pioneering mandate for companies to implement energy, water and waste projects with a payback of three years or less. CE Daily talks to EPA sustainable development director Terry A'Hearn about its scheme, which will take effect next year. (plus audio)
Timber industry commits to doubling waste recovery * 'Most firms ill-prepared to mitigate carbon risks' * ACT moves on solar PV feed-in tariff * Report give mixed social assessment of water trading * Victoria establishes climate change advisory council
As CE Daily went to press, police have arrested eight Greenpeace protestors attempting to shut down the 600MW Munmorah power coal-fired power station north-east of Sydney. Meanwhile, a new database ranks the Australian power sector as the world's seventh largest power sector emitter and ABARE identifies $7 billion in imminent coal projects.
