Treasury tells Rudd to put Australia 'on a clean energy footing' * Wong says we will set an interim target, as UN climate change chief urges major emitters to deploy climate change 'Marshall plan' * Victoria's Hazelwood power plant a cleaner fossil fuels case study as global energy agency suggests replacing or upgrading more than a third of the world's coal-fired capacity
* NSW environment group weighs in against NSW power industry privatisation * Program offers industry a 'low-risk' chance to test sustainability, Garrett says * 6-star green building flurry continues * Wood waste power plant proposed for WA
The European Commission last night unveiled plans for a sweeping overhaul of the EU's emissions trading scheme. It also proposed new measures to speed up the development of carbon capture and storage and to put Europe on a path to meet its 20% by 2020 renewables target.
And in comments likely to set off alarm bells for Australian exporters to Europe, EC President José Manuel Barroso floated the prospect of protecting the competitiveness of EU industry by requiring importers to obtain emission allowances.
CE Daily reports on the latest initiatives from the region widely seen as the global pacesetter on climate change policy. (with video
A finance mechanism capable of putting clean energy technology fully into play in the crucial energy choices the world now faces – that's what the head of the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy wants to see.
Alexander Karsner's office is coordinating next week's U.S.-convened major economies meeting, which could play a key role in shaping any such mechanism. Karsner has firm ideas on what will work, based on his experience with a U.S. multi-billion dollar loan guarantee program, and last week briefed Climate Minister Penny Wong. CE Daily reports. (plus audio)
Industry association calls for abolition of national energy efficiency program * Federal government says energy efficiency data not up to scratch * EPA Victoria says environmental offsets can lead to better outcomes * SA to trial kerbside food waste program as NSW issues kerbside guide * Nominations open for Tasmanian awards
* Global fuel, power and transport businesses urge renewable energy milestones and greater government efforts * Carbon Disclosure Project urges business to explore supply chain emissions * UK overhauls legislation on nuclear, renewables and carbon capture and storage
Forestry Tasmania wins out over Bob Brown in EPBC Act appeal * Japan likely to be a key carbon investor – and sayonara to Australia's lower carbon prices? * UNFCCC chief – what Bali must deliver * Victoria's environment minister says number of environmental licences will plummet * Down and dirty – when will soil carbon count? * Australia's geothermal sector plans projects worth almost $1 billion (with audio) * Queensland wind assets sold for $460 million * NZ to calculate primary industry carbon footprints * 'U.S. in denial on climate solution not climate science' * NT Chief Minister takes climate change post *
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)
