|
March 2002
This issue:
Archives of Past Issues
| Subscribe
CRC NEWS
THE GLOBAL CARBON CYCLE: THE SCIENCE AND POLICY OF SINKS POST-MARRAKESH
CRC Symposium held on Friday 22 March. Talks from the seminar will be
available for downloading from the CRC website by the end of March.
Presentations:
- The global carbon cycle and international science initiatives (Michael
Raupach, Global Carbon Project, Australia)
- The need for terrestrial science to underpin climate change policy
(Ian Carruthers, Australian Greenhouse Office, Australia)
- Scientific implications of COP7 (Ian Noble, CRC Greenhouse Accounting,
Australia)
- Effects of increasing atmospheric CO2 on current and future terrestrial
carbon sinks (Christian Koerner, University of Basel, Switzerland)
- The multiple factors influencing terrestrial carbon sinks (Jim Reynolds,
USA replacing Dennis Ojima, NREL, Colorado State University, USA)
NB: Through the extremely kind efforts of AARNET network engineers,
the CRC held its first trial webcast at this symposium. Feedback indicates
that over the length of 2 1/2 hrs, the audio/video broadcast worked extremely
well for those connected though a very high-speed Internet connection,
was patchy at best even through a cable modem and was non-existent for
those dialling up through standard 56K modems. The CRC will attempt a
similar trial again using the lessons learnt last week. However, it remains
the case with most cost-conscious attempts at video-conferencing, that
expectations tend to outstrip available technology.
CRC POSTCARD
Ms Carrie Sonneborn, a PhD Student from Murdoch University, WA, is currently
partially funded by the CRC for Greenhouse Accounting to run five Industry
Roundtables in the USA during 2002-2003. These Roundtables or focus groups
will provide data needed to propose a practical way forward for company
action on greenhouse. This may include an industry-training package on
greenhouse accounting, proposals for a useful government policy framework
and ways to promote 'green consumerism' with respect to greenhouse. Information
gathered at the USA Roundtables will complement that gathered from five
Australian Roundtables held during 2001. (The summary report for the Australian
Roundtables is at www.ecocarbon.org.au
under 'papers').
NEWS
Reminders:
EU & KYOTO
In a legally binding decision, the 15 nations of the European Union agreed
in early March to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on climate change by June.
In doing so, the countries committed to an 8 percent total reduction in
greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels -- although they have not yet
agreed on emissions targets for each country. The E.U. hoped the action
would encourage other nations to ratify the accord prior to a U.N. -sponsored
summit on sustainable development, to be held in South Africa in August.
To take effect, the treaty must be ratified by 55 countries, including
industrialized nations responsible for at least 55 percent of total global
emissions. The refusal of the U.S. to participate effectively means that
virtually every other industrialized country will have to ratify the treaty.
San Francisco Chronicle, 04 March 2002
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2002/03/04/international1306EST0633.DTL
BBC News, 04 Mar 2002
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1854000/1854038.stm
CONTINENTAL ENERGY MARKETS & GHG EMISSIONS: THE IMPLICATIONS?
(Conference
20-21 FEB)
For more information pls contact: Claudia Velasquez, CERI; Tel: +1-403-220-2380;
cvelasquez@ceri.ca or
SNIPPETS: The conference was held from 20-21 February 2002 in
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The meeting was organized by the International
Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the Canadian Energy Research
Institute (CERI), and was sponsored by Alcan, Environment Canada, Hydro
One, Natural Resources Canada, Ontario Power Generation, Petro-Canada,
Shell Canada, Suncor Energy, and TransCanada. Over one hundred and thirty
participants from Canada, the US and Mexico attended, representing government
agencies, academic and research institutions, business and industry, and
international and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The conference
presented participants with an opportunity to examine strategies and approaches
to meet North America's current and future energy needs, including the
option of a continental energy strategy. In considering the continent's
energy needs, participants met in Plenary to hear speeches and to engage
in discussions on the following issues: the US energy policy; roles of
Parties with different commitments under the Kyoto Protocol and the implications
for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); innovative approaches
to meeting energy needs; and implications of energy issues for development
in the continent's northern regions.
BRIEFING ON US ENERGY POLICY: Participants at the conference
were also briefed on the US National Energy Policy and its implementation
by Larisa Dobriansky, Senior Policy Advisor at the US Department of Energy.
