What is Sea Shepherd?

Lush Supports Sea Shepherd in Saving Sharks

Australian Government Sells Out on the Environment

The Federal Government has ruled out a deep cut to Australia's greenhouse gas emissions before 2020, believing the world will not get its act together on climate change soon.

- Emission cuts 15% at most
- Emissions trading to start July 2010
- Business gets many free permits
- Power, coal to get $4 billion aid
- Electricity and gas bills to rise about $6 a week

The government has set an absolute maximum cut to emissions of 15% by 2020 - if the world signs an effective climate pact - in its greenhouse plan released today.

If no pact is signed, Australia will go with an unconditional 5% cut in emissions, compared with 1990 levels.

''We are not going to make promises that cannot be delivered,'' Prime Minister Kevin Rudd told the National Press Club as he launched his plan. 'We are starting the scheme with appropriate and responsible targets, targets that are broadly consistent with other developed countries.''

These targets, though, fly in the face of calls from scientists for countries to slash their emissions by 25% to 40% to avert catastrophic climate change.

''Basically there's a massive credibility deficit in the government on its own assessment of the national interests," said John Connor CEO of the Climate Institute. "It's crumbled to the polluter's interests.''

''We're ripping the heart out of momentum for a strong global deal,'' Mr Connor said.

For their part, businesses will remain apprehensive about emissions trading while the global financial ''firestorm'' continues, said Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Peter Anderson, adding that a compensation package worth more than $1 billion to help business and community groups adjust to emissions trading was ``not a bad idea''.

'Watered down'

Mr Rudd's target compares with the Europe Union's decision agreed over the weekend to cut emissions 20% by 2020.

Incoming US President Barack Obama has also pledged to introduce a so-called cap-and-trade system to reduce emissions, and promised to add US backing for talks on a global accord to combat climate change set for completion next year.

ANZ Bank economist Julie Toth said Australia's emissions reduction targets have been "watered down significantly.''

''Interestingly, the compensation measures are still significant although the target is much smaller, she said.

''Certainly it means that if the government is going to meet its commitment by 2050 of a cut of 60%, there will have to be some very large cuts further out,'' said Ms Toth.

"It does look like at first cut, they're leaving the harder decisions and the hard work to a later generation."

Rudd heckled

Australia's targets will enrage conservationists, but the government says it's unlikely the world can forge a strong greenhouse agreement so its targets are realistic.

Indeed, Mr Rudd was subjected to heckling by a female protester at the launch of the emissions trading scheme.

The female protester, believed to be a member of a Newcastle-based group, screamed ''No!'' as Mr Rudd began announcing details of the emissions target. She was removed from the Press Club launch. Separately, a group of protesters is occupying the PM's electorate office in Brisbane.

The unconditional 5% target was equal to a 27% reduction in carbon pollution for each Australian from 2000 to
2020, Mr Rudd said.

''I believe ... that we must remain ambitious for a long-term target for the planet of (an atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide of) 450 parts per million because that is relevant to Australia,'' he told the Press Club.

Australia's interests

''A fair and effective global agreement delivering deep cuts in emissions ... would be in Australia's interests,'' the plan says.

''Achieving global commitment to emissions reductions of this order appears unlikely in the next commitment period.''

The Government has also heeded business concerns about emissions trading, the main mechanism for reducing pollution which will start in July 2010. Business fears have intensified in the wake of the global financial crisis.

''The lobbying from all groups has been intense. And it does look as though groups lobbying for smaller cuts have won out,'' the ANZ's Ms Toth said.

Business groups, though, say the plan will be challenging, particularly the July 2010 start date for emissions trading.

''These challenges for business will be exacerbated by the fact they will have to be met at a time when businesses are being called on to manage their way through an unparalleled global economic crisis and unprecedented domestic economic uncertainty,'' said Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout in a statement.

''For businesses, training personnel and putting in place the internal systems required for a 2010 start will be challenging,'' Ms Ridout said. ''This is especially so in view of the lack of certainty about the international response and huge uncertainty about the prospects for the world economy in both the near and medium term.''

Power, coal industries get $4 billion

The scheme will now be much more generous to business. Straight off the blocks, the scheme will hand about $4 billion to the coal and power industry to compensate it for efforts to tackle climate change. Electricity generators will get about $3 billion, with coal producers receiving about $750 million, according to the Australian Coal Association.

More businesses will receive free pollution permits than the government first planned, and they will get more of them. By 2020, almost half the permits in the system will be given to business for free.

''We've had brutal lobbying from some sectors of business," said Mr Connor of the Climate Institute, speculating on the weakened reduction targets contained in the white paper.

''The most disheartening thing is that many businesses were actually coming out for stronger targets'' before the white paper was released.

''They recognise that in a context of a global deal, 25% and 450 parts per million, we'd have a number of sectoral agreement and flexibility mechanisms which would be much smoother than a 550ppm, 10%-15%-based agreement."

"But in this package, we've had a dramatic increase in free permits for trade-exposed exporters and a reduction in energy efficiency and other requirement for them."

"We've basically blown out the capacity for the economy to deliver significant cuts by wrapping our biggest polluters in cotton wool.''

'High risks' for business

ACCI'S Peter Anderson said the state of the global economy meant businesses were ill-placed to carry additional costs.

''(I)t does beg the basic question and that is whether or not these costs can be borne by business in the first place at a time when Australia is going through an international economic firestorm,'' Mr Anderson told ABC Television.

''We need to come through that economic firestorm with a strong economy and placing domestic stress on the economy is going to just make that more difficult.''

Mr Anderson says the process remains a ''high risk'' for businesses that will face transition costs and new technology costs.

Prime Minister Mr Rudd said the economy would be able to cope with the impost.

''Treasury modelling demonstrates that we can deliver on this 5 to 15 per cent commitment while maintaining solid economic growth.''

Households

Some households will also receive generous compensation for the scheme, which the government says will push up electricity and gas bills by $6 a week. Electricity prices will rise by 18% and gas prices by 12%.

Pensioners, seniors, carers and people on the dole will get an increase to their payments which are worth more than the cost increases. All up, the government is offering $30 billion over five years.

Ms Toth of the ANZ Bank said she was surprised the government's planned compensations to households was unchanged. "I'm just wondering if it's necessary given that cuts are only 5%."

The reduction to the fuel excise tax, promised in July amid surging petrol prices, has also been kept intact, she said. "One wonders if that is really necessarily."

"The main changes is that the cuts will be much smaller. If the government is going to maintain its commitment to a 60% cut to 2000 levels by 2050, there will still need to be some significant cuts and significant changes further out.''

Other low-income households will be fully compensated for the costs, partly through a small tax cut.

Middle-income households will also get compensation, which in most cases will fully cover the costs of emissions trading.

Free permits for many

The emissions trading scheme will give so much compensation and so many free permits to business that there is little money left over for other measures, such as energy efficiency, critics say.

Greenpeace climate campaign coordinator John Hepburn said the government's minimum target of 5% by 2020 is totally unacceptable.

''Mr Rudd has betrayed the science, betrayed the community and betrayed the next generation who will have to live with climate change impacts,'' he said. ''He has caved in to the bullying tactics of the coal and other polluting industries.''

While experts such as climate adviser Ross Garnaut called for some of the revenue to be used to cut emissions, almost all the revenue will be churned back to households and businesses.

The scheme is expected to earn about $12 billion a year; the government has promised all of this will go towards helping Australians adjust.

Of the $12 billion, about $10 billion will go for compensation and free permits. Some $700 million goes for energy efficiency measures.

In terms of how the scheme will work, as expected, petrol will be effectively excluded from the scheme for the first three years, and agriculture for the first five years. Emissions from logging will not be counted.

The government thinks the carbon price will start at $25 a tonne. A price cap will be set for the first five years, starting at $40 a tonne.

Australia will be able to buy carbon permits from overseas.

Emissions trading is expected to cause a spike in inflation of 1.1%.

Details of assistance:

- Pensioners, seniors and carers receive $382 for singles, and $320 each for couples.
- Jobless to receive $307 for singles, and $276 each for couples.
- Low and middle income families assisted by increases in the family tax benefit and an increase in tax offsets.
- A typical family, earning $60,000 with two kids, will receive $1,037 in assistance.
- Low income households that don't benefit from other measures to receive $500 per adult.

Details of emissions trading plans

- Cap-and-trade trading mechanism sets a price for the right to generate carbon pollution.
- Initial starting price estimated at $25 per tonne of carbon, capped at $40 a tonne, increasing annually by 5 per cent above inflation until 2014-15.
- Companies buy or are given free permits, which are tradable.
- Number of tradable carbon pollution permits will be equal to the cap, which is the limit on aggregate annual emissions.
- No limit on emissions from individual sectors - firms or facilities and companies are free to emit at whatever level they choose.
- Companies surrender permits for each tonne of carbon they emit.
- Scheme due to start in July 2010.

'Jelly balls' may slow global warming

'Jelly balls' may slow global warming


VAST numbers of marine "jelly balls" now appearing off the Australian east coast could be part of the planet's mechanism for combating global warming.

The jellyfish-like animals are known as salps and their main food is phytoplankton (marine algae) which absorbs the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in the top level of the ocean. This in turn comes from the atmosphere.

Mark Baird of the CSIRO said salps were notoriously difficult for scientists to study in the laboratory and consequently little attention has been paid to their ecological role until recently.

Dr Baird was part of a CSIRO and University of NSW marine survey last month that found a massive abundance of salps in the waters around Sydney. They were up to 10 times what they were when first surveyed 70 years ago.

Different salp species are found around the world and attention is now being paid to what effect they might have on global warming.

They are also of interest because in the Southern Ocean near Antarctica they are thought to be displacing krill, which is a key food source for many marine animals, including filter-feeding whales such as the southern right and humpback. By eating the algae, the salps turn the algae and their carbon dioxide into faeces which drops to the ocean floor. They also take carbon to the floor with them when they die after a life cycle as short as only a couple of weeks.

This is thought to be a natural form of carbon sequestration similar to what scientists are trying to do with carbon capture from emission sources such as power stations.

Dr Baird said Australian salps, which grow to about half a centimetre, are biologically closer to vertebrates such as humans than to jellyfish because they have the rudiments of a primitive nervous system.

"They are interesting because they are the fastest reproducing multi-celled animal on the planet and can double their numbers several times a day."

Salps had in the past been considered of little interest because they had fairly low nutrient value and were insignificant as a food source.

He said this was a concern because as the Antarctic ice melted, they were replacing krill, which is a high-nutrient food.

A World of Good

WorldofGood.com by eBay is the world’s first online marketplace to convene thousands of People Positive and Eco Positive sellers and products all in one place, empowering you to shop in ways that align with your personal values. Respected, independent organizations verify the positive impact every product has on people and the planet. Our goal is to ensure that every choice you make here is a good one.

Most consumers probably associate eBay more with vintage lunch boxes and low-priced electronics than with laptop bags made from recycled plastic by women in New Delhi.

The online auction operator is trying to change that perception with WorldofGood.com, a web site due to launch today to sell goods produced with social and environmental goals in mind.

EBay developed the site with World of Good, a startup focused on “ethical supply chains” behind consumer products, and licensed the group’s name for the marketplace. World of Good will get a share of the revenue from the site, which had been operating for the past six months as an online community focused on the social impact of business.

The site will sell fixed-price goods that purportedly have some positive effect on people and the planet. The goal is to help consumers align their social values with their shopping decisions, WorldofGood.com general manager Robert Chatwani said.

Shoppers will be able to search for products by certain social or environmental categories, revealing, for example, a photo of the man who produced the fair-trade coffee you’re interested in buying, details of its origins and whether some of the proceeds support a charitable cause.

Independent third-party organisations like Rainforest Alliance and Co-op America will screen sellers and verify the items listed on the site.
“We really want consumers to drill down into the detail of what’s behind that product,” Chatwani said.

Already the market for products that emphasize social and environmental awareness is growing. Chatwani cited the Natural Marketing Institute’s estimate that the US. market for such goods was $US209 billion in 2005, and the group projects that will rise to $420 billion in 2010.

And while there are plenty of places to buy such items already, eBay and its 84.5 million active users might dramatically increase awareness for artisans. WorldofGood.com items will also be cross-listed on eBay proper, blended into standard search results.

