A report issued today by economic think-tank CEDA canvasses a broad range of options for dealing with climate change, including a carbon tax and stabilising greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at higher levels.
A Rudd Labor government would commit $500 million to a renewable energy fund, another $240 million to a clean business fund and $150 million to an energy innovation fund, federal Labor leader Kevin Rudd announced today.
Speakers at today's Rudd-backed Garnaut Review forum have warned that the rate of climate change appears to be at the high end of projections or could even have been under-estimated, while widely-accepted projections of emissions growth could be unrealistically low.
The rules governing the National Electricity Market should be changed so that power companies must investigate energy efficiency and other demand side measures before considering new generating capacity and infrastructure, Australia's energy market rule-making body has been told. (plus audio)
Qld businesses told to do more as 'level 6' water restrictions loom * Labor promises $100 million 'coast care' program * EPA Victoria finalises soil sampling guideline * Greenpeace slams sustainable palm oil roundtable * WBCSD plans business summit at Bali * Pew Centre chief welcomes business sea-change
Court orders Abigroup to pay $20,000 to NSW department * WWF sets out 2008 agenda * OneSteel set to sub-licence waste plastic technology * Major carbon capture cost reductions on the horizon * Melbourne Water sets out drought impacts and climate risks
Office and residential property developer Investa is backing a call by the Australian Conservation Foundation for all political parties to support a national 'feed-in' tariff to make solar PV systems more economically viable. (plus audio)
The Australian refining industry could collapse without free permits, while making refiners liable for vehicle emissions imposes a financial risk "far out of proportion" to earnings, Caltex has warned. The company has based its concerns on a carbon price of A$40 to A$50 per tonne.
An Australian Conservation Foundation analysis shows actual federal expenditure on climate change is significantly below budgeted levels, says ACF strategies director Charles Berger (with audio)
Victorian coast strategy warns on sea level rise; Sydney Water sets out sewer access terms; Pilot coal-drying plant up and running; Federal department seeks legal advice on federal/state water laws; Flannery says price carbon at $50 a tonne (video link); Soot lands shipping company in court