She explained that the Policy was prompted by a growing imbalance between
energy supply and demand in the US, and that it recognizes that secure
and sustainable energy that is reliable and affordable is essential for
human prosperity. Dobriansky highlighted the importance of taking an integrated
approach, and underscored the need for a balanced and diverse portfolio
of energy sources to ensure energy security and for increasingly modernized
energy infrastructure and regulations. She emphasized the importance of
maintaining energy trading partnerships with Canada, and stated that the
new US climate change strategy demonstrates its commitment to the objectives
of the UNFCCC. In response to a question on impediments to improved energy
efficiency, Dobriansky noted some regulatory obstacles, and said that
industry stakeholders had expressed concerns about the US EPA's New Source
Review Program (a permit program that regulates emissions released to
the air from new and modified stationary sources).
SESSION THREE: THE ROLES OF PARTIES WITH DIFFERENT COMMITMENTS UNDER
THE
KYOTO PROTOCOL AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NAFTA
This session, which examined the roles of parties with different commitments
under the Kyoto Protocol and the implications this may have for NAFTA,
was held on Wednesday afternoon. Presentations were given on the international
climate change negotiations, Mexico's energy and climate change policies,
and on industry and NGO perspectives. This was followed by a question-and-answer
period. The session was moderated by Janine Ferretti, Executive Director
of the North American Commission for Environmental
Cooperation, who drew participants' attention to last year's announcement
in Quebec City that the countries of NAFTA would intensify their work
on continental energy trading. Noting the recent divergence among NAFTA
members' approaches on climate change, she invited speakers to comment
on the path forward.
Reflecting on the session addressing the roles of Parties with different
commitments under the Kyoto Protocol and implications for NAFTA, Sue Kirby,
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister for the Energy Sector at Natural Resources
Canada, highlighted various emerging themes, including that:climate change
poses a high risk for both the economy and the environment; -there is
need for a systems approach and a long-term vision and framework; the
US, as a non-Party to the Protocol, will have a competitive advantage
over its trading partners, and is less likely to encourage carbon reducing
technologies and innovations; key decisions regarding allocation of responsibility
and costs need to be resolved, particularly when the producer and consumer
are based in different countries; and it may make more sense for Canada
and the US to pursue partnerships in specific areas, rather than cooperate
on a broad North American climate policy framework.
INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATIONS: Paul Fauteux, Director General of
the Climate Change Bureau in Canada's Environment Department, presented
a government perspective on climate change negotiations, focusing on Canada's
cleaner energy exports, the Kyoto mechanisms, and the second commitment
period. On cleaner energy exports, he stressed the importance of this
issue to Canada, but acknowledged that progress was likely to be slow,
especially in light of opposition or indifference among other Parties.
On the mechanisms, he highlighted the need to ensure that whatever approach
the US takes to trading, this approach must be compatible with the Protocol.
He discussed eligibility for trading in North America, stating that if
Canada ratified and there was entry into force, it could be both a buyer
and seller, while the US could only buy, and Mexico could only sell. On
second commitment period targets, he said developing countries, or at
least major emitters, should take on commitments. This would mean greater
compatibility in the North American context, particularly if the US rejoined
the Protocol.
John Dillon, Vice President of Policy and Legal Counsel with the Canadian
Council of Chief Executives, presented a Canadian industry perspective
on the Kyoto Protocol negotiations. He highlighted a number of concerns,
including whether Canada will be able to bridge the estimated 30% gap
between its current emissions situation and obligations for the first
commitment period, and what impact the Protocol might have on trade and
competitiveness, particularly in light of the US withdrawal. He stressed
that many details have yet to be determined or clarified before a clear
assessment can be made on how effectively the private sector will be able
to use the Kyoto mechanisms, and on the viability of rules governing carbon
sequestration.
Thomas Jacob, Senior Advisor for Global Affairs at DuPont, stressed
the need for global emissions reductions while simultaneously strengthening
the global economy. In this regard, he highlighted DuPont's greenhouse
gas emissions reductions of over 60% since 1990. He stated that, although
the targets and
timetable of the Kyoto Protocol may be overly aggressive, DuPont approves
of the Protocol's market-based mechanisms and basic architecture. In addition,
Jacob drew attention to concerns among industries based in the EU, Canada,
and Japan regarding an unconstrained US industry, and noted
that the EU is exploring options for "border adjustment" to
level the playing field, which may become a complicated issue under the
World Trade Organization (WTO).