The arrangement drew praise from Roberto Milk, chief executive of Novica, which works with artisans around the world to sell their home decor items on eBay. The National Geographic Society owns a stake in the company.

Novica has sold things on eBay since 1999, but given the enormous nature of the site, “nobody knows we’re on eBay,” he said. This could change with additional sales on WorldofGood.com, where Novica will sell items it has either bought or taken on consignment.

“All our artisans really need is exposure,” he said.

As on eBay, sellers on WorldofGood.com will pay fees to list items and give eBay a commission on successful sales. All transactions will be made through eBay’s electronic payment system, PayPal. At launch, the site will have several hundred sellers, including many merchants who are also current eBay sellers.

TED: Ideas Worth Spreading: A Greener Future

To keep up to speed on what's going on in the environmental thinking
you can watch speeches on TED (Technology Entertainment Design)

TED: Ideas Worth Spreading: A Greener Future

Investigating eco friendly claims

Vague 'eco-friendly' claims are increasingly incurring the wrath of regulators. So what's a company with a green message to do?

Zara Maung investigates

We can solve it

$427 million. That's what the oil and coal industries spent during the first half of 2008 on lobbying and advertising. They're protecting their interests -- and hurting ours.

So we've got a new ad that tells the truth about what needs to be done -- demanding that our leaders FREE US from an addiction to expensive fossil fuels.

Watch it here.

It's running on TV right now, but we need millions more to see it. The special interests will outspend us, but we can compete head-to-head with them when we find ways to share these messages for free.

That's why I'm asking We members in all 50 states -- from Oklahoma to Ohio, from Minnesota to Mississippi, from New York to North Carolina, and all the rest -- to watch this ad and share it with their friends.

Let's spread the word. It's time to Repower America with 100% clean electricity in 10 years.

The Green Pages

Green Pages began in 2005, launching Australia's first print and online directory listing of sustainable products and services. Starting with an annual directory, Green Pages has grown to; 3 Quarterly Magazines, a Lifestyle Directory, a Business Directory plus an online portal of sustainable news and products. The Directory itself has grown to include over 7000 listings and is distributed national at all good bookstores, newsagencies, green & sustainable festivals and various green businesses.

Green Pages is dedicated to being the leading provider of information for businesses and consumers who are looking to go green.

Katie Patrick

Founder & Executive Director

Katie began her career as an environmental engineer and project manager for commercial and residential construction projects. She has been involved in environmental advocacy and policy development through her role as Vice Chair of the Property Council Sustainability Committee and her position on the board of Good Environmental Choice Australia. She is a regular media commentator on environmental business issues and a contributor for The Age newspaper.

Katie has a fundamental objective to grow the commercial market share of products that are good for the environment and she is also a passionate advocate of the involvement of the creative arts and design in furthering the concept of "green" as a landmark brand.

Surry Hills Community Centre

Located in the vibrant hub of Surry Hills (home of the Green Pages), the new Surry Hills Community Centre is set to be a grand green addition to the sustainably minded suburb. The anticipated 5 storey building will incorporate a library, community centre, a green roof, photovoltaic cells and has aims to achieve a 5 star Green Building Council Association Rating.

The Green Pages

City of Sydney Council

Green Vehicle Guide

Green Vehicle Guide is a great Australian Government website that allow you to determine how green your current vehicle or one your wishing to buy is. Great to see this useful site being put up by government.

It provides a green rating for most vehicles manufactured post 2000 including fuel efficiency and pollution ratings.

The good think about it, is that all tests are independant, so they are not fuel efficiency claim by the manufacturer, but rather ratings developed through accurate independant analysis. A must see site.

For overseas readers, the site is still very useful and includes many imported vehicles.

GoGet - Car Share Initiative

A great Australian site for Carshare. A government lead initiative provides care share reserved parking spots in many suburbs in most capital cities. Payment of a monthly fee and an hourly fee when a car is used still makes it both cheaper in many instances than buying and maintaining your own vehicle. Petrol, insurance and road side assistance is all included in the low monthly and hourly fee (only charged when the car is used).

For more information go to www.goget.com.au

Helping to make organic waste a thing of the past

Help make organic waste a thing of the past.

Here is great site that provides information into worm farming. Worm farming allows you to naturally decompose common household waste ranging from fruit and veges to vaccum cleaner waste. Its easy, safe and friendly to the environment.

It prevents organic waste from filling land fill and has the bonus of provifding you with free fertiliser for soils. Watch your plants grow!!!

Australian Community Foods

Australian Community Foods is a non-profit community service supporting organisations who work to increase our access to healthy, local food.

The main feature of this site is a geographic search and matching service. You can search for wholesome food near you by either browsing the State listings shown under each organisation, or use the geographic search form to find all listings near your particular location.

Home Delivered Organic Foods - to your doorstep

This is a great site for those wanting home delivered organic foods. The site itself could do with some work, but the staff at Doorstep are friendly and the produce of much better quality than what you will find anywhere else! Here is an excerpt from their site (by the way the "Mixed Boxes" are a must and best value way to buy vegetables and fruit)!:

Doorstep Organics is Australia's original online Organic Food Home Delivery Service. We deliver to all Sydney and Wollongong suburbs and continue our deliveries all the way down to Berry on the South Coast. We sell a complete range of Certified Organic groceries and stock a range of essential groceries for your convenience.

We believe our quality is unmatched as we source our fruit & vegetables from a variety of small organic farms around Australia. We are sure after you have tried us you will think so too!

We are so confident of our quality and service we offer you a 25% discount on any fresh produce purchased in your first order*. *not cumulative with any other offer or discount.

If you have any further questions about delivery, our range, service or just a question about organic food, please feel free to email us, or call us on 8399 1666

Events - Care of the Green Pages

Events

	Green TECH 3rd Australian International Trade Show and Conference More Information Green TECH 08 is proud to present its 3rd Australian International Trade Show and Conference, with a core focus on green building, sustainable design and clean technology. Friday 15 August to Sunday 17 August 2008
	Facing Waste: Australia at a crossroads More Information Australia's waste policies are at the crossroads. Friday 15 August 2008
	Live Green 2008 More Information For all the ideas you need to green your life, head to Live Green, a free event on Sunday 17 August from 10am – 4pm at Victoria Park in Camperdown. Sunday 17 August 2008
	SWAP MY STYLE - VIP Designer Swap-Shopping Night in Sydney More Information Swap My Style, the latest craze in “swap-shopping” is holding its very first VIP Designer Fashion Swap set to take place in Sydney on August 27th, 2008 at The Hilton Hotel’s chic Zeta Bar. Wednesday 27 August 2008
	Sustainable House Day 2008 More Information As part of the 7th annual Sustainable House Day, homes across the country will open so others can learn and experience the benefits of all aspects of sustainable living! Saturday 13 September to Sunday 14 September 2008
	Carbon Solutions Forum More Information Ethical Investor in partnership with WWF presents its 2nd annual conference and exhibition showcasing strategies and solutions for reducing business carbon intensity. Monday 22 September to Tuesday 23 September 2008
	Greenfest Southbank 2008 More Information Greenfest is Brisbane’s free green festival and a place for fresh energy, it is about full community participation in creativity, new ideas and working together to win the race against climate change . Dr Jane Goodall will open the festival on 10th Oct. Friday 10 October to Sunday 12 October 2008
	Save Water Save Energy Expo More Information Green building products, solar hws & heating, rain tanks, grey water systems, energy efficient appliances and lighting, water savers, and much more. Friday 17 October to Sunday 19 October 2008

Your Eco Handbook

Your Eco Handbook by Grahame Barrett, Paul Payten & Steve Goldsmith

Your Eco Handbook puts the commonsense back into the debate surrounding global warming and achieving a sustainable future.

This no-nonsense guide is practical and easy to follow, offering realistic solutions to how we can all make changes - at home and in the office - to help save our planet.

From cars to home heating, appliances, ethical investments, water, waste and even your wellbeing, learn how changing the simple things in your life can make a difference.

About the authors

Grahame Barrett is a consultant and mentor, with special interests in sustainability, leadership, strategy facilitation, human, organisational and relationship capital management, change management and mentoring.

Paul Payten is an associate of the national consultancy EcoSTEPS - Sustainability Partner, and in his own business GEENI (Global Ecology and Educational Networking Interface). His focus is on effectively relating to others while working with government, corporate and community environments.

Steve Goldsmith is a graphic designer with a background in architecture. A qualified psychotherapist, he also supports green projects and is assisting two organisations that offer leadership training and conflict resolution work in Africa.

Sponsored by PKF Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers, the book is available from all good bookstores. RRP $19.95.

Order direct from the Herald on 1300 656 059 or click here.

Common Myths About Climate Change

The world has been cooling since 1998.

Temperatures have been going up and down slightly, but the clear trend is upwards. Since regular temperature records began in 1850, 12 of the past

13 years have been the hottest on record. Air samples from bubbles trapped in ancient ice, and cross-checked with other samples, show temperatures are rising faster than at any time since modern humans appeared.

The world is getting warmer but we don't know the real cause.

The causes of global warming are not absolutely certain, but the overwhelming majority of researchers, working independently in different parts of the world and using different models, have been coming to the same conclusions for two decades. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has reached the conclusion that it is "very likely" that human activity is the main cause of climate change; that is, there is a certainty "greater than 90 per cent". Few scientific theories approach that level of certainty.

Climate change is caused by solar activity.

Changes in radiation from the sun affect Earth's climate, as do oscillations in the Earth's orbit. But since the 1970s, when temperatures increasingly rose beyond norms, both the sun's energy output and the Earth's orbit have been stable. In any case, solar activity is included in climate models.

There is no consensus among scientists.

There is clear and growing consensus in the world scientific community, and in Australia, that human activity is the main driver of climate change, and that cutting greenhouse gas emissions is the only way of slowing it. This is now the view of all the world's leading national science academies and institutes. This does not constitute a unanimous view, however, with a small minority of scientists in relevant fields believing it is too early to be sure.

Why believe long-term predictions when meteorologists cannot even say if it will rain next week?

Climatology takes a step back from day-to-day weather prediction and looks at longer-term patterns. Numerous independent studies have concluded that carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases put into the atmosphere by humans are the new variable causing climate change. Climate models have been repeatedly tested and shown to accurately simulate climate scenarios.

Human emissions are smaller than natural emissions, so cannot be blamed for climate change.

Rotting vegetation releases far more greenhouse gases than does human activity, but those emissions are absorbed by an equal amount of growing vegetation and by the oceans. The new element in this closed system is the extra carbon humans are removing from underground coal, oil and gas reserves and putting into the atmosphere.

Scientists are worried about losing funding, so they toe the government line.

There is no evidence that undertaking research on climate change leads to government funding being cut or boosted. In Australia, the system is relatively transparent, with public funding for climate-change work being assessed alongside all other research work, and grants made based on quality of research, not on conclusions. When research is funded by private industry, the process can be less transparent. Much university research does not receive any outside funding.

Climate sceptics are being silenced.

Advocates of this claim are yet to come up with evidence. Many Australian scientific researchers on climate change have told the Herald that the views of "climate sceptics" are given more prominence in the media than their numbers and arguments merit.

Global warming scepticism

Global warming scepticism is being manipulated by tactics reminiscient of an earlier campaign of denial, writes David McKnight.

When the tobacco industry was feeling the heat from scientists who showed smoking caused cancer, it took decisive action, engaging in a decades-long public relations campaign to undermine the medical research and discredit the scientists.

The aim was not to prove tobacco harmless but to cast doubt on the science. In the space provided by doubt, billions of dollars in sales could continue. Delay and doubt were crucial products of its PR campaign.

In May, the multibillion-dollar oil giant Exxon Mobil acknowledged it had been doing something similar. It said it would cease funding nine groups that had fuelled a global campaign to deny climate change.

Exxon's decision came after a shareholder revolt by members of the Rockefeller family and big superannuation funds to get the company to take climate change more seriously. Exxon (once Standard Oil) was founded by John D. Rockefeller.

Brad Miller, chairman of the US House of Representatives oversight committee on science and technology, last year said Exxon's support for sceptics "appears to be an effort to distort public discussion". The funding of an array of think tanks and institutes which house climate sceptics and deniers also worried Britain's premier scientific body, the Royal Society. It found that in 2005, Exxon distributed nearly $3 million to 39 groups which "misrepresented the science of climate change by outright denial of the evidence that greenhouse gases are driving climate change". Its protests helped force Exxon's recent retreat.

