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The place for NZ oriented news releases on climate change and related energy policy.
Councils sign up for Climate Change initiative
Energy Minister and Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson, today launched the Communities for Climate Protection (CCP) programme.
The Minister welcomed the first New Zealand councils to sign up to CCP: "I'm delighted to see so much interest in this Ministry for the Environment programme," says Mr Hodgson. "Councils are ideally placed to lead local action on climate change within the community and I hope more will join this initiative."
Waitakere City Council, Kapiti Coast District Council, Christchurch City Council and Masterton District Council are the first to sign up to this international programme to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through the programme, participating councils take a multi step approach to reducing emissions:
· Developing emissions inventories
· Setting targets for reductions
· Developing action plans to achieving this, and
· Ongoing monitoring against targets.
Energy Minister and Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson, today launched the Communities for Climate Protection (CCP) programme.
The Minister welcomed the first New Zealand councils to sign up to CCP: "I'm delighted to see so much interest in this Ministry for the Environment programme," says Mr Hodgson. "Councils are ideally placed to lead local action on climate change within the community and I hope more will join this initiative."
Waitakere City Council, Kapiti Coast District Council, Christchurch City Council and Masterton District Council are the first to sign up to this international programme to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through the programme, participating councils take a multi step approach to reducing emissions:
· Developing emissions inventories
· Setting targets for reductions
· Developing action plans to achieving this, and
· Ongoing monitoring against targets.
Waste wood may fuel mothballed power station
Waste wood from Northland's forests could be used to fire a recommissioned Marsden B power station.
Mighty River Power is looking at refiring the 250-megawatt Marsden B, which was built in the late 1970s to run on oil but was mothballed in 1978 without being used.
Late last year, state-owned Mighty River ruled out using oil to refire the station for short-term emergency generation, and as a result this week said it would give the Government a $75 million dividend. "
Waste wood from Northland's forests could be used to fire a recommissioned Marsden B power station.
Mighty River Power is looking at refiring the 250-megawatt Marsden B, which was built in the late 1970s to run on oil but was mothballed in 1978 without being used.
Late last year, state-owned Mighty River ruled out using oil to refire the station for short-term emergency generation, and as a result this week said it would give the Government a $75 million dividend. "
Public warms to sun as new power supplier
Phillip Clemow is in hot water this winter - and loving every warm, wet minute of it.
The Auckland resident, who installed a solar water heating system in his new home last October, said his power bills had dropped by about $60 a month.
With winter power prices soaring, Clemow is one of hundreds of Kiwis turning to the sun as a solution. Although few can afford the $16,000 to set up a solar system to power a whole house, solar water heating is becoming increasingly popular and the industry claims it can save families up to 30% of their power bill. "
Phillip Clemow is in hot water this winter - and loving every warm, wet minute of it.
The Auckland resident, who installed a solar water heating system in his new home last October, said his power bills had dropped by about $60 a month.
With winter power prices soaring, Clemow is one of hundreds of Kiwis turning to the sun as a solution. Although few can afford the $16,000 to set up a solar system to power a whole house, solar water heating is becoming increasingly popular and the industry claims it can save families up to 30% of their power bill. "
Energy Greenhouse Gas Emissions 1990-2003
Latest yearly growth 3.1%
"Despite this increase, New Zealand remains one of the few countries with a comprehensive policy response to address its Kyoto commitments. A suite of government policies; across agriculture, electricity production, energy efficiency, industry, transport, waste and local government to reduce emissions, are now starting to reduce emissions as measured against business as usual and towards establishing a permanent downward path for total gross emissions by 2012."
Spin?
Latest yearly growth 3.1%
"Despite this increase, New Zealand remains one of the few countries with a comprehensive policy response to address its Kyoto commitments. A suite of government policies; across agriculture, electricity production, energy efficiency, industry, transport, waste and local government to reduce emissions, are now starting to reduce emissions as measured against business as usual and towards establishing a permanent downward path for total gross emissions by 2012."
Spin?