WHATS ON THE WEB
'Expert Meeting Harmonizing forest-related definitions for use by
various stakeholders', held in Rome on 23-25 January 2002. Proceedings
now at: http://www.fao.org/forestry/climate
US Global Change Research Program http://www.usgcrp.gov/usgcrp/new.htm
Contact: Nick Sundt, USGCRP Information & Outreach, Email: nsundt@usgcrp.gov
or website: www.usgcrp.gov
Includes: *set of forest sector articles from Bioscience (Sep 2001) -
from US national assessment document on climate change
*European low-ozone event reveals worrying trend. (6 Feb 2002) European
Space Agency.
*Ocean Currents Slow, Causing Warmer Ocean and less CO2 Input to Atmosphere,
Say NOAA Scientists. (6 Feb 2002) NOAA.
*Fewer clouds found in tropics NASA scientists discover new evidence of
climate change. Press release (31 Jan 2002) from NASA Goddard Space Flight
Center.
Climate Change and Sustainable Development Newsletter
American Bar Association: http://www.abanet.org/environ/committees/climatechange/newsletter/
January 2002 - Latest Edition: Articles dealing with The Marrakesh Accords
, Global Petroleum Industry Approaches for Long-Term Carbon Management,
Carbon Trading in the European Community, Emissions Trading and Other
Climate Change Legislation - Overview and Update. More Info: Amy Royden
via amyroyden@hotmail.com
One Person's "World View of Global Warming"
This is a photographic documentation of climate change by US photographer,
Gary Braasch at http://www.worldviewofglobalwarming.org. The purpose of
this public resource is to document field research on climate, to photograph
studies and locations that do not have a lot of direct coverage.
Reactions and corrections are also of interest.
The Eurobarometer: A European Survey on Attitudes to Science
and Technology at http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/press/2001/pr0612en.html
Some interesting statistics about community interest in science.
NEW PUBLICATIONS
Advanced remote sensing techniques for forestry applications: a case
study in Sarawak (Malaysia) by Nezry, E.; Yakam-Simen, F.; Romeijn,
P.; Supit, I.; Demargne, L.; 2000. Invited paper at Multi-Conference On
Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics (SCI2000), Orlando (Fla.), 6 p.,
23-26 July
2000.
Download paper http://www.treemail.nl/download/sci-00.pdf
Abstract: This paper describes that timber volumes can now be assessed
from satellite images, using an operational commercial case study regarding
forest concessions in Sarawak to illustrate the application of the techniques
employed. This can be an important step forward in monitoring of carbon
sequestration. The authors present a new technique for standing timber
volume estimation based on remote sensing knowledge and forestry knowledge,
which proved fairly accurate. The issues covered in the paper
are: Georeferencing in GIS environment; Pre-processing of the remote sensing
data; Topography; Detection issues; Forest and Land-use inventory; Estimation
of standing timber volume; Validation of standing timber volume estimation;
and Conclusion and perspectives for the prevention of forest fires.
Climate Change 2001: Synthesis Report. (published 2002) from
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Summary for Policymakers
and Technical Summary (http://www.ipcc.ch)
Bush climate policy commentary by Fredric C. Menz for CICERO
Center for International Climate and Environmental Research. Paper at
http://www.cicero.uio.no/index_e.asp
Fredric C. Menz is a Visiting
Fulbright Scholar at CICERO, Oslo, Norway, and Professor of Economics,
Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY. E-mail address: fredric.menz@cicero.uio.no
Menz points out that emissions intensity decreased by about 1.8 percent
annually in the period 1990-1999. Thus, the US President's climate initiative
- to achieve a 1.8 percent annual reduction in GHG emissions intensity
over the next 10 years - corresponds exactly to what occurred during the
1990s without the policy.
Greenhouse Gas Price Scenarios for 2000-2012: Impact of Different
Policy Regimes, by Matt Varilek and Nina Marenzi, IWOe Discussion
Paper No. 96, Institute for Economy and the Environment (IWOe), University
of St. Gallen (HSG), Switzerland. Download at http://www.iwoe.unisg.ch/IMKYM-COFIN
The paper is an output of the European research and development (R&D)
project titled "Implementing the Kyoto Mechanisms: Contributions
by Financial Institutions" (IMKYM-COFIN). The objective of this R&D
project is to develop innovative financial products that are tailored
to meet the needs of participants in emerging greenhouse gas emission
markets and prospective users of the Kyoto Mechanisms. The project is
co-financed by the European Commission, Research Directorate-General,
and the Swiss Federal Office for Education and Science. Participants are
University of St. Gallen, Gerling Sustainable Development Project (German
insurance company), Sanpaolo IMI (Italian bank) and Natsource-Tullett
Europe (emissions and energy broker).