The chief scientist at New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Dr Jim Salinger, knows all about misrepresentation. Two months ago, an Exxon-funded group, the Heartland Institute, said his work undermined the theory that burning carbon was a cause of global warming.

The Heartland Institute - essentially a free-market lobby group - emphasises "the climate is always changing". It is a theme common to many climate change deniers who talk about a so-called Little Ice Age (1300-1900) and Medieval Warm Period (800-1200). Salinger's research studied variation in climate, so it was enrolled in the denial campaign.

Climate variations were normal, Salinger said, but this did not weaken conclusions about the dangers of burning oil and coal. "Global warming is real," he said, and demanded reference to his work be removed. The institute refused. The Heartland Institute received almost $800,000 from Exxon, according to Greenpeace research based on Exxon's corporate donation disclosures.

Another regular of the PR campaign is the Oregon Petition, which urges US rejection of the Kyoto Protocol and claims there is "no convincing scientific evidence" for global warming. It has been cited by climate sceptics such as the Herald Sun's Andrew Bolt among others. It is said to be signed by 31,000 graduates most of whom appear to have nothing to do with climate science.

The petition originated in 1998 with Frederick Seitz, a 1960s president of the US National Academy of Sciences (and a 1970s tobacco consultant) and was accompanied by a purported review of the science co-published by the George C Marshall Institute. This institute received at least $715,000 from Exxon Mobil over the past 10 years.

Claims about the world cooling, not warming, are common in the world of deniers. The Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, referred to this possibility recently. In his book Heat, George Monbiot gives the example of the TV presenter and botanist, David Bellamy, who is also a climate sceptic. He told the New Scientist in 2005 that most glaciers in the world were growing, not shrinking. He said his evidence came from the World Glacier Monitoring Service in Switzerland, a reputable body. When Monbiot checked the service, they said Bellamy's claim was "complete bullshit". The world's glaciers are retreating.

When pressed, Bellamy pointed to a website, iceagenow.com, which claims we are heading for a new ice age. Last week, it published an article that stated that last month, the American Physical Society had "reversed its stance on climate change and is now proclaiming that many of its members disbelieve in human-induced global warming". This is stunning. Global warming is all about physics and the society is the premier body of US physicists. A check with its website showed the opposite. Prominent was a press release reaffirming that the evidence for global warming was "incontrovertible". Once again, a sceptic website was simply lying.

In Australia, the main body trying to undermine the science of global warming is the Lavoisier Group. It maintains a website with links to the Competitive Enterprise Institute (more than $2 million from Exxon), the Science and Environmental Policy Project ($20,000) and the Centre for the Study of Carbon Dioxide (at least $100,000). The Competitive Enterprise Institute returns the compliment to Lavoisier in its publication, which praised the group for its work in defeating the Kyoto protocol. Lavoisier, it said, "provides the principal intellectual and organisational opposition in Australia to Kyoto". Its sources of funding are not public.

The Lavoisier group is certainly influential in the Federal Opposition. During the Howard years, a senior figure in the group told Guy Pearse, author of High & Dry, a study of climate policy in Australia, there was "an understanding in cabinet that all the science is crap".

The Lavoisier board includes former mining executives Ray Evans and Ian Webber, the latter a former chief executive of Mitsubishi, and Harold Clough, whose companies include a provider of services to the oil and gas industries. Its president is the former Labor finance minister Peter Walsh.

There are at least three other reasons the oil companies' PR campaign has had success for climate change deniers. First, the implications of the science are frightening. Shifting to renewable energy will be costly and disruptive. Second, doubt is an easy product to sell. Climate denial tells us what we all secretly want to hear. Third, science is portrayed as political orthodoxy rather than objective knowledge, a curiously postmodern argument.

The tide slowly turned on tobacco denial and the science finally was accepted. Some people still choose to smoke and some pay a price for it.

But climate is different. There are no "smoke-free areas" on the planet. Climate denial may turn out to be the world's most deadly PR campaign.

David McKnight is an associate professor at the University of NSW. He researches media, including public relations, and is the author of Beyond Right And Left: New Politics And The Culture Wars.

This material is subject to copyright and any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.

President George Bush: 'Goodbye from the world's biggest polluter'

By Robert Winnett, Deputy Political Editor and Urmee Khan

George Bush surprised world leaders with a joke about his poor record on the environment as he left the G8 summit in Japan.

George Bush proves to be quite an entertainer

The American leader, who has been condemned throughout his presidency for failing to tackle climate change, ended a private meeting with the words: "Goodbye from the world's biggest polluter."

He then punched the air while grinning widely, as the rest of those present including Gordon Brown and Nicolas Sarkozy looked on in shock.

Mr Bush, whose second and final term as President ends at the end of the year, then left the meeting at the Windsor Hotel in Hokkaido where the leaders of the world's richest nations had been discussing new targets to cut carbon emissions.

One official who witnessed the extraordinary scene said afterwards: "Everyone was very surprised that he was making a joke about America's record on pollution."

Mr Bush also faced criticism at the summit after Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian Prime Minister, was described in the White House press pack given to journalists as one of the "most controversial leaders in the history of a country known for government corruption and vice".

The White House apologised for what it called "sloppy work" and said an official had simply lifted the characterisation from the internet without reading it.

Concluding the three-day event, leaders from the G8 and developing countries proclaimed a "shared vision" on climate change. However, they failed to bridge differences between rich and emerging nations on curbing emissions.

Want a green job?

Welcome to Job Futures+Green Corps

Building communities from the ground up
Job Futures is working with organisations and individuals to build better communities through the Green Corps programme. We deliver Green Corps in NSW, ACT, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Green Corps is an Australian Government initiative. It gives young people the chance to get six months paid work experience and training on environmental and cultural heritage projects. Participants learn worthwhile work and life skills that can put them on the pathway to employment and education.

Job Futures has been running Green Corp projects since 2002. We link with local organisations to run projects with real, sustainable outcomes for the participants, the community and the environment.

http://www.greenfutures.com.au/

Get 2 Free Energy Saving Lightbulbs

Green Energy Watch is giving away 10,000 Energy Saving Light Bulbs, to help save energy and reduce green house gas emissions. You can register for 2 Free Energy Saving Lightbulbs per household; they’ll also plant 1 tree with Carbon Smart to help absorb Co2.

Click here to register with Green Energy Watch, and receive 2 Free Energy Saving Lightbulbs.

What is Green IT?

In early 2005, the collective will was building for energy conservation and environmental good citizenship at least that s the way it felt if you were living in San Francisco, California. The rest of the United States hadn t decided to take those issues seriously yet.

But that was before gasoline spiked to $3.50 per gallon. It was before Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans. It was before a string of three summers with record heat. And it was before the movie An Inconvenient Truth drastically changed the public perception of human-induced climate change and the potential crisis that it could induce.

Those issues combined with the fact that the technology world is centered in environmentally-conscious Northern California have led to the nascent concept of Green IT. Because the concept is new, it s useful to take a look at what Green IT is, why its proponents see it as one of the next big trends in IT, and why its detractors think the whole concept is flawed.

What is Green IT?

Green IT is the technology industry s way of asking itself what role it should play in the global movement toward building a more sustainable civilization. The answer is typically three-fold:

1. Minimize energy use
2. Reduce CO2 emissions
3. Better manage electronic waste

Why Green IT is important

While many in Silicon Valley and in the environmental movement have very altruistic reasons for pursuing green initiatives passing on a sustainable world to our children there are also very pragmatic reasons that this is becoming a major concern for businesses:

• The cost of energy
• Concerns over the future supply of energy
• Exploding use of energy as data centers expand
• Threat of government regulation of energy consumption
• First targets for Kyoto Protocol (reducing greenhouse gases) coming in 2008-2012
• Growing political support for managing and regulating CO2 emissions

You need to pay attention to green IT issues now and have plans in place to move yourself forward. If you fail to do so, you face serious risks in the next five years, said Martin Reynolds, a Gartner Managing Vice President, at the recent Gartner Sympsium ITxpo on Emerging Technologies, where Green IT was the topic of five different sessions.

If the climate science and carbon abatement projections are close to being correct, and assuming society is willing and able to respond, then we are headed toward a low-carbon economy, according to Simon Mingay, Research Vice President at Gartner. Mingay defines a low-carbon economy as an economy in which the growth of greenhouse gas emissions is halted and reduced, and in which greenhouse gases have a cost and/or are capped, enforced through one or more measures.

Kyoto was one of the first steps down that road.

Why some call Green IT a fad or a myth

As a hot new concept, Green IT also has its critics even within the same analyst organizations that trumpet it. For example, French Caldwell, another Research VP at Gartner, calls Green IT a myth. However, he s not saying that Green IT is pure fiction. He is talking about a myth in the literal sense a simplified story that is used to explain a much more complex set of circumstances so that the masses can understand it.

Charles Smulders, Gartner Managing VP, went even further. He said that vendors are doing a lot of greenwashing right now to sell Green IT products, while IT is responsible for just two percent of global CO2 emissions. He said that population explosion is a much greater concern for CO2 emissions and that attention should be directed toward that. He also claimed that measuring CO2 emissions isn t consistent and so it s difficult for IT to even gauge its status.

At the Symposium on Emerging Trends, Caldwell also argued that some people grasp on to concepts like Green IT with religious fervor in order to feel like they are doing something good for the environment. He thinks it s much more useful for IT to simply focus on reducing power consumption.

However, Caldwell admitted, The Green IT myth is useful in building business cases for infrastructure and investment renewal, and for improving the corporation s license to operate.

Bottom line for IT leaders

Green IT is essentially a rallying call for tech to take a proactive approach in its role to energy conservation, climate change, and electronic waste. In some cases, this can also have a very positive effect on the bottom line especially in relation to energy savings. For example, IBM plans to save $250 million in power costs over five years as part of its current data center consolidation.

The other two areas climate change (CO2 emissions) and electronic waste could soon become economic imperatives if and when governments start regulating them and associating fines with non-compliance. This could be coming sooner rather than later. In April, executives of energy utilities ranked the environment and greenhouse gas regulations at the top of their lists of current concerns.

IT organizations should expect to come under scrutiny for their practices in relation to Green IT, in the same way that Google is being put under the microscope for its policies and approach. So I would recommend running a fire drill to put yourself under the microscope first, so that you have a good idea of where you stand. I expect some best practices for doing a Green IT self-audit to emerge during 2008.

Climate Change Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK 2008: an update of the Department of Health report 2008

Climate change is perhaps the most significant environmental problem which mankind will face in the coming century. Efforts to reduce the extent of climate change are of course important, but it is likely that we will have to deal with at least some impacts on health. Preparing for climate change is now one of the top four shared priorities for UK action set out in 2005 in Securing the future: Delivering UK sustainable development strategy.

As a response to the need to estimate possible impacts of climate change on health, this new report, jointly published by the Department of Health and the Health Protection Agency, is a timely update of earlier work published by the Department of Health in 2002 (Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK). The new report should be read in conjunction with the original report as it focuses on areas where things have changed rather than covering, again, the whole field. A new approach has been taken in some sections and recent research findings have been included in many chapters.

Access the document here.

How is Blackle saving energy?

Blackle was created by Heap Media to remind us all of the need to take small steps in our everyday lives to save energy. Blackle searches are powered by Google Custom Search.

Blackle saves energy because the screen is predominantly black. "Image displayed is primarily a function of the user's color settings and desktop graphics, as well as the color and size of open application windows; a given monitor requires more power to display a white (or light) screen than a black (or dark) screen." Roberson et al, 2002

In January 2007 a blog post titled Black Google Would Save 750 Megawatt-hours a Year proposed the theory that a black version of the Google search engine would save a fair bit of energy due to the popularity of the search engine. Since then there has been skepticism about the significance of the energy savings that can be achieved and the cost in terms of readability of black web pages.

We believe that there is value in the concept because even if the energy savings are small, they all add up. Secondly we feel that seeing Blackle every time we load our web browser reminds us that we need to keep taking small steps to save energy.

How can you help?