Preparing for climate change: A guide for local government in New Zealand
New Zealand Climate Change Office
New Zealand Climate Change Office
Practical help for local government on climate change
Further action has today been announced by Convenor, Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson, to help local government deal with climate change.
'Today we launch Preparing for Climate Change, a practical guide for local government to help it play its full part in identifying and preparing for the effects of climate change,' says Pete Hodgson.
'It would be irresponsible for government at any level to fail to respond to the threat of climate change. Action is being taken on two fronts. The first is to reduce the causes of climate change, through reducing emissions of greenhouse gases; the second is to better prepare ourselves for its physical impact such as flooding.' "
Further action has today been announced by Convenor, Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson, to help local government deal with climate change.
'Today we launch Preparing for Climate Change, a practical guide for local government to help it play its full part in identifying and preparing for the effects of climate change,' says Pete Hodgson.
'It would be irresponsible for government at any level to fail to respond to the threat of climate change. Action is being taken on two fronts. The first is to reduce the causes of climate change, through reducing emissions of greenhouse gases; the second is to better prepare ourselves for its physical impact such as flooding.' "
New Zealand takes action on SF6
The NZ Government, national grid operator Transpower, electricity generators and large electricity users will today sign a voluntary agreement to minimise emissions of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), the most potent greenhouse gas.
The gas only contributes 0.1% of the country?s GHG inventory. Still the Government has reaffirmed that it will exempt users of SF6 from cost arising from its use under climate change policies if the users adopt best practice to minimise SF6 emissions, set and meet emissions targets (in the case of major users) and report on SF6 use in accordance with internationally recognised guidelines."
The NZ Government, national grid operator Transpower, electricity generators and large electricity users will today sign a voluntary agreement to minimise emissions of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), the most potent greenhouse gas.
The gas only contributes 0.1% of the country?s GHG inventory. Still the Government has reaffirmed that it will exempt users of SF6 from cost arising from its use under climate change policies if the users adopt best practice to minimise SF6 emissions, set and meet emissions targets (in the case of major users) and report on SF6 use in accordance with internationally recognised guidelines."
INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has adopted lead authors and chapter outlines for its 4th Assessment Report.The 4th Assessment Report will provide a comprehensive assessment of the science of climate change, its impacts and adaptation options, and opportunities and costs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The report is due for completion by mid-2007 and will undergo a lengthy series of global expert and government review to ensure scientific balance and completeness of the final product.A number of New Zealand scientists will be participating in the report as lead authors, as well as contributing authors, review editors and expert reviewers.A description of the 4th Assessment Report, the chapter outlines and selected lead authors can be found at:http://www.ipcc.ch/activity/ar.htm
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has adopted lead authors and chapter outlines for its 4th Assessment Report.The 4th Assessment Report will provide a comprehensive assessment of the science of climate change, its impacts and adaptation options, and opportunities and costs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The report is due for completion by mid-2007 and will undergo a lengthy series of global expert and government review to ensure scientific balance and completeness of the final product.A number of New Zealand scientists will be participating in the report as lead authors, as well as contributing authors, review editors and expert reviewers.A description of the 4th Assessment Report, the chapter outlines and selected lead authors can be found at:http://www.ipcc.ch/activity/ar.htm
Subsidies eased for greenhouse projects
Tens of millions of dollars' worth of subsidies on offer for projects which reduce emissions of greenhouse gases should be easier to come by, after changes to the programme announced by Climate Change Minister Pete Hodgson.
The subsidies are paid not in cash but in emission units - internationally tradeable rights to emit greenhouse gases - commonly called carbon credits. Previously awarded credits have sold for over $10 each. "
Tens of millions of dollars' worth of subsidies on offer for projects which reduce emissions of greenhouse gases should be easier to come by, after changes to the programme announced by Climate Change Minister Pete Hodgson.
The subsidies are paid not in cash but in emission units - internationally tradeable rights to emit greenhouse gases - commonly called carbon credits. Previously awarded credits have sold for over $10 each. "
NZ - U.S. consolidate partnership on climate change
Six new projects were today announced in Washington under the New Zealand - United States bilateral climate change partnership. The announcement was made by Judy Lawrence of the New Zealand Climate Change Office and Dr. Harlan Watson, the U.S. Senior Climate Negotiator and Special Representative.
