In an Australian first, investors will put resolutions to the AGMs of Woodside and three other ASX-listed companies demanding that they reveal details of their greenhouse gas emissions and carbon policies, with 'sustainability provocateur' Paul Gilding saying businesses won't act on climate change unless investors – or governments – force them into it.
A carbon tax doesn't automatically avoid the competitiveness issues associated with emissions trading and climate policy has become 'overly politicised', says Ai Group chief executive Heather Ridout.
Coalition Leader Tony Abbott today warned a carbon price would be disastrous for exports, while BHP Billiton said inaction would damage competitiveness and AGL floated the prospect of a power sector-only trading scheme.
The PNG and Queensland governments will today sign a memorandum of understanding backing a joint venture proposal by Origin that would generate about 1800MW of emissions-free hydro electricity for PNG and northern Queensland.
Actions by mining companies that can slash energy demand range from equipment redesign and use of alternative fuels through to banal – but surprisingly high-return – changes like installing lighting timer switches and fixing compressed air leaks, a new EEO report shows.