The Economic and Environmental Implications of the US Repudiation
of the Kyoto Protocol and the Subsequent Deals in Bonn and Marrakech
by Andreas Löschel, Centre for European Economic Research, Mannheim,
Germany and ZhongXiang Zhang, East-West Center, Honolulu, USA Download
paper at the URL:http://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=299463
Abstract: Taking account of sinks credits as agreed in Bonn and Marrakech,
this paper illustrates how market power could be exerted in the absence
of the US ratification under Annex 1 trading and explores the potential
implications of the non-competitive supply behavior for the international
market of tradable permits, compliance costs for the remaining Annex 1
countries to meet their revised Kyoto targets, and the environmental effectiveness.
Our results show that the US withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol has had
by far the greatest impact on the environmental effectiveness of the Protocol.
This would lead to no real emission reduction in all remaining Annex 1
regions. As the biggest single buyer on the permit market, the absence
of US ratification would significantly reduce the demand for permits.Consequently,
the price of permits under Annex 1 trading would drop to zero. While all
remaining Kyoto-constrained Annex 1 countries would enjoy meeting their
revised Kyoto targets at zero costs, seller countries with excess supply
of hot air would lose all their revenues under perfect Annex 1 trading.
Given the former Soviet Union (FSU) and the Eastern European countries
(EEC) as the dominant suppliers of emissions permits on the international
market, it seems likely that they would exert market power to maximize
their revenues from permit sales. Depending on how market power is exerted,
our results show that the overall compliance costs of all remaining Annex
1 regions in the case of FSU cooperating with EEC could reach as much
as two times that in the case of only FSU acting as a monopoly. But no
matter how market power is exerted, all Kyoto-constrained Annex 1 regions
are better
off with emissions trading in terms of their compliance costs than with
no trading at all. Moreover, curtailing permit supply by market power
will cut the amount of hot air being emitted into the atmosphere by more
than half and at the same time, increases Annex 1 domestic abatement efforts.
Thus, the overall environmental effectiveness is increased, although it
is much less under the market power scenarios examined than in the case
of the ratification of all Annex 1 regions including the US.
Technology Transfer for Renewable Energy: Overcoming Barriers in
Developing Countries by Gill Wilkins (co-published by the Royal Institute
of International Affairs and Earthscan Publications Ltd.) More Info: sustainable-development@riia.org
Renewables offer significant investment opportunities, particularly for
countries needing to rapidly develop energy supplies and infrastructure,
while also mitigating emissions and climate change. The author draws on
extensive case study material from Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam,
Thailand, the South Pacific, Kenya and India, to explain the main barriers
to the successful transfer of renewable energy technology, the role of
key players and how the clean development mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol
can be used to stimulate investment and a market for clean energy supplies.
Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Developed Countries: 1990 -
2010
Download at http://www.epa.gov/ghginfo/reports
or contact Elizabeth Scheehle (scheehle.elizabeth@epa.gov).
This document presents emissions and baseline projections of the non-CO2
gases from major anthropogenic sources for 38 developed countries. This
report provides a consistent and comprehensive estimate of non-CO2 greenhouse
gases that can be used to understand national and global contributions
to climate change, and mitigation opportunities and costs. The gases included
in this report are the direct greenhouse gases reported by parties to
the UNFCCC: methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and the high
global warming potential (High GWP) gases. Historical estimates are reported
for 1990 and 1995, and projections of emissions in the absence of climate
measures ("Business As Usual") are provided for 2000 through
2020. Historical and future trends are shown by region and by gas. The
emission estimates presented in this report are derived from publicly
available country-submitted estimates, when they are consistent with the
Revised 1996 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (IPCC,
1997).
Although this report does not incorporate the information from the Third
National Communications, EPA plans to incorporate this information, as
well as additional new data, and release periodically updated databases
on the following website: http://www.epa.gov/ghginfo.
The Global Climate Change Regime: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead
by Dr Benito Müller
Pre-print copy now available at www.wolfson.ox.ac.uk/~mueller
Commissioned by the Fridtjof Nansen Institute (Oslo) for the Yearbook
of International Co-Operation on Environment and Development 2002/2003,
forthcoming August 2002. The focus of the FCCC negotiations to-date has
been firmly on
establishing a multilateral emission mitigation regime. The article argues
that not withstanding some widespread Northern misconceptions the FCCC
regime is unlikely to succeed unless the key Southern (equity) concern
of (sharing) human impact burdens is put firmly on its agenda for the
coming years. It also suggests that the forthcoming eighth Conference
of the FCCC Parties, COP-8, hosted by the Indian Government in New Delhi,
presents a unique opportunity to set such a process in motion.