The partnership, signed in July 2003, provides means of enhancing and accelerating collaboration and practical cooperation on climate change issues. The projects announced today are:
· A study of global methane emissions
· The rescue and digitisation of historic climate data
· Work on carbon dioxide sequestration in coal seams
· Work to develop new materials for the hydrogen economy
· Work on nitrous oxide emissions from grazed pastures, and
· The hosting of a joint event with Australia, to work with developing countries in the Pacific on climate observation
Six new projects were today announced in Washington under the New Zealand - United States bilateral climate change partnership. The announcement was made by Judy Lawrence of the New Zealand Climate Change Office and Dr. Harlan Watson, the U.S. Senior Climate Negotiator and Special Representative.
The partnership, signed in July 2003, provides means of enhancing and accelerating collaboration and practical cooperation on climate change issues. The projects announced today are:
· A study of global methane emissions
· The rescue and digitisation of historic climate data
· Work on carbon dioxide sequestration in coal seams
· Work to develop new materials for the hydrogen economy
· Work on nitrous oxide emissions from grazed pastures, and
· The hosting of a joint event with Australia, to work with developing countries in the Pacific on climate observation
New Australian enviro minister to fight GHG emissionsn
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will be one of the main priorities for Ian Campbell, who will take office as Australian Minister of Environment following a cabinet reshuffle.
Campbell told Australian press that reducing GHG emissions would be one of the most important issues for him in his time as minister. However, he will not work to persuade his boss, Prime Minister John Howard, to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.
'The briefing that I have received is that we are on track to achieve our Kyoto targets ... between 2008 and 2012,' Campbell said according to AAP."
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will be one of the main priorities for Ian Campbell, who will take office as Australian Minister of Environment following a cabinet reshuffle.
Campbell told Australian press that reducing GHG emissions would be one of the most important issues for him in his time as minister. However, he will not work to persuade his boss, Prime Minister John Howard, to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.
'The briefing that I have received is that we are on track to achieve our Kyoto targets ... between 2008 and 2012,' Campbell said according to AAP."
Six million emissions units to reduce greenhouse gases
The timetable for the second round of the government's projects to reduce emissions programme; under which six million emissions units are available, was announced today.
'The first round of this programme, under which four million units were awarded, proved so successful that we have expanded it to six million,' says Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson. 'This is proving to be a great way for organisations and individuals to make a significant impact on climate change at the same time as growing businesses.
'Through the programme, New Zealand benefits from a net reduction in emissions, the bringing forward of an increase in its renewable energy base and longer term emissions benefits.'
The programme, administered by the Climate Change Office, supports initiatives that will reduce greenhouse gas emission over the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol; 2008/12. The units are internationally tradable and, under the programme, are awarded to projects that would otherwise not go ahead in the normal course of business because they would not be economically viable. Previously awarded units have subsequently sold for over $10 each. "
The timetable for the second round of the government's projects to reduce emissions programme; under which six million emissions units are available, was announced today.
'The first round of this programme, under which four million units were awarded, proved so successful that we have expanded it to six million,' says Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson. 'This is proving to be a great way for organisations and individuals to make a significant impact on climate change at the same time as growing businesses.
'Through the programme, New Zealand benefits from a net reduction in emissions, the bringing forward of an increase in its renewable energy base and longer term emissions benefits.'
The programme, administered by the Climate Change Office, supports initiatives that will reduce greenhouse gas emission over the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol; 2008/12. The units are internationally tradable and, under the programme, are awarded to projects that would otherwise not go ahead in the normal course of business because they would not be economically viable. Previously awarded units have subsequently sold for over $10 each. "
GreenFleet gets businesses moving
An exciting new programme is being launched by the Sustainable Business Network - “GreenFleet”. With the heat of climate change issues, an unsettled global political arena and Kyoto obligations as a context, there is an urgent need for New Zealand to find practical ways of managing energy use and reducing emissions.