We encourage you to set Blackle as your home page. This way every time you load your Internet browser you will save a little bit of energy. Remember every bit counts! You will also be reminded about the need to save energy each time you see the Blackle page load.

Help us spread the word about Blackle by telling your friends and family to set it as their home page. If you have a blog then give us a mention. Or put the following text in your email signature: "Blackle.com - Saving energy one search at a time".

Have a look at our energy saving tips page for ideas on steps you can take to save energy.

There are a lot of great web sites about saving energy and being more environmentally friendly. They are full of great tips covering the little things that we can all do to make a difference today. Try Blackling "energy saving tips" or visit treehugger.com a great blog dedicated to environmental awareness.

The Climate Change Diet

When we in the West think about the costs of climate change, we think of rising electricity and fuel prices. But these aren't the main concerns for people living in developing countries.

Egypt, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Yemen, Mexico… in fact over 30 developing countries face critical shortages of food due to sharply rising costs for staples like rice, wheat, soybeans and corn.

The cost of rice, for example – the staple food for half the world – has doubled over the past year, and increased five-fold over the past five years.

What's driving price increases is the sharp rise in the price of oil (a major input in the production and transport of food), rising demand from China, land scarcity, especially as more land is being turned over to biofuels, and increasingly erratic weather events – floods, storms and droughts – caused by climate change, which are pushing down crop yields.

And prices are going to keep rising – rice stocks are at their lowest since the 1980s and the major rice-producing countries Cambodia, India, Pakistan, and Vietnam have restricted their exports of rice to other counties so as to feed their own populations. Commodities futures on the world's financial markets are predicting prices will continue to rise.

Many developing countries face famine and civil unrest, warns the World Bank. In just the past few weeks there have been food riots and demonstrations in Indonesia, Egypt, Bolivia and in many small, poor African countries.

In Australia, food prices are rising too – at about 5 to 10 per cent a year – but because food accounts for a much smaller proportion of our household expenditure, Australian families are in a better position to absorb the price rises. But low-income families are already having to cut back on more expensive items like meat and fish.

Eating in the age of climate change

It's not just our energy consumption patterns that will have to change. We'll need to change our food consumption to take into account the effects of climate change, say the authors of an online report called Health Professionals Taking Action on Climate Change, just published by the British Medical Association.

The study, aimed at health professionals, looks at the health effects of global warming – increased deaths from heat waves, more frequent infectious diseases, mental health problems, and malnutrition. It also has advice for health workers as to how they can make their practices and organisations more energy efficient.

Buried within the report are also some recommendations as to how we might adapt our diet to cope with the rising cost of food. It recommends we:

• Buy fresh, locally-produced food, which has less distance to travel and therefore uses less fuel.
• Eat fewer processed and refrigerated foods, which take more energy to manufacture, transport and store.
• Waste less food – about one-third of the food we prepare is thrown away uneaten. Don't over-order in restaurants, and eat smaller portions.
• Drink tap water, not bottled water, which uses large amounts of energy to produce.
• Reduce the amount of meat and animal and diary products we eat. Meat is much more energy intensive and requires proportionally more land to graze animals than crops. Instead, eat foods lower down the food chain – grains, fruits and vegetables that are cheaper to grow, use less energy and less land space.
• Buy foods in season – seasonal products generally use less energy to produce.

Better for you

Now while lovers of meat, cheese, eggs and takeaway food might recoil in horror at these suggestions, in fact they make sense. Not only will they help lower your carbon footprint, they are also a good way to manage the household budget. Low-energy foods like grains, fruits and vegetables are likely to rise in price more slowly than energy-intensive foods like meat and dairy products.

But there's another big benefit: this new diet will actually be better for us.

For tens – indeed hundreds – of thousands of years we've been eating locally-gathered or locally-cultivated grains, fruits and vegetables, supplemented by occasional fish or game.

Some societies still eat this way. If you're living on a Greek island you might eat bread, grains, olive oil, fish, a little red wine and lots of fruit and vegetables. Sound familiar? It's the Mediterranean diet.

If you're living on an island off the coast of Japan it might be a low-calorie diet with small portions, little or no meat and plenty of fish, and green and yellow vegetables. We know it as the Okinawa diet.

Both these diets are associated with longevity and good health.

So from the point of view of our health, it may not be a bad thing to go back to a diet high in fibre (cereals, locally grown fruits and vegetables), low in saturated fat (minimal meat and diary products), and no processed foods; and spend the savings on a bottle of red wine.

Get stuck in to the Climate Change Diet.

Free Reply Paid Mobile Phone Recycling

Order your free mobile recycling satchel, which can be posted free of charge. Help the environment by recycling your old mobile phones, batteries, chargers and accessories with MobileMuster.

Click here to order your free Mobile Recycling Satchel.

What do the different labels mean?

What does it mean when a label states that a product is 100% organic, organic or made with organic ingredients? As a consumer, it’s important to know what each of the different labels appearing on organic items mean. Below is an explanation of each of the labels permitted under the Standard.

100% organic

100% organic products must have all of their ingredients, with the exception of salt and water, derived from organic production methods.

Organic

Organic products must have at least 95% of their ingredients, with the exception of salt and water, derived from organic production methods. Any remaining product ingredients must consist only of approved substances. Approved substances exclude those derived from genetically modified technology, those treated with ionising radiation, those which interfere with the natural metabolism of livestock and plants, and those that are not compatible with the principles of organic agriculture. Furthermore, any ingredient used that has not been derived from organic production methods must be clearly indicated as such in the product’s list of ingredients.

Made with organic ingredients

A product stating that it has been made with organic ingredients must have at least 70% of its ingredients of agricultural origin derived from organic production methods. All remaining product ingredients must consist only of approved substances. Any ingredient used that has not been derived from organic production methods must be clearly indicated as such in the product’s list of ingredients.

Products containing less than 70% organic ingredients

Any product that contains less than 70% organic ingredients cannot use the term organic on the principal display panel (main or front label). However, reference can be made in the ingredients list of the product to any ingredients used that have been derived from organic production methods.

In conversion

The term “in-conversion” refers to a production system that has adhered to the Standard for at least one year but has not yet achieved full organic certification. It should be noted that a minimum period of three years must elapse before a production system can attain full organic certification.

Products labelled as “in conversion” must comply with the Standard. Equivalent ingredient threshold percentages apply to in conversion organic products. For example, a product labelled as being in conversion organic must have at least 95% of its ingredients, with the exception of salt and water, derived from in-conversion organic production methods.

Coming clean on organic logos

This article from Australia explains how misleading organic labelling can be. When buying organic especially from supermarkets it is important to look for the organic labelling found at the end of the article.

Article

LABELLING on organic products in Australia is confusing, potentially misleading and urgently needs reform, consumer advocacy group Choice says.

It is calling for a single, unified system of certification to replace the current method, whereby several different bodies regulate producers, and some brands make completely unsubstantiated claims to be organic.

Research by The Sun-Herald reveals how buying "organic" can cost customers more than twice as much. The organics industry is one of the fastest growing in the Australian food and grocery sector, increasing by 30 per cent in the past year.

It is now worth about $400 million a year in the retail sector, the Government's Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation says.

There are eight organic certification bodies, which are overseen by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.

But some own-brand organic products bought by The Sun-Herald in Coles and Woolworths last week had none of the official logos. Woolworths' organic tinned tomatoes had no official certification, and the small print on Coles organic carrots stated "product in conversion to national standard" with no other explanation.

Five different products bought in Coles used five different organic logos.

The Sun-Herald also looked at the cost of organic goods compared with conventional products.

Organic carrots from Coles cost $3.48 for one kilogram compared with $1.68 for the conventionally produced equivalent.

In Woolworths, organic carrots were $3.98 compared with 94 cents for the mainstream equivalent.

Organic tinned tomatoes in Woolworths cost $1.15, compared with 58 cents for a "normal" tin.

And 500 grams of regular minced beef from Coles cost $5.55 compared with $7.33 for its organic rival.

Andrew Monk, spokesman for Biological Farmers of Australia, one of the largest official certification bodies, said: "Coles and Woolworths are both working very hard to simplify the system of organic certification.

"We do have concerns about organic labelling and we have to make sure we are not just bandying about the word organic willy-nilly."

On the subject of price, Dr Monk said: "Some organic products such as carrots are always going to be a little bit more expensive because they cost more to produce without pesticides and chemicals, but there is no reason why other things should cost more."

Coles and Woolworths did not respond to requests for comment. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said it might look at the cost of organic brands in its inquiry into the price of groceries.

Labelling to look for

National Association for Sustainable Agriculture (NASAA)

P.O. Box 768
Stirling SA 5152
Phone: (08) 8370 8455
website

Australian Certified Organic

P.O. Box 530
Chermside QLD 4032
Phone: (07) 3350 5716
website

Organic Growers of Australia (OGA)

P.O. Box 6171
South Lismore NSW 2480
Phone: (02) 6622 0100
website

Organic Food Chain (OFC)

P.O. Box 2390
Toowoomba QLD 4350
Phone: (07) 4637 2600
website

Safe Food Queensland

P.O. Box 440
Spring Hill QLD 4004
Phone: 1800 300 815
website

Tasmanian Organic-Dynamic Producers (TOP)

P.O. Box 13
Campbell Town TAS 7210
Phone: (03) 6381 2004
website

Bio-dynamic Research Institute (BDRI)

Main Road
Powelltown VIC 3797
Phone: (03) 5966 7333
website

In a future article I will discuss exactly what the labels mean. In the meantime regardless where you are in the world we should attempt to lobby for a singular national standard for organic foods that prevents confusion and misleading consumers.

Bottled water: the new social poison?

FIRST fast food, then plastic bags. Now bottled water is the next alleged social evil to find itself in the crosshairs of pressure groups.

Environmentaists lay the blame for a growing mountain of plastic in landfill and the increasing strain on water resources directly at the feet of the large companies that sell bottled water.

The problem of our growing addiction to bottled water will come up at a meeting of environment ministers next month where the question of a national refund scheme for plastic or glass bottles will be raised.

Figures show the thirst for bottled water is far from being slaked. The market is expected to grow 9.1 per cent to $460 million this financial year, according to a forecast by the market researcher IBIS World, and Australia lags other developed countries in consumption.

NSW households are second only to those in South Australia in their reliance on bottled water: 13 per cent of South Australian households say they rely on bottled water as their main source of drinking water, compared with 9 per cent in NSW.

In the next year Australians are expected to drink 242 megalitres of bottled water, the equivalent of 19 600-millilitre bottles each. IBIS World predicts a boom in "premium" water as manufacturers claw back the higher costs of producing the plastic bottles from a crude oil derivative.

Expensive brands of water, marketed to younger women as essential fashion accessories or the key to a healthier lifestyle, are appearing on the market. The latest from Coca-Cola Amatil, which dominates the water market, is the trendily packaged Glaceau brand which contains added vitamins.

As sales of fizzy drinks flatten, beverage companies like Coca-Cola and Frucor are turning to water to pick up the slack. Audrey Riddell, an analyst for IBIS World, says canny marketing, in particular to women who drink more than men, is driving demand for a demand for a product only as good as what comes out of the tap. "Young women aren't buying it just for rehydration but to send a signal that they can afford to pay for something that is many more times expensive than tap-water," Ms Riddell said. "They are showing off their affluence and sophistication."

Clean Up Australia estimates the average price of bottled water is $2.53 a litre, against about a cent a litre for tap water.

The chief executive of Clean Up Australia, Terrie-Ann Johnson, said the shift in drinking habits from sugary fizzy drinks to water was showing up in waste. "We are finding more and more that the [plastic] bottles that we find in the waste stream are for water," she said.

The director of the Total Environment Centre, Jeff Angel, who wants a national refund scheme such as the one operating in South Australia, said: "When you look at the life cycle of a bottle of water from the extraction process, through to the transport and right the way through to its disposal, which is more often than not in landfill, then you have to say that this is an unjustified luxury."

The Department of Environment and Climate Change estimates about 200 millilitres of oil is used to produce each one-litre bottle, including the plastic, transport and refrigeration.

The bottled water industry says that amount of oil makes three bottles.

Mr Angel added: "As demand increases, there's a serious potential to exhaust local supplies of water [from aquifers]."

Earth Hour is Coming!

Climate Change and Endangered Species - A New Wave of Mass Extinction

Great report in the Newscientist which looks at the effect of climate change on endangered species.