SEMINARS & CONFERENCES
(NSW, August 2002)
5th World Acid Sulfate Soils Conference: Sustainable management of
acid sulfate soils
When: 25th-30th of August 2002 : Twin Towns Services Club and Resort,
Tweed Heads,NSW,Australia. Website: http://www.out.at/acidsoil
For information please contact Ben Macdonald, Conference Director, School
of Geography, University of New South Wales bennettmacdonald@bigpond.com
-Researchers, land managers and legislators have become very aware of
the potential environment degradation for the unsustainable use acid sulfate
soils. The conference embraces four broad themes that are important in
achieving sustainable management of acid sulfate soils. The conveners
invite investigators from all fields of acid sulfate soil research and
management to submit an abstract(s) that fit within the scope of this
conference.
1. Characteristics of acid sulfate soil hazards; 2. Management of Acid
sulfate soils; 3. Planning, Legislation and Regulation; and 4. Acid Sulfate
Soil Education and Communication
(Johannesburg, South Africa. 26 Aug - 4 Sept 2002)
2002 WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:
Contact: Andrey Vasilyev, DESA; tel: +1-212-963-5949; fax: +1-212-963-4260;
e-mail: vasilyev@un.org; Major groups contact: Zehra Aydin-Sipos, DESA;
tel: +1-212-963-8811; fax: +1-212-963-1267; e-mail: aydin@un.org; Internet:
http://www.johannesburgsummit.org/
32ND SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL TROPICAL TIMBER COUNCIL
The 32nd session of the ITTC. For more information contact: ITTO; tel:
+81-45-223-1110; fax: +81-45-223-1111; e-mail: itto@itto.or.jp; Internet:
http://www.itto.or.jp
(The Hague, the Netherlands, from 7-19 April 2002)
SIXTH CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION ON BIODIVERSITY:
CBD COP-6 will take place in The COP is expected to receive reports from
its subsidiary bodies, the Executive Secretary and the GEF, review the
implementation of the programme of work, and focus on the following issues:
forest biological diversity; invasive alien species that threaten ecosystems,
habitats or species; access and benefit-sharing as related to genetic
resources; and the strategic plan, national reporting and operations of
the Convention. Parties are also expected to adopt a budget for the next
biennium. For more information contact: CBD Secretariat; tel: +1-514-288-2220;
fax: +1-514-288-6588; e-mail: secretariat@biodiv.org; Internet: http://www.biodiv.org/meetings/cop-06.asp
(The Hague, The Netherlands, March 2002)
Forest Valuation & Innovative Financing Mechanisms for conservation
and sustainable management of tropical forests ,
Tropenbos International seminar 2002 Golden Tulip Bel Air http://www.tropenbos.nl/
(VICTORIA, MARCH 2002)
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE DISCUSSES FUTURE OF WEATHER SATELLITES
More than 100 weather satellite specialists from 20 countries met recently
in Lorne, Victoria, to discuss the future of this important area of science.
Conference delegates representing the organisations that launch and operate
the satellites, those developing new instruments to be flown on the satellites,
and those who process the data and use it. Co-chair Guy Rochard of the
French weather service Meteo-France said the gathering was a highly significant
and important international forum. "Much of the science
discussed here is leading-edge, and the programs we are talking about
run to billions of dollars. The recommendations we will make after this
meeting will have a real impact on the future plans of coordinating bodies
such as the World Meteorological Organization and scientific organisations
such as
NASA" Mr Rochard said. Parliamentary Secretary responsible for the
Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Dr Sharman Stone, said "This is
a significant conference for Australia to be hosting given our reliance
on
accurate satellite data to guide forecasting and warning services, across
the continent."
