Browsing: International

UN climate change chief Yvo de Boer says a 2.3% growth in 2000-06 emissions from 41 industrialised economies, incorporating a 7.4% rise from 14 economies in transition, underscore the urgent need for 'good progress' at next month's UN talks in Poznan.

New Zealand's incoming prime minister John Key has agreed to immediately put the nation's trading scheme on hold, pending a review of emissions trading 'and any amendments or alternatives'. The move is part of a deal struck by Key yesterday in exchange for the support of a minority party opposed to trading and sceptical of climate change.

The New Zealand National Party, which will form a coalition government following Saturday's election victory, wants to overhaul the nation's emissions trading scheme and align it as closely as possible with Australia's. with video

Upcoming UN climate talks in Poznan should be seen as 'a working conference' to take stock and push forward towards next year's crucial Copenhagen meeting, Climate Change Minister Penny Wong said this afternoon.

Barack Obama has proposed a national cap-and-trade scheme with full auctioning, a raft of new programs and fuller engagement with UN and other international climate change processes as part of efforts to deal with "a planet in peril".

• Financial crisis prompts concern at 2010 trading start
  
• NSW kicks off household retrofit program
  
• International Energy Agency issues carbon leakage report

The Government can improve its climate policies by working with the Greens but seems to favour working with the Coalition to 'brown them down', Greens Senator Christine Milne told the Sydney Institute last night. Meanwhile, Milne tells CE Daily about her involvement in international plans for a World Green Carbon Commission.

By drawing the attention of governments, climate change litigation has proved 'a catalyst for executive action', according to NSW Land and Environment Court chief judge Brian Preston.

• Energy efficiency scheme RIS deficient, ESAA tells inquiry
  
• Oil leak costs company $135,000
  
• Slater & Gordon initiates third claim over Mount Isa lead
  
• Greens pick up fourth ACT seat
  
• Ferguson launches biofuels grant round
  
• Don't squander U.S. policy momentum, Pew Centre warns

• Pipe gas to cut emissions or WA the 'biggest loser', says Premier
  
• Environment court fines developer $40,000
  
• Garnaut issues technical papers
  
• International Energy Agency sounds alarm on CCS