Life on Earth is in the throes of a new wave of mass extinction, unlike anything since the demise of the dinosaurs. In the last 500 years, 844 species - like the passenger pigeon, auk, thylacine, and quagga - are known to have died out, and up to 16,000 others are now known to be threatened. Two thirds of turtles could be gone by the 2025, great apes have recently declined by over 50% in parts of Africa, half of marsupials and one in three amphibians are in jeopardy, and a staggering 40% of Asia's plants and animals could soon be lost.

But this may only be a fraction of the true number facing extinction. Though only 1.5 million species have been described, there could be between 5 to 30 million in total. Of these, some experts predict that one could be falling extinct every 20 minutes - or 27,000 a year.

Conservationists argue that humans have an ethical obligation to protect other species, that diversity and natural beauty are highly prized by mankind, and that biodiversity is a vital resource: we rely on ecosystems to provide food, oxygen and natural resources, recycle wastes and fertilise soils for agriculture. The total value of services provided to man by nature has been estimated at $33 trillion annually.

more...

Ozone Depletion Still a Problem

Whilst not a new report the, The 2007 Antarctic Ozone Hole Summary: Monday 01 October 2007, reminds us that whilst the Ozone hole over the Antartic has slowed growing and reversed in previous years, there are signs that it will continue to remain a problem. There are also signs that other factors other than CFCs are contributing to its depletion.

Refer to the following report:

The 2007 Antarctic Ozone Hole Summary

Best and cheapest halogen replacements on the market

Here is a great ebay store that sells energy efficient lighting. I would recommend in particular (if looking for a downlight (halogen) replacement) to buy the following:

MR16 - 3w - Led Down Light, it comes with 1 year warranty and is equivalent to a 35w Halogen using less that 1 tenth of the power. This means less greenhouse gasses and cheaper electricity bills!!!!

Check out this sellers ebay store, by far the cheapest most effective halogen replacements on the market.

http://stores.ebay.com.au/XL-Lights

Environment Victoria

Public Transport Challenge 2008 - Apply Now!
Environment Victoria and Metlink are inviting secondary schools across Melbourne to get aboard and register their interest for the 2008 Public Transport Challenge.

Educating students about greener, smarter travel is the aim of the game, as teams of year 7 – 10 secondary students go head to head in a contest of skill and strategy! Traveling only on public transport and earning points as they go, students will get to know their transport system by visiting checkpoints across the city and the suburbs including sports stadiums, entertainment hotspots, beaches and environmentally important sites.

The Public Transport Challenge - a joint EV and Metlink intitiative.

Green flights on the horizon

New-generation biofuels may help to keep air fares down as well as fight global warming, writes Peter Needham.

You're jetting towards a blissful holiday. Your plane has just climbed through the clouds, flight attendants are about to serve cooked lunch and all seems well with the world.

Who cares what sort of fuel powers the plane? For most people, that's a technical issue - best dealt with by aviation engineers. Airlines, however, are increasingly keen to come up with alternatives to petroleum-based jet fuel.

Their motive has much to do with ticket prices. Fuel is the greatest single recurrent expense they face, accounting for more than half the total cost of a long-haul flight. Qantas, for instance, will pay almost $4billion for fuel next year and the annual sum is unlikely to fall. Qantas chief risk officer, Rob Kella, expects oil prices to remain around current levels in the foreseeable future. The cost is passed on to consumers as a substantial part of the air fare. Many airlines list some of their fuel costs separately as a surcharge, making the core fare appear lower.

Global warming - and the widespread public perception that air travel plays a role in it - worries airlines too. In reality, aviation's contribution to global warming is small. Flying produces perhaps 2 per cent of man-made carbon dioxide - and the man-made variety constitutes only about 3 per cent of the atmospheric total. But aviation is growing fast, especially in emerging markets like India and China. Although aviation is becoming more fuel efficient (at the rate of about 1 per cent a year) its contribution to greenhouse gases is growing as well. Planemakers want to make the industry as clean and green as possible. Airlines have no wish to be slugged with hefty carbon imposts which, in the form of carbon taxes or tradeable permits, could lift the cost of a Sydney-Europe round-trip flight by more than 20 per cent.

At a seminar hosted by Boeing in Sydney this month, tourism economics expert Professor Peter Forsyth estimated that any climate change mitigation scheme involving a carbon price of $50 a tonne was likely to push up air fares from Australia to Britain by 21.2 per cent. That would see a return fare of $2400 soar to $2909. Forsyth said the $50 a tonne price was at the high end of the scale. Details will be hammered out in a year or two.

Whatever taxes may be around the corner, airlines have only two ways to reduce their carbon emissions. They must use less fuel or switch to "greener" fuel with a smaller carbon footprint. Manufacturers are tackling the first issue with lighter, new-generation aircraft and engine designs, augmented by new navigation techniques that cut fuel burn. Airlines are pushing for a 25 per cent further improvement in fuel efficiency by 2020. Qantas is on track to slash 2 million tonnes from its greenhouse gas emissions by 2011.

The search for greener aviation fuel, meanwhile, focuses on plants and seeds. Airlines see biofuel as a better solution than hydrogen for the near future because it can be used in existing engine technology, rather than requiring radical - and massively expensive - modifications. Airlines don't plan to clear rainforests, savannas, wetlands or grasslands to grow the "feedstock" to produce biofuel. That would end up releasing more carbon than it saved. Instead, they plan to produce biofuels from wasteland, in brackish, undrinkable water and on land not considered arable.

Boeing's managing director, environmental strategy, Billy Glover, said recently that enough fuel to sustain all aviation could be produced "from a space about the size of Belgium". Aircraft were likely to be using biofuel blends within five years, Glover said, adding that just two years ago, he was "a total sceptic that this would work". Rapid advances in the meantime have converted him.

Biofuel flight tests are under way already. Virgin Atlantic is due this week to fly one of its Boeing 747 aircraft between London Heathrow and Amsterdam using a "truly sustainable type of biofuel that doesn't compete with food and freshwater resources", according to the airline. The fuel will be a mix, probably 20 per cent biofuel and 80 per cent conventional jet fuel. Its exact formula is secret. The flight will be a demonstration run, carrying no passengers, operated in conjunction with Boeing and engine maker GE Aviation.

Announcing the trial, Virgin Atlantic president Sir Richard Branson said the demonstration flight would give the airline "crucial knowledge that we can use to dramatically reduce our carbon footprint." The Virgin Group, he pointed out, had pledged to invest all profits from its transport companies towards developing clean energy. "With this breakthrough we are well down the path to achieving our goals."

Virgin's test flight will be followed, less than a year later, by a similar test involving Air New Zealand, Boeing and engine maker Rolls-Royce. One engine of an Air New Zealand Boeing 747 will run on a blended biofuel/kerosene mix and the other three engines will be powered by regular aviation fuel.

In a parallel development, aircraft manufacturer Airbus has run one of its giant double-decker A380 planes in a test flight using a liquid fuel processed from natural gas. The industry's main thrust, however, remains biofuel.

Growing biofuel

* Algae These simple plant-like organisms, known collectively as pond scum, are a promising future feedstock option for biofuel production. Boeing researchers believe algae could provide a much higher oil yield per hectare than many other biofuels, as well as being far less demanding on the environment.

* Babassu This native Brazilian palm tree produces a nut that might provide a sustainable source of oil for biofuel in Brazil. Different biofuel feedstocks will be used in different parts of the world, suiting local conditions.

* Halophytes Saltwater plants, or halophytes, grown in desert areas and irrigated with seawater could become a promising biofuel feedstock. Australia's arid regions are suited to this, as is the Sahara.

* Jatropha This hardy bush, known to botanists as Jatropha curcus, is believed to have the same medicinal qualities as a laxative. Its profile has surged with the discovery that it might also be an ideal biofuel crop, producing seeds with up to 40 per cent oil content.

RSPCA endorsing 'inhumane' chicken farm

THE RSPCA is endorsing a range of eggs which Animal Liberation says are laid by chickens kept in inhumane conditions.

The RSPCA gives its official seal of approval to Pace Farm barn-laid eggs.

It receives 2 per cent of the wholesale price of the eggs, which are sold under its "choose wisely" accreditation scheme.

But pictures obtained by The Sun-Herald show hens at a Pace Farm facility in Buchanan, near Newcastle, in cramped conditions with no outside access.

Many have large amounts of feathers missing where they have pecked each other, a sign that experts say shows they do not have enough space.

The birds have also had their beaks clipped - a practice known as "debeaking" which involves cutting the beak with a heated blade in order to stop the birds cannabalising each other.

Campaigners have called on the RSPCA to stop endorsing all barn-laid eggs - not just those produced by Pace Farm - saying customers are being misled about the welfare standards behind such products.

An Animal Liberation spokeswoman said the group was shocked by the conditions at the Buchanan facility.

"They are exhibiting the type of behaviour that is normally associated with caged birds," she said.

"The public assumes that because these eggs have been endorsed by the RSPCA that they are cruelty-free and welfare-friendly - sadly, in this instance, this is not the case."

Barn-laid eggs do not have to conform to the same criteria as free-range products, where the hens must have access to outside areas during the day. Barn-layer birds are kept inside constantly, in tiers, though not in cages. It is intended that they have more space to move around and to nest naturally.

On Friday, the RSPCA defended its decision to endorse the Pace Farm barn-laid brand.

Chief executive Heather Neil said: "RSPCA standards for accredited egg production ensure that hens are given the freedom to exhibit natural behaviours.

The program involves a process of stringent and regular inspections every eight to 12 weeks to ensure standards are being met."

Ms Neil confirmed the RSPCA endorsed beak clipping of birds at the Buchanan facility.

"The RSPCA is aware of behavioural problems with this particular flock at Buchanan, specifically feather picking," she said.

On the allegation that the birds were too cramped, she said RSPCA standards allowed for seven birds per square metre as opposed to the national code of practice standard of 12.

Animal Liberation said the RSPCA standard gives each bird an amount of space equivalent to a piece of A3 paper.

Ms Neil said the demand for eggs in Australia was about 200 million dozen eggs a year.

"Such a demand necessitates large-scale commercial production," she said. "The RSPCA would prefer to be in there helping to improve the welfare of birds in commercial egg production rather than not being involved at all."

She said all the money received from the sale of the eggs - believed to be hundreds of thousands of dollars - was channelled back into the accreditation scheme.

Pace Farm is the biggest battery egg producer in the southern hemisphere but also has free-range and barn-laid products.

A spokesman for the company refused to comment on the allegations or the pictures, which were taken a week ago.

Alternate Energy Sources

Great site that sells alternate powered products, ranging from clocks that are water powered to any number of solar powered devices including charges.

Click here to access the site

The site describes itself as follows:

"Multi-Powered Products™ invites you to take a look at our product range which we believe will appeal to all those of us who are concerned about the environment and the need to use alternative energy.

We are confident that you will find something of interest which can make a difference in meeting the challenge of climate change and ensuring a renewable future.

We have solar, wind up and water powered products not only for emergencies and outdoor leisure activities but also for general use and we invite you to consider all the options!

Browse the categories on the left and we're sure you'll find what you are looking for, if not let us know and we'll see what we can do to help.

All of our products are guaranteed for at least 12 months and in addition we offer a full refund for goods returned within 10 days of receipt subject to being returned in perfect condition"

Climate Positive

This is a site that offers you the ability to offset positively your carbon emissions. Here is an excerpt from the site:

"Can you feel the planet heating up? We can, and want to do something about it. You can too. Support Climate Positive, a not-for-profit organisation, investing in renewable energy projects and restoring the world's most majestic forests.

Measure, reduce and offset your greenhouse emissions with Australia's premium carbon offset provider


1. MEASURE your carbon dioxide emissions with our CO2 calculator.

2. REDUCE your emissions using our energy-saving strategy.

3. OFFSET your impact with accredited emissions reduction projects - focusing on renewable energy.


For every tonne of carbon dioxide produced by individuals and businesses, we offset 1.3 tonnes to go beyond carbon neutral to Climate Positive."

For more information click here

Action Earth TV

Action Earth TV is a newly created site that brings together informative short videos to help you reduce your carbon footprint. Providing simple advice to information on products that reduce green house gases.

It also provides other resources, from school resources to calculating your carbon footprint.

