The 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is being held in Paris, France from November 30th to December 11th. In 2015 COP21, also known as the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, will, for the first time in over 20 years of UN negotiations, aim to achieve… Continue reading Paris Climate Change Conference 2015 COP21
Category: Politics
Carbon tax
A carbon tax is a mechanism for putting a price on the carbon dioxide pollution that results when fossil fuels are burnt. The Liberal (conservative) Government of British Columbia in Canada introduced a carbon tax in 2008 and was re-elected in 2009. Voters liked the revenue-neutral nature of the tax which put money in their pockets. Many… Continue reading Carbon tax
2011-2015 Victorian government scorecard
The Liberal-National coalition government led by Premier Ted Baillieu was elected on 27 November 2010. This article provides a summary of policy comparisons between the government and other parties on various issues. Issue Baillieu Government Labor Greens Cattle grazing in Alpine National Park Reintroduced as “trial to mitigate bushfire risk” Oppose Oppose Grand prix at… Continue reading 2011-2015 Victorian government scorecard
Brown Mountain old growth forest
The wonderful old growth forest of Brown Mountain in East Gippsland is now being logged. There are more than 50 trees over 300 years old in this area of forest, which is adjacent to Errinundra National Park. One logged tree has been radiocarbon dated to over 500 years old. Many more trees between 500 and 800 years… Continue reading Brown Mountain old growth forest
Victoria’s new solar laws
The Brumby government in Victoria, Australia, announced the impending introduction of new Feed in tariff legislation in May 2008 following and election promise in 2006 to introduce it. While the intention to encourage clean energy production from solar panels was good, the initial structure of Victoria’s proposed feed in tariff did not achieve this. Amendments to the… Continue reading Victoria’s new solar laws
Victorian state election campaign, 2006
This article is about the campaigns of contesting political parties and independent candidates for the 2006 Victorian State election in Australia in chronological sequence from the pre-election “phoney campaign” through the official election campaign which commenced after writs were lodged. The campaign will be concluded by the election on 25 November 2006. Campaign launches are used to… Continue reading Victorian state election campaign, 2006
Climate change
Climate change is now acknowledged by science as a serious issue resulting from increases in the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. In order to avoid dangerous climate change and protect our quality of life, the world’s scientific community advises we cannot let temperatures increase by 2 degrees or more by the end of this century. The [effects of… Continue reading Climate change
Copenhagen Climate Change Conference 2009
The Copenhagen Climate Change Conference 2009 is hosted in Denmark in the city of Copenhagen from the 7th to the 18th of December, 2009. This is the 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference, and is also referred to as COP15. The two-week summit involves politicians and officials from 192 countries. More than 15,000 people are attending —… Continue reading Copenhagen Climate Change Conference 2009
Copenhagen Accord
This is the latest draft text of the “Copenhagen Accord” put forward on December 18 by the U.S., China, India and South Africa, among other countries, at the climate summit in the Danish capital.[1] Accord text Draft decision -/CP.15 Proposal by the President Copenhagen Accord The Heads of State, Heads of Government, Ministers, and other… Continue reading Copenhagen Accord
Joint open letter to Penny Wong by 65 Climate Action Groups
2 March 2009 Senator the Hon Penny WongMinister for Climate Change and WaterSenator for South AustraliaDepartment of Climate ChangeGPO Box 854, Canberra ACT 2601 Dear Minister We note commentary in last week’s press over the policy demands of “conservation groups” as being “economically destructive and environmentally irresponsible because they would drive jobs and pollution offshore” [1] .… Continue reading Joint open letter to Penny Wong by 65 Climate Action Groups