New Zealand businesses are likely to feel the pinch even more when the proposed 2007 carbon abatement tax will impact on energy bills and transport costs. Another, more immediate problem is the level of traffic congestion on our roads and the imminent rise in the cost of petrol. This can affect an organisation’s workplace travel costs, employee travel time, and can even prevent business.
An exciting new programme is being launched by the Sustainable Business Network - “GreenFleet”. With the heat of climate change issues, an unsettled global political arena and Kyoto obligations as a context, there is an urgent need for New Zealand to find practical ways of managing energy use and reducing emissions.
New Zealand businesses are likely to feel the pinch even more when the proposed 2007 carbon abatement tax will impact on energy bills and transport costs. Another, more immediate problem is the level of traffic congestion on our roads and the imminent rise in the cost of petrol. This can affect an organisation’s workplace travel costs, employee travel time, and can even prevent business.
Australia to lose out with no Kyoto: opposition: "
Australia not ratifying the Kyoto Protocol would cost the country billions in investments and lost productivity, the federal opposition says.
Opposition environment spokesman Kelvin Thomson says farmers and businesses will pay the price for Australia's failure to sign the protocol which seeks to limit countries' greenhouse gas emissions, wrote AAP.
'European companies in particular have been looking to become involved in investing in Australia,' he said, according to the agency. 'We'll miss out and businesses will miss out.'"
Australia not ratifying the Kyoto Protocol would cost the country billions in investments and lost productivity, the federal opposition says.
Opposition environment spokesman Kelvin Thomson says farmers and businesses will pay the price for Australia's failure to sign the protocol which seeks to limit countries' greenhouse gas emissions, wrote AAP.
'European companies in particular have been looking to become involved in investing in Australia,' he said, according to the agency. 'We'll miss out and businesses will miss out.'"
Coalminer to bury gas
The country's biggest coalminer, state-owned Solid Energy New Zealand, is looking at literally burying its looming greenhouse gas problems.
Solid Energy, Government electricity generator Genesis Energy and the state-owned Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences are investing $1.75 million in finding a way to bury unwanted carbon dioxide produced when fossil fuels are burned.
Solid Energy chief executive Don Elder said the carbon tax due to be announced by the Government in 2007, for the Kyoto Protocol commitment period beginning in 2008, was likely to make coal-based energy production and electricity generation more expensive. "
The country's biggest coalminer, state-owned Solid Energy New Zealand, is looking at literally burying its looming greenhouse gas problems.
Solid Energy, Government electricity generator Genesis Energy and the state-owned Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences are investing $1.75 million in finding a way to bury unwanted carbon dioxide produced when fossil fuels are burned.
Solid Energy chief executive Don Elder said the carbon tax due to be announced by the Government in 2007, for the Kyoto Protocol commitment period beginning in 2008, was likely to make coal-based energy production and electricity generation more expensive. "
Business News - Scientist sets high target for emissions
Australia's Chief Scientist wants his country to halve its emissions of global warming gases by 2050 - a far bolder target than the Howard Government has adopted.
Dr Robin Batterham, who serves two days a week as Chief Scientist and three days a week as chief technologist for mining giant Rio Tinto, says he would have been happier if the Government had set such a target in an energy white paper which it issued last month.
But he told an international conference on sustainability engineering and science in Auckland on Wednesday that progress towards sustainability should be pragmatic rather than heroic.
He says western societies could not cope with a sudden swing away from the coal, oil and natural gas that fuel their industries and transport.
Instead, he advocates transitional measures such as gradually requiring power stations to separate their carbon dioxide emissions and pipe them into sealed underground reservoirs. "
Australia's Chief Scientist wants his country to halve its emissions of global warming gases by 2050 - a far bolder target than the Howard Government has adopted.
Dr Robin Batterham, who serves two days a week as Chief Scientist and three days a week as chief technologist for mining giant Rio Tinto, says he would have been happier if the Government had set such a target in an energy white paper which it issued last month.