This site is worth a look! http://www.actionearth.tv/default.aspx

Sustainable Forestry Plantation Timber

ITC Limited is a forestry company with a proud history of sawmilling and value-adding timber for over 80 years, and delivery of forest establishment and management services to retail, corporate and institutional investors since the early 1990s.


Today, ITC is one of Australia’s largest hardwood plantation forestry managers and timber processors, with more than 150,000 hectares of plantations under management across Australia and a solidwood conversion capacity of 250,000 cubic metres per annum.


ITC is active across the forestry and forest products value chain ranging from plantation establishment and management to harvesting, sawmilling, timber and woodchip sales ad export. Activities are managed through two operating divisions: ITC Forestry delivers plantation establishment and management services nationally while ITC Timber processes and value-adds high-grade, quality timbers in Victoria and Tasmania for architectural applications, furniture, flooring and construction materials.


As a wholly owned subsidiary of Futuris Corporation, a Top 200 company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and owner of the well known rural services business, Elders, ITC has a strong mandate and backing to support its future growth.

www.itclimited.com.au

Climate Change to Hit Health

CANBERRA - Climate change will have potentially devastating consequences for human health, outweighing global economic impacts, researchers said on Friday, calling for urgent action to protect the world's population.


"While we embark on more rapid reduction of emissions to avert future climate change, we must also manage the now unavoidable health risks from current and pending climate change," said Australian researcher Tony McMichael, who co-authored a study in the British Medical Journal.

"This will have adverse health effects in all populations, particularly in geographically vulnerable and resource-poor regions," he said.

McMichael, from Australia's Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, said increased wildfires, droughts, flooding and disease stemming from climate change posed a much more fundamental threat to human wellbeing than economic impacts.

A 2006 report by former World Bank chief economist Nicholas Stern said climate change had the potential to shrink the global economy by between 5 and 20 percent, causing a similar impact to the Great Depression.

But McMichael said climate shift would bring changes to the pattern of infectious diseases, the effect of worsening food yields and loss of people's livelihoods. While it was unlikely to spawn entirely new types of diseases, it would impact on the frequency, range and season patterns of many existing disorders, with between 20 and 70 million more people living in malarial regions by 2080, he said.

And the impact would be hardest in poor countries, said the researchers, including co-author Sharon Friel from the Australian National University, Tony Nyong from Nigeria's Jos University and Carlos Corvalan of the World Health Organization.

"Infectious diseases cannot be stabilised in circumstances of climatic instability, refugee flows and impoverishment," McMichael said. "Poverty cannot be eliminated while environmental degradation exacerbates malnutrition, disease and injury."

McMichael said immediate decision-making was needed to involve health professionals in planning for the impact of climate change.

Kevin Parton, from Australia's Charles Sturt University, said the report was a wake-up call that the world needed to be doing more to eradicate diseases such as malaria.

"The health risks are massive, and the best way to mitigate them is to minimise the extent of climate change. Global community health is the climate change issue," he said. (Editing by Alex Richardson)


Story by Rob Taylor

Tropical glaciers and global warming - ABC Podcast

Glaciologist Lonnie Thompson pioneered the science of tropical ice core analysis. Ice cores, he says, are like tree rings, giving a long and accurate record, and clearly show the evidence of global warming. Thompson has been studying tropical glaciers for 30 years and Dan Grossman accompanied him on his 27th trip to Peru, to the Quelccaya ice cap.

Podcast

Presenter:

Prof Lonnie Thompson
Glaciologist Ohio State University
http://www.geology.ohio-state.edu/faculty_bios.php?id=52

Facing New Mileage Rules, Porsche Preps a Hybrid S.U.V.

IT is hard to imagine a less likely candidate for the hybrid treatment: the Porsche Cayenne, a 5,000-pound S.U.V. that ranks among the fastest, most powerful trucks ever built.

But Porsche insists that its deep-pocketed clientele — whose concerns have involved acceleration, not conservation — will still appreciate a Cayenne that uses less fuel.

The German sports car company, which first announced its hybrid program in 2005, revealed the result at auto shows last fall in Frankfurt and Los Angeles. The Cayenne Hybrid combines a 34-kilowatt electric motor with a 3.6-liter, 290-horsepower V-6 and nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. The company says the Cayenne will be able to cruise on electricity alone — at least for short distances — at speeds up to 75 m.p.h.

Porsche plans to have the hybrid in showrooms by 2009 or 2010.

The company pegs the hybrid’s overall fuel economy at 24 m.p.g., a third better than the gas-only Cayenne with a V-6. Anticipated improvements in technology may raise the rating to 26 m.p.g., and Porsche is studying the potential of lighter, stronger lithium-ion batteries.

Porsche is among manufacturers, including Toyota, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, that are hybridizing S.U.V.’s and pickups to bump up mileage. A historic 40 percent jump in mileage standards, the largest in decades, is forcing automakers’ hands, and S.U.V.’s will not be immune: manufacturers’ car and truck fleets must average 35 miles per gallon by 2020, without the breaks that have benefited heavier sport utilities, pickups and minivans.

“We have to go back and do our homework like everyone else,” a Porsche spokesman, Chris Wall, said.

That reckoning may be more difficult for a company like Porsche, an exclusive manufacturer of high-performance cars whose relatively low mileage cannot be offset by sales of thrifty compact cars (though the impending purchase of VW may change that). And Porsche customers are known for their exacting standards in power and performance, factors that can be at odds with fuel economy.

“The situation is unique for us and a few other small companies,” Mr. Wall said. The new rules “definitely make things interesting.”

For more than 20 years, Porsche has paid annual fines totaling $57 million for failing to meet the federal corporate average fuel economy standard. In 2006, it was fined $3 million for its fuel-thirsty Cayenne and $1.6 million for its cars.

Tony Fouladpour, a Porsche spokesman, noted that while Porsche’s fleet falls short of CAFE standards, no model consumes enough fuel to subject buyers to a guzzler tax.

“Whatever requirements we have to meet, our engineering will get us there,” Mr. Fouladpour said.

Porsche has not set a price on its hybrid. Current base prices range from $44,295 for the base Cayenne (with a V-6) to $94,595 for the Cayenne Turbo.

The Porsche saves additional fuel by using electricity to power its air-conditioning, brake vacuum pump and steering. The hybrid Cayenne’s peak torque will rise to more than 400 pound-feet, easily topping the 273 pound-feet of the gas-only V-6 version. The increased torque should help offset the 330 additional pounds of the hybrid drive system and batteries.

UAE About to Start Building Green City in Desert

DUBAI - The United Arab Emirates plans to start building a multi-billion-dollar green city in the desert in the first quarter of this year, as the oil producer looks to become a pioneer of alternative energy.


The zero-carbon, zero waste city -- actually a town of up to 15,000 residents -- is being steered by Masdar, an initiative set up by the Abu Dhabi government to develop sustainable and clean energy.

It is one of a string of projects that the world's fifth-largest oil exporter is eyeing as it looks to reduce some the world's highest per capita greenhouse gas emissions, Masdar's Chief Executive Sultan al-Jaber told Reuters.

"We will break ground on the city in the first quarter," Jaber said.

Taking old cities from the Arab world as inspiration, the plans show narrow streets, squat buildings and no cars. Solar panels will act as awnings to shelter pedestrians from the sun.

Transport will be futuristic travel pods that do not consume gasoline. Solar and wind energy will power the city and its water desalination plant.

"We recognise the carbon footprint of the UAE and are working on a number of fronts to help reduce our emissions. Our objective is to make Abu Dhabi the centre of the future of energy."

According to a UN Development Programme report issued last year, UAE greenhouse gas emissions were 34.1 tonnes per head in 2004, the third highest in the world after Qatar and Kuwait and well above US per capita emissions of 20.6 tonnes.

The alternative energy projects also aim to place the UAE at forefront of the future energy industry after oil and enhance its reputation at a time of growing concern over climate change.

Jaber declined to estimate the cost of building the city in the harsh desert climate, but said it would be above previous estimates in local media of US$5 billion. It will be part funded by the Abu Dhabi government with partners investing the rest.

The city will house around 14,000 to 15,000 people and have workspace for around 50,000, he said.

UK architects Fosters & Partners, famed for such designs as Berlin's Reichstag and London's Wembley Stadium, are the master planners. The first stage of construction should be finished in 2009 and the entire city completed in 2016, Jaber said.

Masdar aims to build a 30 megawatt solar power plant to power the construction and intends to attract companies working on clean and sustainable energy to the city.

The earliest stage involves the construction of a graduate research institute dedicated to alternative energy. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is collaborating with Masdar on development of the institute.

Masdar is working with the World Wildlife Fund to ensure the city meets WWF principles of sustainability, Jaber said.


CARBON CAPTURE, INVESTMENT

Masdar plans to develop a nationwide network of carbon capture and storage projects (CCS) to pump greenhouse gases into oilfields, reducing emissions while boosting oil output.

CCS, an as yet commercially unproven technology, should free up natural gas that is now reinjected to push oil out of oilfields. The UAE needs the gas for power generation to meet rising demand as petrodollars fuel an economic boom.

Canada's SNC-Lavalin is finalising a feasibility study for the project and Masdar hopes to have a better idea of how to proceed by the second quarter this year, Jaber said.

Masdar is investing in energy and sustainable technology companies through a US$250 million clean technology fund. The fund is a joint venture with Credit Suisse and the UK's Consensus Business Group, which invests in companies that may have technology that can be commercialised in the UAE in future.

"We have been investing in early stage companies, mainly solar and wind, we've invested in a number of them," he said.

Abu Dhabi is one of seven emirates in the UAE, and holds over 90 percent of the country's oil reserves. (Reporting by Simon Webb, editing by Anthony Barker)

Earth Hour 2008 launches

More than ten of the world’s major cities have pledged their support for Earth Hour 2008, the WWF led-climate change initiative that has gained worldwide momentum. Earth Hour will take place at 8pm on Saturday March 29 next year with more cities expected to sign up in coming weeks.

Sydney, host of the inaugural Earth Hour campaign held on March 31 this year, will be joined in 2008 by Melbourne, Brisbane, Chicago (USA), Copenhagen (Denmark), Toronto (Canada), Manila (Philippines) and Tel Aviv (Israel) and other cities in turning off lights for one hour in a global demonstration of the world’s readiness to tackle climate change head on.

Sustainable IT Provision Report - Butler Group

Report Abstract

Corporate, Social, and Environmental Responsibility (CSER) has become a significant issue for every enterprise, and is particularly pertinent for IT management which must focus on supporting the requirements of the organisation in this area. The challenges of meeting these responsibilities have brought into sharp focus the need for IT to be more proactive, along with including the required capabilities into IT strategy and governance procedures.

For the report please follow this link "Sustainable IT Provision Report - Butler Group"

Local Cooling

If you want to do your bit for the planet, and your energy bill, this is one app you ought to be running. The geo-friendly utility disciplines your computer's power save modes, curbing CO2 emissions and energy use.

Fight global warming from your desktop! Local Cooling automatically optimizes your PC's power consumption by using a more effective power save mode. You will be able to see your savings in real-time translated to more environmental terms such as how many trees and gallons of oil you have saved. An easy-to-use interface allows users to change their default power settings, meaning savings on electricity bills for the users, and a reduction in the amount of Greenhouse Gas that results from powering a computer.

Version 1.0.4 adds a hibernate option on the advanced page, adds HTTP proxy support with auto detection, and remembers your window state when restarted, among other new features and fixes.

Download here

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to you all and thank you for your continued support, may we all reap the benefits of more sustainable 2008!

Invest in the worlds future - Generation Global Sustainability Fund

Introducing Generation Investment Management LLP

Co-founders, Al Gore and David Blood, had a vision to position ‘sustainable investing’ as a mainstream investment option aiming to deliver superior investment returns over the long-term.

Generation Investment Management LLP (‘Generation’) was established in 2004 and manages approximately US $1 billion. Al Gore is the Chairman of Generation and David Blood is the Managing Partner.

Sustainable investing is fundamentally different to ethical or socially responsible investing. Generation’s investment approach is based on the idea that sustainability factors – economic, health, environment, social and governance – will ultimately drive a company’s share price over the long-term. Generation invests in the companies whose securities are attractively priced, with strong management teams that they believe best understand and respond to these factors and have the potential to out-perform over the long-term.

