Archived News for Green Sector Professionals
The Federal Greens have warned that billions of dollars worth of coal seam gas investment may become standard assets within decades.
Greens lower house crossbencher Adam Bandt has warned the Federal Government that the impact of the emissions of the technology will ensure that it will be targeted by the government’s proposed carbon pricing scheme.
“In 20 or 30 years' time we are going to have all of this massive infrastructure that is effectively stranded assets,” Mr Bandt warned.
National Litter Index published
Keep Australia Beautiful has published its National Litter Index 2011 report which has found a slight decrease in the national litter rate across the 983 in the 2010/11 period.
Carbon tax to go before parliament next month
Federal Climate Change Minister Greg Combet has announced that the Government’s planned carbon tax will be introduced before parliament in September and could be legislated before the end of the year.
Climate Commission releases WA climate change report
Western Australia's southwest is particularly vulnerable to climate change as rising sea levels threaten coastal homes and a drying trend curbs water supply, according to a new report by the Climate Commission.
Arctic melt could pause
The American National Science Foundation (NSF) has published research that indicates that Artic sea ice melt could temporarily stabilize or expand at times over the next few decades.
New head of Threatened Species Scientific Committee
Professor Helene Marsh, from James Cook University, has been appointed to head the national Threatened Species Scientific Committee.
Climate action to grow jobs: Report
A report co-published by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has found that strong action on climate change would lead to job growth on the New South Wales mid-north coast.
Power consumption drops to historic low
Ausgrid, one of Australia’s largest electricity distributors, has reported that the company is experiencing an unprecedented drop in household power demand.
New fund for Victorian metropolitan recycling activities
The Victorian Government has launched a $5.5 Million Metropolitan Local Government Waste and Resource Recovery Fund to support implementation of the Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Strategic Plan.
The funding, sourced from the Landfill levy, will be used by the Metropolitan Waste Management Group (MWMG) to support coordination of local government's waste management and resource recovery activities. The Group has legislated responsibility to work with the 30 metropolitan councils, covering the area where 70 percent of Victoria's waste is generated.
Chair of the Metropolitan Waste Management Group, Councillor Heinz Kreutz said it was important that councils are supported in their efforts to promote recycling and reduce our reliance on landfill.
"The Metropolitan Waste Management Group will work closely with local government to help identify practical projects that will enable councils to tackle waste reduction and improved resource recovery in their communities.
More information can be found here
ERAWA warns against higher prices due to renewable energy incentives
A report has been released by the Economic Regulation Authority of Western Australia which finds that the electricity market in the South West of Western Australia is at a cross-road and warns against higher power prices due to renewable energy incentives.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory update released
The Federal Government has released the Australia's National Greenhouse Gas Inventory: Update report which provides estimates of Australia's national greenhouse gas inventory based on the latest available data and the accounting rules that apply for the Kyoto Protocol.
Japan considers scrapping whaling program
Steep costs and falling public support for Japan’s controversial whaling program have prompted the first serious moves by the country’s influential Fisheries Agency to consider ending the practice.
MDBA supports cotton research centre
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has announced its support for the creation of a co-operative research centre (CRC) for Cotton Regions.
New Chair for Threatened Species Scientific Committee
Internationally recognised conservation and environmental scientist Professor Helene Marsh has been appointed the chair of the Australian Government's Threatened Species Scientific Committee.
Zero-emission homes and offices project launched
The Australian Solar Institute (ASI) and the Federal Government have launched a co-funded $9.5 million solar energy scheme designed to make solar energy a competitive choice for consumers, with the ASI contributing $3.2 million.
Carbon price to cut more carbon than expected
Australia could achieve significantly greater than expected emissions reductions by 2020 if the Federal Government successfully implements its carbon pricing package, according to research conducted by environmental think-tank ClimateWorks Australia.
Applications open for Emerging Renewables program
The Federal Government has opened the Emerging Rewnables program for promising renewable energy technology projects.
AHC's assessment of West Kimberly released
The Federal Minister for Sustainability, Tony Burke, has released the final national heritage assessment of the West Kimberly region by the Australian Heritage Council (AHC).
Tasmania forestry and conservation deal signed
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings have signed an agreement on the extend of forestry and conservation following an extended collaboration and consultation period.
Research calls for large-scale restoration of native vegetation to counter climate change impacts
Native vegetation must be restored to protect Australia’s unique ecosystems from the impacts of climate change, according to scientists from the Australian National University.
Industry Consultation on the draft GEMS Bill commences
The latest phase in the development of national legislation for Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) has begun with the commencement of industry consultation on the draft GEMS Bill.