But he told an international conference on sustainability engineering and science in Auckland on Wednesday that progress towards sustainability should be pragmatic rather than heroic.
He says western societies could not cope with a sudden swing away from the coal, oil and natural gas that fuel their industries and transport.
Instead, he advocates transitional measures such as gradually requiring power stations to separate their carbon dioxide emissions and pipe them into sealed underground reservoirs. "
Running On Empty
Chris Trotter - The Independent
What do the United States' occupation of Iraq, National's retreat from New Zealand's nuclear free status, the proposed construction of Auckland's Eastern Corridor and the survival of the Green Party all have in common?
Illusions about energy.
The day is coming when the quantity of oil already sucked to the Earth's surface exceeds the quantity known to lie beneath it.
The Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas puts it somewhere between 2006 and 2010.
When that day arrives, whoever controls the world's energy reserves will be perfectly placed to dictate the planet's future.
As the demand for oil outstrips its supply, and the prices of petrol, diesel and home-heating oil begin their inexorable rise, governments world-wide will struggle to balance the need to end their economies' dependency on oil against their citizens' love affair with the private automobile.
Inevitably, energy and transport policy will come to dominate domestic politics.
Chris Trotter - The Independent
What do the United States' occupation of Iraq, National's retreat from New Zealand's nuclear free status, the proposed construction of Auckland's Eastern Corridor and the survival of the Green Party all have in common?
Illusions about energy.
The day is coming when the quantity of oil already sucked to the Earth's surface exceeds the quantity known to lie beneath it.
The Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas puts it somewhere between 2006 and 2010.
When that day arrives, whoever controls the world's energy reserves will be perfectly placed to dictate the planet's future.
As the demand for oil outstrips its supply, and the prices of petrol, diesel and home-heating oil begin their inexorable rise, governments world-wide will struggle to balance the need to end their economies' dependency on oil against their citizens' love affair with the private automobile.
Inevitably, energy and transport policy will come to dominate domestic politics.
Church backing for climate plan
The Church of England has declared its support for a challenging proposal to tackle the threat of climate change.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, says the plan, known often as 'contraction and convergence', offers a way to act justly towards the poorest.
The idea, hatched by the Global Commons Institute, says all the Earth's people have equal rights to cause pollution.
Already endorsed by other faith groups, it says nobody, however rich, should cause more than their allotted share. "
The Church of England has declared its support for a challenging proposal to tackle the threat of climate change.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, says the plan, known often as 'contraction and convergence', offers a way to act justly towards the poorest.
The idea, hatched by the Global Commons Institute, says all the Earth's people have equal rights to cause pollution.
Already endorsed by other faith groups, it says nobody, however rich, should cause more than their allotted share. "
Australia urged to reduce GHG emissions, set up emissions trading scheme
Insurance experts say Australians must drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions, and propose the Government to set up an emissions trading scheme by 2007.
The Australian Climate Group (ACG) on Monday launched its first report, Climate Change: Solutions for Australia. It recommended a 60 per cent reduction in the country's greenhouse gases by the year 2050, and an emissions trading scheme by 2007, reported AAP.
The ACG's advice challenges the current plans of Australian governments to leave similar cuts in greenhouse emissions until the end of this century.
"If we move now we can seize new business and employment opportunities in the emerging global economy that is growing in response to climate change,” ACG member and chief risk officer for Insurance Group Australia (IAG) Tony Coleman said in a statement.
Insurance experts say Australians must drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions, and propose the Government to set up an emissions trading scheme by 2007.
The Australian Climate Group (ACG) on Monday launched its first report, Climate Change: Solutions for Australia. It recommended a 60 per cent reduction in the country's greenhouse gases by the year 2050, and an emissions trading scheme by 2007, reported AAP.
The ACG's advice challenges the current plans of Australian governments to leave similar cuts in greenhouse emissions until the end of this century.
"If we move now we can seize new business and employment opportunities in the emerging global economy that is growing in response to climate change,” ACG member and chief risk officer for Insurance Group Australia (IAG) Tony Coleman said in a statement.