Why consider the Generation Global Sustainability Fund?

1. True integration of sustainability and fundamental equities’ analysis

   Generation is one of a very short list of investment managers from around the world that has integrated sustainability research and fundamental equity analysis into the one investment process.

2. Excellent investment credentials

   Generation’s team of investment analysts and portfolio managers have very strong investment credentials. David Blood was the former global CEO of Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Chief Investment Officer, Mark Ferguson has more than 13 years investment experience gained from some of the world’s leading investment managers.

   Generation’s investment capability has also been highly rated by leading investment consulting firm, Mercer.

3. Excellent sustainability credentials

   Al Gore is one of the world’s most respected sustainability advocates. Generation’s Advisory Board, chaired by Al Gore, consists of some of the world’s pre-eminent economic, political and environmental thinkers. The Advisory Board meets twice annually and assists the Generation investment team in understanding long-term sustainability themes that feed into their investment decision-making process.

4. High conviction investing

   Generation will only invest when there is high conviction in the company, and they believe that a concentrated stock portfolio (of between 25 to 60 companies) provides the potential to gain the most from their intensive research process.

5. Client alignment

   Generation is privately owned with 15 of the 26 employees having a stake in the company. In addition, a preference for performance fees coupled with significant employee investment in the firm’s funds aligns the Generation team’s interest with investors.

Fund snapshot - Generation Global Sustainability Fund

Objective:
To deliver superior investment performance by taking a long-term investment view and integrating sustainability research within a rigorous fundamental equity analysis framework.

Strategy:
The fund’s strategy is to invest in high-quality businesses whose securities are attractively priced, with strong management teams that are capable of delivering superior long-term returns. A crucial element of this sustainable investing strategy is to select companies that demonstrate practices and processes that will sustain their profits in a changing, challenging environment. Sustainable investing is the explicit recognition that economic, health, environmental, social and governance factors directly affect long-term business profitability. The fund will invest in anywhere between 25 and 60 companies. Whilst hedging may be used to manage currency exposures against the relevant benchmark (MSCI World ex Australia Index (AUD)), overall currency exposure will not be hedged back into Australian dollars.

Minimum suggested investment timeframe:
5 to 7 years

Performance*:
There are currently no past performance figures available, because the Generation Global Sustainability Fund is a new fund available to Australian investors from 3 September 2007. However, Generation’s investment managers have been investing in global equities since February 2005. In that time, Generation has been managing other global portfolios that have outperformed the relevant benchmarks since inception.

*The newly established Generation Global Sustainability Fund available to Australian retail investors from 3 September 2007 is a newly created fund and will therefore have different returns to other global portfolios managed by Generation. Past performance and ratings are no indication of future performance for either the new fund or the other global portfolios managed by Generation.

Apply Now

Every Drop Shower Saver

Great new gadget for saving water.

The Every Drop Shower Saver is a lever (or paddle-like) device which can be retrofitted to the base of the shower stem which enables the water to be switched on and off while maintaining the water temperature.

features and benefits
• makes saving water easy
• saves you money on utility bills
• can save up to 100 litres per shower!

save water the easy way
The Every Drop Shower Saver facilitates the turning on and off of the water because the lever is positioned at eye level. The sheer simplicity of this design invites anyone taking a shower to flick the water off whilst soaping, shampooing or shaving, making saving water easier than ever before.

New efficient bulb sees the light - BBC News

A new type of super-efficient household light bulb is being developed which could spell the end of regular bulbs.

Experts have found a way to make Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) brighter and use less power than energy efficient light bulbs currently on the market.

The technology, used in gadgets such as mobile phones and computers, had previously not been powerful enough to be used for lighting.

But Glasgow University scientists said they had resolved the problem.


The days of the humble light-bulb could soon be over
Dr Faiz Rahman
University of Glasgow

The project, being developed along with the Institute of Photonics at the University of Strathclyde, involves making microscopic holes in the surface of LEDs to increase the level of light they give off.

This is a process known as nano-imprint lithography.

Dr Faiz Rahman, who is leading the project, said: "As yet, LEDs have not been introduced as the standard lighting in homes because the process of making the holes is very time consuming and expensive.

"However, we believe we have found a way of imprinting the holes into billions of LEDs at a far greater speed, but at a much lower cost."

He added: "This means the days of the humble light-bulb could soon be over."

The Forecast in the Streets

A new report called The Age of Consequences, just released by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Center for a New American Security, tries to bring the social sciences, in particular history, geography, and political science, into the forecast of climate change in the coming century. It makes for fascinating if frightening reading.

Refer to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies

Thousands of walruses killed as sea ice melts

THOUSANDS of Pacific walruses above the Arctic Circle were killed in stampedes this year after the disappearance of sea ice caused them to crowd onto the shoreline in huge numbers, it was revealed yesterday.

Many of the youngest and weakest animals, mostly calves born in the spring, were crushed. Scientists blamed the mass deaths on global warming.

The deaths took place during the late northern summer and autumn on the Russian side of the Bering Strait, which separates Alaska from Russia. "It was a pretty sobering year - tough on walruses," said Joel Garlach-Miller, a walrus expert for the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Unlike seals, walruses cannot swim indefinitely. They typically clamber onto the sea ice to rest, or haul themselves onto land.

But ice disappeared in the Chukchi Sea this year because of warm summer weather, ocean currents and persistent eastern winds, Mr Garlach-Miller said.

As a result, walruses came ashore earlier and stayed longer, congregating in extremely high numbers, with herds as big as 40,000 at Point Shmidt, a spot that had not been used by walruses as a "haulout" place for a century, scientists said.

Walruses are vulnerable to stampedes when they gather in such large numbers. The appearance of a polar bear, a hunter or a low-flying airplane can send them rushing into the water.
Source: The Sun-Herald

Earth feels the cost of humanity staying cool

THE humble air-conditioner, quietly purring away in millions of homes and cars this summer, has become the unknown player in Australia's growing contribution to global warming.

The refrigerant gases in every air-conditioner and fridge have the potential to be far more devastating than car emissions, yet they barely rated a mention at the UN climate conference in Bali earlier this month.

So hidden is the problem to the public that, unknown to most NSW MPs, even State Parliament runs an ageing air-conditioning plant beneath Macquarie Street using nearly a tonne of hydrochlorofluorocarbons.

HCFCs, the refrigerant gases used to replace ozone-depleting CFCs in the 1990s, have a ferocious global warming impact out of all proportion to the often small amount of gas involved.

The air-conditioning system under Macquarie Street, which keeps things cool in the NSW Parliament and the adjacent State Library, contains HCFC gases equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of about 2500 four-wheel-drives. The gas used there is now being rapidly phased out around the country and can no longer be imported because it is deemed to be too damaging.

Parliament is not alone - the cooling systems in many large, older buildings still rely on bulk synthetic refrigerant gases, although the Federal Government plans to phase out HCFC use in Australia altogether by 2030.

A growing proportion of HCFCs and the less damaging hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, are captured and either recycled or destroyed by a plasma treatment process that turns them into salt water.

But of the 7000 tonnes of refrigerant gases imported annually, about 4000 tonnes remain unaccounted for, and leakages are endemic.

"We need to dispel the myth that refrigerant gases are somehow safe," said Michael Bland, an environmental consultant who has been involved in the problem of refrigerant gas capture and storage for two decades. "They are very dangerous and a growing part of our greenhouse problem."

Car air-conditioners, now fitted as standard in new models, are among the most leaky and dangerous. On average 15 per cent of the kilogram or two of refrigerant gases used to run a vehicle air-conditioner seep out into the atmosphere every 12 months.

Michael Bennett, the general manager of Refrigerant Reclaim Australia, said that figure is distorted because, compared to many other developed nations, Australians tend to drive older-model cars with less robust air-conditioning. "We are aiming to get it up world best practice, which would be about7 or 8 per cent per annum," Mr Bennett said.

Refrigerant Reclaim Australia, an organisation funded by the main refrigerant gas importation companies, is destroying gases in old air-conditioners, fridges and fire extinguishers at an increasing rate, rendering about 440 tonnes safe at a national reprocessing plant in Melbourne in the 12 months to June.

Leaking refrigerant gases make up between 1 and 2 per cent of total Australian emissions. But they account for about 12 per cent of

the "radiative forcing" of the atmosphere, which can reduce heat loss and add to global warming.

And when the energy used to keep the machinery running is taken into account, the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry creates about 7 per cent of total Australian emissions, according to a report published in 2005 and jointly funded by the main industry players and the Federal Department of Environment.

But even that proportion is rising rapidly, as Australia becomes one of the world's most air-conditioned nations and households now run an average of just over two cars. And there are roughly 14 million fridges and cold stores across the country, each with their load of refrigerant gas.

The Department of Environment and Climate Change maintains that the damage from leaks is minimal, as long as air-conditioners are serviced regularly and disposed of by an engineer licensed to recapture the gas when they break down.

"The estimated emissions from refrigerant leakage is a small proportion - around 20 per cent - of the total lifetime emissions from a piece of refrigeration or air-conditioning equipment," said a Department of Environment spokeswoman, Heike Phillips. "While HFCs have a high global warming potential, they are a very efficient refrigerant."

The department is urging Australians to cease the habit of simply putting old whitegoods out on the pavement, and have the gas professionally removed. It issued guidelines last week pointing out that it is illegal to tamper with refrigerant gases.

"If you just pull that old air-conditioner off the wall and let its two kilograms of refrigerant escape or leave it to slowly leak away at the tip, you will have emitted the equivalent of four tonnes of carbon dioxide - the same as six months of driving your car," it said.

Help Us "Find 5 %"

A key objective of Earth Hour is to reduce Sydney's greenhouse gas emissions by 5% for the year following Earth Hour 2007.

The Sydney Morning Herald today launched Earth Hour's 'Find 5%' campaign - a reminder to both businesses and individuals who took part in Earth Hour 2007 to look at how they can reduce their emissions by 5% through to March 2008.

In the paper's Eco section, you'll find a snapshot of how Sydney's business community is endeavouring to reduce its emissions as part of Earth Hour. There are also simple tips on what you and your families can do at home and in the workplace.

In coming weeks, look out for Earth Hour 2007's "Find 5%" print campaign.

» Read SMH's Earth Hour story

Remember the three main steps to reduce your emissions:

1) Turn off your lights when not in use.
2) Take appliances off standby. Appliances left on standby account for 10 per cent of company's electricity use.
3) Switch to Green Power. All Australian electricity providers now offer cleaner energy options.

Xmas Shopping at WWF

This year we have a great new line in Christmas cards, virtual gifts and an extensive range of 12 adoptions including Wilbur the whale shark, Charlie the black cockatoo, George the quoll and Rachael the rock wallaby. Note: Plus, this year you will also receive a cute plush toy with the tiger, turtle and rhino adoption packages.

We are also pleased to offer carbon offset products that enable you to offset the energy an average person uses with the car, at home as well as for events like weddings! These products are provided thanks to our partners at Climate Friendly.

For the first time we are offering a selection of organic skin care products from Miessence. No synthetic ingredients, just beautiful cleansing, nourishing and moisturising organic products for you to pamper yourself with or to give to friends and family as gifts.

On top of all that we have a new range of NECO sustainable living products including shower timers and buckets, worm farms and step-by-step guides to greener living - as well as some traditional favourites like T-shirts, diaries and mugs.

100% of the profits made from this program go directly to WWF's conservation work. So why not fill your Christmas stockings with WWF USB keys, mobile phone charms and adventure kits and help protect the planet at the same time.

Happy Shopping!

From the crew at WWF-Australia

Visit our shop

A green solution for unloved computers

A new recycling scheme aimed at tackling Australia's growing mountain of unloved idle computers has been launched in Victoria.

It's hoped Byteback, the joint project between the Victorian government and the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) to be launched in Geelong, will encourage homes and small businesses to send in old computers for recycling, rather than dumping them in local landfill.

The scheme is partly a response to a report commissioned by Environment Australia in 2001, which estimates 1.6 million computers and 1.5 million printers will end up in landfill this year.

"A lot of computers and peripherals are ending up in landfill," AIIA chief executive officer Sheryle Moon said.

"We're missing out on an economic opportunity. The more we can recycle and use, the greater the cost saving."