http://www.bom.gov.au/announcements/media_releases/ho/20020305.shtml
(USA, 25 - 27 March)
EARTH TECHNOLOGIES FORUM http://www.earthforum.com
This conference and exhibition on global climate change and ozone protection
technologies and policies will be held from 25-27 March 2002 in Washington,
DC. Participants will discuss current technologies and efforts to bring
them into the marketplace. For more information contact: tel: +1-703-807-4052;
e-mail: earthforum@alcalde-fay.com
(UK, 8-9 APRIL 2002)
Climate Change & The Built Environment
For researchers, designers and regulators to exchange information and
ideas from their own countries on dealing with the great challenge of
climate change and its effect on buildings, their occupants and sustainability.More
Info: Tyndall Centre for CC Research - Dr Simon Torok via s.torok@uea.ac.uk
(UK, 15 - 19 April 2002)
PROGRAMME ON CLIMATE CHANGE - SCIENCE, IMPACTS AND POLICY RESPONSES:
This event will take place from 15-19 April 2002 at Imperial College,
London, UK. The five-day modular programme aims to bring a diversity of
professionals together to help them understand the underlying science
and the business impact of climate change and responses. For more information
contact: Ulrika
Wernmark; tel: +44-20-7594-6886; fax: +44-20-7594-6883; e-mail: u.wernmark@ic.ac.uk;
Internet: http://www.ad.ic.ac.uk/cpd/climate.htm
ARTICLES & PRESS RELEASES OF INTEREST
(CSIRO, March 2002)
$13M Aussie technology to fly on European satellite
More at : http://www.csiro.au/page.asp?type=mediaRelease&id=prenvisat
An instrument for measuring sea surface temperatures from space, developed
jointly by Australian and UK scientists, is to be launched today aboard
the European earth observation satellite ENVISAT. Measurement of global
sea surface temperatures is integral to climate modelling and forecasting
and
the $40 million satellite instrument will substantially boost Australia's
contribution to international climate and environmental science.
(Sydney, March)
AUSTRALIAN LAUNCH OF A GHG PROTOCOL
More at www.ghgprotocol.org
A Greenhouse Gas Protocol was launched in Sydney on Monday 18 March 2002.
The launch was officially opened by the NSW Minister for Energy, Hon.
Kim Yeadon, MP. The launch was sponsored by SMEC Environment and the Sustainable
Energy Development Authority of NSW. The Protocol will provide
Australian based companies with a comprehensive, internationally accepted,
corporate greenhouse gas accounting and reporting standard. It was created
through a unique multi-stakeholder partnership of businesses, NGOs, and
governments over three years through the World Business Council for
Sustainable Development, Geneva and the World Resources Institute, Washington,
D.C."More than 30 companies in 10 countries road tested the draft,
with extensive peer reviews over three years. The resulting Greenhouse
Gas Protocol sets the first international benchmark for corporate reporting
applicable to different business sectors and under numerous schemes,"
Ms Heidi Sundin, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBSCD)
said.
BP, Volkswagen, DuPont, IBM and Ford Motor Company were involved in
the initial testing of the Protocol, with BP spokesperson Mr Colin Gomm
outlining his company's experience at the launch. Mr Peter Klose, a spokesperson
for the Cement Industry Federation said, "The Protocol not only provides
companies with a means to track greenhouse gas emissions generated from
their business operations, but also, the opportunity to clearly identify
potential improvements in their emissions." According to Dr Ros Taplin
of SMEC, "The Greenhouse Gas Protocol will promote convergence of
greenhouse accounting practices globally. In this way the Protocol will
reduce costs, improve comparability and strengthen the capacity of managers
to make informed decisions on greenhouse risks and opportunities."
Companies will require a robust accounting and reporting standard in which
to determine their international carbon trading rights. The Greenhouse
Gas Protocol has been launched in Europe and North America, and companies
in these countries are already using The Greenhouse Gas Protocol for this
purpose.
(ENVIRONMENT AUSTRALIA, 8 MARCH 2002)
NATIONAL LAND AND WATER RESOURCES AUDIT TO CONTINUE ( http://www.ea.gov.au/minister/env/2002/mr07mar202.html)
The Federal Coalition Government has announced that it will continue the
work of the National Land and Water Resources Audit. The Federal Minister
for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Mr Warren Truss, and the Minister
for the Environment and Heritage, Dr David Kemp, said today they had decided
the work of the Natural Heritage Trust-funded Audit should be extended
beyond 30 June this year, when its work was due to have ended. The purpose
of the Audit has been to provide an independent, comprehensive, nationwide
appraisal of Australia's natural resources and their use.
(THE AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPER, 4 MARCH 2002)
Owning a Mobile isn't Everything ( http://www.science.org.au/academy/media/mobile.htm
)
The President of the Australian Academy of Science, Brian Anderson, puts
a case for the nation's requirement for "a well developed scientific
skills base and scientific infrastructure". [Featured in The Funneled
Web, http://www.the-funneled-web.com,
an online magazine that lobbies for recognition of science and education
to Australia.]
