Government’s climate policy a debacle: Greens
May 30, 2008
Australian Greens Climate Change spokesperson, Senator Christine Milne has described the Rudd government’s climate change programs as an unplanned, uncoordinated mess. Focusing on the decision to means test the solar rebate program, Senator Milne pointed out the misreading of income figures in an ATA report upon which the decision was based. The Green Loans program also came under fire. To View the full article please go to, http://greens.org.au/media/releases/release.php?release_id=1019
Report reveals environmental impact of NSW coal industry
May 29, 2008
A leaked report from the Iemma Government’s Department of Environment and Climate Change details the need to confront the coal industry over its resulting land subsidence and greenhouse gas emissions. The report argues that the department has a leading role in the approval process and environmental assessment of new mines in the state.
Solar industry challenges government on panel rebates
May 29, 2008
A delegation from the solar power industry is travelling to Canberra try to meet with Ministers to discuss the government decision to means test the $8000 solar panel rebate. Under budget changes, households earning more than $100,000 a year will no longer be eligible for the rebate.
Solar energy technology breakthrough
May 29, 2008
University of Queensland researchers say they have made a breakthrough in making solar energy more cost-effective. Professor Max Lu says they have been able to grow titanium oxide crystals, which are a cheaper alternative to solar panels.
McDonalds switching to sustainable coffee
May 27, 2008
Getting consumers to ask themselves the question ‘where has my coffee come from?’ has been growing in success as Fairtrade and sustainable coffee labels such as the Rainforest Alliance are becoming more common. This is about to increase dramatically as McDonalds switches to sustainably grown coffee for all its cafes and restaurants by next year. The coffee beans are only sourced from areas not cleared of rainforest and thus are awarded the Rainforest Alliance label. Other retailers, such as Gloria Jeans, are also planning to make the move to sustainable and ethical coffee.
Biofuels: good news or bad?
May 27, 2008
Biofuels … the green alternative? Photo: John Woudstra
Biofuels, fuels made from agricultural products such as corn, wheat and sugar, were originally hailed as the “green” alternative to petrol. But there have been unforeseen complications in recent years. Landholders who used to plant crops for food are increasingly planting them instead for the more lucrative biofuel market. This has led to food shortages and riots in many developing countries where the price of basic staples has risen enormously.
The EU has a target of 10 per cent biofuels for transport fuels by 2020. The NSW Government may insist on 10 per cent ethanol for all standard unleaded petrol by 2010.
Full article can be read at http://www.smh.com.au/news/energy-smart/drivers-fear-ethanol-damage-study/2008/04/15/1208025189820.html
Earth Hour - great idea or waste of time?
May 27, 2008
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore at the official launch party for the 2008 Earth Hour. Photo: Bryan Keane
There’s no denying it’s an idea that has caught on. Millions of people around the world turned off their lights for Earth Hour on Saturday night, following the lead set by Sydney last year. Darkness fell across Canada, Fiji and Denmark, in Dublin and big US cities such as San Francisco, Chicago and New York.
Do we really need plastic bags?
May 27, 2008
If they’re banned what will we use for bin liners? Photo: Dallas Kilponen
The use of plastic carry bags has skyrocketed in the past year despite repeated retail industry claims that fewer bags are being used by shoppers.
In reponse, Australian Greens senator Kerry Nettle said that, rather than introducing a levy, plastic bags should be banned across Australia.
NSW takes advantage of government rebates
May 25, 2008
Carbon emissions have been reduced thanks to a NSW State Government Scheme which allocates rebates for the installation of rainwater ranks, insulation and energy-efficient hot water systems in homes. The State Environment and Climate Change Minister has said that in the first 10 months of the Scheme, households had claimed 20,000 rebates with rainwater tank rebates being most popular and that people are increasingly concerned about the environment and are taking action to help reduce climate change.
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