Search

Presents an overview of efforts to curb climate change in Australia. Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; Withdrawal of the United States from the initiative; Stabilization of carbon dioxide.

The article focuses on blue marine economy of Australia. Topics discussed include the book "Rethinking the Oceans: Towards the Blue Economy" of James Alix Michel on climate change, contribution of business turnover of marine industries in the Australian economy and the paper "Marine Nation 2025: Marine Science to Support Australia' s Blue Economy" on development and sustainability related challenges in marine estate such as food security and sovereignty.

The article offers information on Paul Fraser, research scientist at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia. Topics include role of tracking the ozone layer depletion and greenhouse gases driving climatic changes, advent of chief research tool Cape Grim Air Archive, ongoing collection of pristine air samples in the world; and publishing of research papers and reviews providing basis to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in prestigious of journals.

The article discusses the position paper released by the Federal Government outlining the adaptation challenge for Australian farmers in Australia. The paper outlines the impacts of climate change to the country's economy, society and environment. In this regard, the government highlight the needs to adapt regardless of the consequential events to cut emissions of greenhouse gases.

The article focuses on the white paper entitled "Climate Change: Current Accounting and Tax Issues for Australian Business leaders," by KPMG. It suggests that the country must develop a 'climate-change friendly' tax system to start emissions abatement initiatives ahead of the 2010 national Emissions Trading Scheme. The paper recommends a lot of measures to begin development of low-emissions technologies, such as accelerated tax depreciation and an expanded research and development tax concession. It also suggests companies to examine existing accounting tools for managing their greenhouse emissions including the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and the Carbon Disclosure Project.

The article provides information on some of the corporations and business sectors who have committed to become climate neutral and efficient in their operations in Australia. It states that Westpac Banking Corp. has achieved 45 per cent reductions in greenhouse gas emission since 1996, while PriceWaterhouse Coopers (PwC) has committed to become carbon neutral. It notes that the climate neutral Tumut Paper and Pulp Mill in New South Wales (NSW) of Visy Industries Inc. has its process heat provided by renewable sources. The information technology (IT) sector is also focusing on reducing its carbon footprint.