(UniSci 11-Feb-2002)
INTERNATIONAL GROUP SEARCHES FOR MISSING CARBON SINK
http://unisci.com/stories/20021/0211024.htm
A multinational research group led by atmospheric scientists at Colorado
State University has uncovered new information regarding the Earth's carbon
dioxide sources and sinks. Among other results, the researchers conclude
that North America may not be absorbing as much carbon dioxide as previously
reported, according to a report in the current issue of Nature. Sixteen
leading research teams in carbon transport modeling from the United States,
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Japan and Australia are
participating in the TransCom 3 project. The group is completing a three-year
study aimed at helping to resolve a controversy concerning the mysterious
removal of a large amount of carbon dioxide from the Earth's atmosphere
known as the missing sink. In recent years, the missing sink has partially
offset the large amount of carbon dioxide -- the dominant contributor
to global warming -- emitted into the Earth's atmosphere.
"Something on land in the Northern Hemisphere is sucking up carbon,"
said Kevin Gurney, lead author of the paper and a research associate at
Colorado State. "This missing sink is not a new phenomenon, but where
it is and how it works has long remained a mystery. Unraveling this mystery
is essential if we are to reliably predict future levels of carbon dioxide
build-up and the resultant global warming." The TransCom 3 research
team agrees with previous reports that there is a large carbon dioxide
sink on land in the Northern Hemisphere. However, contrary to a recent,
widely cited study, the group does not believe the sink is entirely in
North America. "Our research found carbon uptake over the Northern
Hemisphere continents distributed relatively evenly across North America,
Europe and temperate Asia," said A.
Scott Denning, assistant professor of atmospheric science at Colorado
State and coordinator of the TransCom 3 project. "We found the North
American sink approximately 60 percent of the size suggested in the earlier
study, as well as other large carbon sinks in Europe and Asia." TransCom
3 also concluded that the southern ocean, long considered by oceanographers
to be a massive carbon sink, is not as large as what has been suggested.
According to the study, the ocean is taking up less carbon dioxide, and
landmass, specifically in the Northern Hemisphere, is absorbing more than
previously thought.
The research team additionally forwarded two conclusions that could
improve future research into carbon dioxide sources and absorption. First,
prioritizing where and how to make more measurements needs to be a priority
when studying the tropics due to a lack of data in those areas. Second,
for more accurately studying the Northern Hemisphere, efforts need to
be focused on improving scientific air-flow transport models. "If,
for example, the goal is to improve the understanding of sinks in the
northern continents, where the majority of us live, then the most important
thing to do is to put resources toward improving air-flow models,"
said Denning. "However, even if you had really good models in the
tropics, you would
still be out of luck because of the lack of data."
TransCom 3 combined a database of CO2 measurements at 76 sites throughout
the world with global wind information to determine where carbon dioxide
comes from and where it is absorbed. Through inverse modeling and a unique,
unified scientific approach, the group was able to map the sources and
sinks of carbon dioxide in 22 regions: 11 on land and 11 at sea. "What
is so encouraging about these results is how robust they are to many of
the assumptions used," said Gurney. "By enlisting the cooperation
of the
worldwide carbon-modeling community, the project was less sensitive to
details that plague other studies."
(ABC News, 15 Feb)
AUSTRALIA BACKS U.S. CLIMATE PLAN, DOUBTS ON KYOTO
Internet: http://abcnews.go.com/wire/World/reuters20020215_30.html
CANBERRA (Reuters) - Australia gave its backing on Friday to President
Bush's new voluntary plan to combat climate change, renewing doubts that
Canberra would ratify the Kyoto treaty rejected by Washington. Bush presented
a voluntary plan Thursday to slow the growth of heat-trapping gases blamed
for global warming in contrast to the mandatory limits sought in the 1997
Kyoto Treaty which Washington has shunned, saying it would harm the economy.
Prime Minister John Howard reiterated it was not in Australia's national
interest to ratify the Kyoto pact if the United States, which emits a
quarter of the world's man-made greenhouse gases, and developing nations
such as China were not on board. Australia is a signatory to Kyoto but
has not yet decided if it will ratify the United Nations anti-pollution
treaty."We are a net exporter of energy, and unless you have the
developing countries involved we would be hurt," Howard told a news
conference. "Our position...it is much closer to that of the United
States than the attitude of the European countries. I do think what the
president indicates in his speech will lead to an alternative to simply
saying 'no' to the Kyoto Protocol, and I welcome that."
