Browsing: International

The world needs a major boost in energy spending and a dramatic shift in how the money is spent, says an International Energy Agency analyst, flagging a new study of measures to stabilise emissions.



Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate continues debate on legislation that would establish a cap and trade scheme.

Australia puts its views to the UN on levying trading transactions, the treatment of aviation and shipping fuels, preventing deforestation and improving the Clean Development Mechanism.

• Garnaut flags draft report release date
  
• No need to fear carbon price volatility, EU tells Australia
  
• Wong announces climate registry tender
  
• UN climate chief to transport sector: you're going the wrong way

Splitting the world into 'developed' and 'developing' countries is an inadequate way of categorising nations as we try to shape a new global climate agreement, Australia tells the UN.



Australia also says there would be problems with a global target of limiting temperature increases to two degrees.

Determining potential emissions reductions based on what can be achieved in each industry sector is a useful exercise but by itself could deliver weak national targets, says the summary of an environment ministers meeting in Japan, attended by Australia’s Senator Penny Wong.



CE Daily outlines and links to the chair's newly-available summary of the meeting.

NSW flags assessment fee hike for chemical destruction technologies

* Wong steers steady course in international talks

* Australia's forests offset 9% of emissions, government report says

* Turnbull slams solar rebate means test

* National Pollutant Inventory overhauls fuel tanks manual

* New Zealand Budget flags major push on energy efficient homes

* Pew Centre looks at trading lessons from the EU

A PwC survey of more than 100 senior power utility executives across the globe - including 15 in Australia - shows industry expectations of 'clean coal' are generally low, and most believe nuclear power will edge out renewables as the technology having the biggest impact on greenhouse gas emissions.

New Zealand Opposition Leader John Key is insisting on major changes to the design of the Clark government's proposed emissions trading scheme, including bringing it into closer alignment with Australia. That could mean parliament won't get to consider the bill until after this year's federal election.

An international survey of the voluntary carbon market that includes data from Australian and New Zealand firms has found forestry projects have slumped from being the major source of offset credits in 2006, with the mantle now passing to renewable energy projects.



But the voluntary carbon market is booming overall, the report says. And, with more and more companies developing carbon offset strategies, 2008 is likely to see even more rapid growth.

• Modelling of 78% revenue loss will make us wary of clean coal investments, says brown coal generator
  
• Expect an initial carbon price 'north of $20'
  
• 'Busting the emissions trading myths'
  
• MRET, MLET or neither?
  
• NSW prospects not so bleak for carbon storage
  
• Transmission concerns a major barrier for renewables