The left-leaning Australian Democrats said Australia's conservative
government should not draw legitimacy for a rejection of Kyoto from Bush's
alternative plan. The federal government should choose to be a team
player," spokeswoman Lyn Allison said in a statement. "Australia
and the United States are already seen as global hypocrites for taking
a narrow, self-interested stand on climate change."
CALL TO REJECT STAND
Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Environment Minister
David Kemp said elements of Bush's plan were consistent with Australia's
views that climate change measures must be cost-effective with minimal
impact on trade competitiveness. "The government will closely examine
its future climate change strategy in light of the approach outlined by
President Bush and developments in relation to the Kyoto Protocol,"
Downer and Kemp said in a joint statement. Kemp said he would visit Washington
soon for climate talks then hold talks with the European Union and other
countries.
Climate Action Network Australia (CANA) spokeswoman Anna Reynolds said
the Bush plan would increase greenhouse gas emissions and urged Canberra
to ratify Kyoto, which commits developed countries to cut emissions by
an average of five percent from 1990 levels by 2012. "Emissions under
Bush's plan will actually increase by 14 percent during the time period
because of expected growth of GDP," Reynolds said in a statement.
"Australia should reject this plan and join with the responsible
industrialized world who want to avoid intensifying global warming,"
she said. CANA is an alliance of more than 25 regional, state and national
environmental, health and community development and research groups.See
also-
"CANBERRA TO REASSESS KYOTO PLAN," The Age:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/2002/02/16/FFXJMI3VOXC.html
"AUSTRALIA, CANADA MAY SKIP KYOTO PROTOCOL: METI OFFICIAL,"
Kyodo:
http://home.kyodo.co.jp/all/display.jsp?an=20020221232
(New Zealand Herald, 14 Feb)
GOVERNMENT MOVES WITH CAUTION ON KYOTO http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/businessstorydisplay.cfm?storyID=939171&thesection=business
&thesubsection=general&thesecondsubsection&thetickercode
The [NZ] Government has signalled that policies to implement the Kyoto
Protocol will recognise concerns about competitiveness and be brought
in gradually. What the Government will do, to whom and how quickly will
not be known until it releases its preferred policy package for consultation
in April. But the national interest analysis tabled in Parliament yesterday
outlines the principles that will guide climate-change policy design.
One is to achieve sustainable reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases.
But that has to be balanced against the need to avoid "carbon leakage"
- that is, avoid policies that would drive industries with high emissions
to non-Kyoto countries. That had long been the Government's position but
critics of Kyoto had not taken sufficient account of it, said Climate
Change Minister Pete Hodgson. Along the same lines, "policies will
recognise that competitiveness and tomorrow is important for all our industries,
including new entrants", the analysis says. Policy development would
be incremental, adaptable, developed in close consultation with "stakeholders"
and "build from low-cost policies now to policies that expose emitters
to the full [carbon] price, as knowledge and certainty increase, and countries
currently without emissions targets take on targets".
The analysis, which concludes that ratification would be in the national
interest, goes to the foreign affairs select committee, which will take
public submissions. In the end, though, the decision on whether to ratify
is the Cabinet's. The Government has agreed in principle to ratification
by September. Prime Minister Helen Clark told Parliament on Tuesday that
the Government intended to move in step with the "broad consensus
of western countries". Mr Hodgson said yesterday that did not mean
waiting for the
United States or Australia to ratify. "We need as much time as possible
to make the transition," he said. Implementation of measures to meet
New Zealand's obligations would not occur until enough countries ratified
- in effect Europe and Japan - to bring the treaty into force.
At that point many countries would be obliged to introduce policy measures
and trading regimes that would allow New Zealand to gain benefits to offset
the costs involved, Helen Clark said. New Zealand had plenty of time to
make the transition. The treaty would not come into effect until 2008.
"The overall economic impact is estimated to be of net benefit to
New Zealand," she said. The national interest analysis cites economic
modelling by the Australian forecaster ABARE, which concluded that Kyoto
would be slightly positive for gross national product. And ratification
would avoid New Zealand being seen
as a free-rider and would be consistent with its clean, green image.
CHANGES TO SUBSCRIPTION ARRANGEMENTS [e- Carbon News NOW ON WEB]
Subscribers to e-Carbon News were advised via email in January
2002 that all current list users had to re-subscribe themselves or they
would no longer receive eCarbon News after the February update. The CRC
list only accepts new subscribers via an online form at http://www.greenhouse.crc.org.au/crc/ecarbon/subscribe.cfm
Thank you for subscribing.
|