The Byteback scheme, with nine collection centres throughout Melbourne and Geelong, may be expanded across the state next year.

Each centre will receive computers, printers, monitors and other peripheral devices free of charge. The items will be broken down and sent to various recycling centres across the state.

Ms Moon says she believes there is a strong desire in the community to recycle computer waste, as seen in projects such as the Mobile Muster.

But she admits she doesn't know exactly how much waste is out there.

Organisers say they hope the scheme will be expanded nationally and include collection of other electronic items such as televisions and home entertainment systems.

"We are also exploring another tier of participants, large non-technology organisations who, by their nature, generate significant levels of computer waste. These may include government departments, major banks and financial services companies," Ms Moon said.


©AAP 2007

Endangered Animals - Red List

Following are highlights of a 2007 "Red List" of endangered species of animals and plants issued by the World Conservation Union on Wednesday.


The Union, which comprises governments, conservation groups and scientists, said that 16,306 species are threatened in a mounting global "extinction crisis", up from 16,119 in 2006.

WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA. Moved from Endangered to Critically Endangered in 2006. The number of gorillas, found in several central African nations, has fallen by 60 percent in the last 20-25 years because of the Ebola virus and hunting. Logging has opened up roads for hunters to reach once impenetrable forests.

YANGTZE RIVER DOLPHIN OR BAIJI. Moved to Endangered/Possibly Extinct from Critically Endangered in 2006. The last firm sighting of the baiji, a type of dolphin unique to China's Yangtze River, was in 2002. The baiji have been killed by entanglement in fishing gear, boat propellers, dam construction, silting up of the river and pollution.

GREAT HAMMERHEAD SHARK. Endangered, previously insufficient data. The sharks' fins are prized as a delicacy, hammerheads also suffer from getting entangled in nets and only breed once every two years. Numbers in the eastern Atlantic may have crashed by 80 percent in the last 25 years.

BORNEAN AND SUMATRAN ORANGUTANS. Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered, Bornean endangered: unchanged after a new survey. About 7,300 Sumatran orangutans live in the wild while there are probably fewer than 45,000 to 69,000 in Borneo. Both are threatened by habitat loss, to palm oil plantations in Borneo and to logging in Sumatra.

CORALS/SEAWEEDS. Three corals from the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific are entering the Red List for the first time -- the first coals on the list and threatened by climate change and the sea warming effect known as El Nino. Also, 74 Galapagos seaweeds have been added in 2007.

GHARIAL. Moved to Critically Endangered from Endangered. A type of crocodile found in India and Nepal, the gharial suffers from a loss of habitat because of dams, irrigation, artificial embankments and sand mining. The population has crashed from 436 in 1997 to 182 in 2006.

VULTURES. Both Asian and African vultures are under threat. In Asia, the Egyptian vulture has moved from Least Concern to Endangered and the Red-headed vulture from Near Threatened to Critically Endangered. Numbers have fallen partly because a drug used for livestock, diclofenac, is poisonous for vultures. In Africa, three vulture species are facing greater threats.

WOOLLY STALKED BEGONIA. The woolly stalked begonia is the only species declared Extinct this year. It was only found on Penang Island, Malaysia.

BANGGAI CARDINALFISH. Endangered, entering the list for the first time. The Indonesian fish, with zebra-like stripes, are prized by the aquarium industry with 900,000 caught every year.

MAURITIUS ECHO PARAKEET. In a success story, the bird is moving from Critically Endangered to Endangered. The world's rarest parrot 15 years ago but there are now more than 320 in the wild after captive breeding, better protection and feeding.


REUTERS NEWS SERVICE

Earthdance

The global dance aid festival Earthdance returns to Sydney for another year to move hearts and feet. This year the Sydney Earthdance falls on Sunday, the 16 September, when the entire city is invited to boogie for peace on the rolling hills of inner-west Sydney Park in St Peters.

http://www.earthdance.org.au/mambo

World's 10 Most Polluted Places

Russia and two former Soviet republics have four of the world's top 10 most polluted places, according to the Blacksmith Institute, a New York-based nonprofit group.

Blacksmith did not rank the top 10 because complete health records from some developing countries were unavailable. For each site the group included the number of potentially affected people, who could face problems ranging from asthma to premature death.

The annual list was compiled with help from specialists at Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Hunter College in New York, India's ITT, University of Idaho, Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York and others. The full report can be found at www.worstpolluted.com.

Below are the worst polluted places listed alphabetically.

Sumgayit, Azerbaijan

- Potentially affected people: 275,000

- Pollutants: Heavy metals, organic chemicals

- Sources: Petrochemical and industrial complexes

Linfen, China

- Potentially affected people: 3,000,000

- Pollutants: Fly-ash, volatile organic compounds, lead

- Sources: Car and industrial emissions from coal industry

Tianying, China

- Potentially affected people: 140,000

- Pollutants: Lead and heavy metals

- Sources: Mining and processing

Sukinda, India

- Potentially affected people: 2,600,000

- Pollutants: Hexavalent chromium

- Sources: Chromite mines

Vapi, India

- Potentially affected people: 71,000

- Pollutants: Chemicals and heavy metals

- Sources: Industrial estates

La Oroya, Peru

- Potentially affected people: 35,000

- Pollutants: Lead, copper, zinc

- Sources: Heavy metal mining

Dzerzhinsk, Russia

- Potentially affected people: 300,000

- Pollutants: Sarin, lead, phenols

- Sources: Cold War-era chemical weapons, manufacturing

Norilsk, Russia

- Potentially Affected People: 134,000

- Pollutants: Heavy metals, phenols

- Sources: Nickel mining

Chernobyl, Ukraine

- Potentially affected people: 5.5 million

- Pollutants: Radioactive dust including uranium, other metals

- Sources: Nuclear meltdown of reactor core in 1986

Kabwe, Zambia

- Potentially affected people: 255,000

- Pollutants: Lead, cadmium

- Sources: Lead mining and processing

WHO ON EARTH CARES?

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing Australians today. It's up to all of us - individuals, business and government - to act quickly and ensure we protect this wonderful country for our kids and their kids.

Who On Earth Cares brings together Australians from all walks of life who want to reduce our greenhouse pollution and avoid dangerous climate change. Who On Earth Cares shows what we are all doing in our lives to save energy and helps each of us let our politicians know we want leadership and real solutions to this important issue.

Each of us really can make a difference, but together we can do even more. Put yourself on the map today and be one of the many Australian who is showing that they care about climate change.

Who On Earth Cares is an initiative of the Australian Conservation Foundation. To learn more about us and the solutions to climate change, visit http://www.acfonline.org.au/Default.asp?c=65552 or http://www.whoonearthcares.com/

Australia's Qantas Plans Pollution Offset Program

MELBOURNE - Australia's largest airline, Qantas Airways Ltd, said it plans to start a carbon credit program in September to partly offset the pollution emitted by its aircraft.


Travellers will be offered a choice when they purchase a ticket to buy carbon credits to offset the carbon dioxide emissions from their trip, Qantas Chief Risk Officer Rob Kella said.

"It won't be a mandatory component of the ticket price," Kella told Reuters. Qantas will join a handful of airlines around the world that offer such a program, but is keeping details of how the scheme will work under wraps until it is launched at the end of September.

Kella said that on the day of the launch, Qantas plans to buy credit for the entire emissions of the airline on that day.

From then on, Qantas will buy credits for its staff's air travel and for the use of ground equipment, but it will be up to passengers whether to buy offsets for their own travel.

"Our market research indicates there is a broader interest. Whether or not in a voluntary scheme, people will take that up, it's a personal decision on the day," Kella said.

British Airways introduced a carbon offset scheme in 2005, but a British parliamentary inquiry last month said that only 1,600 tonnes of offsets were purchased on average each year, the equivalent of four return flights from London to New York.

Kella said Qantas hopes to learn from the experiences of other carriers, including BA and Scandinavian Airlines.

"We are hopeful that over time our percentage participations will be greater than what some of the other carriers have experienced," he said. The scheme will cover travel on Qantas and on its discount Jetstar carrier.

UN studies say that projected global passenger growth of 5 percent a year will far outstrip efficiency gains from better fuel or plane design.

On a one-way flight from Sydney to London, each passenger is responsible for 1.9 tonnes of greenhouse gases, according to estimates by a UK offset company CarbonNeutral Co. Qantas disputes claims the airline industry is a heavy emitter of greenhouse gases, saying that aviation only contributes 2 percent of total carbon emissions in the world, despite contributing about 8 percent of world economic activity.

International flights are now excluded from the Kyoto Protocol, the main UN plan for curbing climate change to 2012.

Qantas, whose shareholders rejected a US$9 billion buyout bid in May, reported a 50 percent jump in annual profit earlier this month as passenger demand rose.


Story by Victoria Thieberger

Antarctic Ozone Hole Appears Early in 2007 - UN

GENEVA - A hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica has appeared earlier than usual in 2007, the United Nations weather agency said on Tuesday.


The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said it would not be clear for several weeks whether the ozone hole, which is expected to continue growing until early October, would be larger than its record size in 2006.

"It is still too early to give a definitive statement about the development of this year's ozone hole and the degree of ozone loss that will occur. This will, to a large extent, depend on the meteorological conditions," the Geneva-based agency said.

The ozone layer shields the earth from damaging ultra-violet rays that can cause skin cancer.

While use of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) has waned, the WMO said large amounts of chlorine and bromine remain in the atmosphere and would likely keep causing holes in the protective layer for years to come.

"Although ozone-depleting substances are now declining slowly, there is no sign that the Antarctic ozone hole is getting smaller," it said in a report.

The WMO and the UN Environment Programme have said the ozone layer would likely return to pre-1980 levels by 2049 over much of Europe, North America, Asia, Australasia, Latin America and Africa. But in Antarctica, the agencies said, ozone layer recovery would likely be delayed until 2065.

Geir Braathen, a senior scientific officer with the WMO's atmospheric research and environment programme, said the ozone hole may reach the southern tip of South America in 2007.


REUTERS NEWS SERVICE

Energy Efficiency Seen Easiest Path to Aid Climate

VIENNA - Energy efficiency for power plants, cars or homes is the easiest way to slow global warming in a long-term investment shift that will cost hundreds of billions of dollars, the United Nations said on Tuesday.


A UN report about climate investments, outlined to a meeting in Vienna of 1,000 delegates from 158 nations, also said emissions of greenhouse gases could be curbed more cheaply in developing nations than in rich states in coming decades.

The cash needed to return rising emissions, mainly from burning fossil fuels, to current levels by 2030 would amount to 0.3 to 0.5 percent of projected gross domestic product (GDP), or 1.1 to 1.7 percent of global investment flows, in 2030, it said.

"Energy efficiency is the most promising means to reduce greenhouse gases in the short term," said Yvo de Boer, the head of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, presenting the report to the Aug. 27-31 meeting.

That could mean tougher standards for cars, factories, coal-fired power plants or buildings in using fossil fuels.

And government policies could encourage people to pick energy efficient lightbulbs, for instance, or discourage them from wasting energy by heating empty outdoor terraces.

The 216-page report was published online last week.

De Boer said the study could help guide governments, meeting in Austria to discuss a longer-term strategy against global warming beyond the UN's Kyoto Protocol. The protocol binds 35 rich nations to cap emissions of greenhouse gases by 2008-12.

The report estimates that "global additional investment and financial flows of US$200 billion-$210 billion will be necessary in 2030 to return greenhouse gas emissions to current levels", including measures for energy supply, forestry and transport.

The study foresees a shift to renewable energies such as solar and hydropower, and some nuclear power. Environmentalists say that the report lacks ambition and that emissions need to be below current levels by 2030.

CARBON MARKETS EXPANDED

The report also estimates that investments in helping nations adapt to the impact of climate change would run to tens of billions of dollars in 2030, such as treating more cases of malaria or building dykes to protect beaches from rising seas.

It said carbon markets would have to be "significantly expanded to address needs for additional investments and financial flows." Companies are now responsible for about 60 percent of global investments.

Harlan Watson, the chief US climate negotiator, said it was unclear how governments could mobilise such vast investments by the private sector. "That's a key question," he said.

The report fills in some gaps in a wider picture given by previous studies such as one by former World Bank chief economist Nicholas Stern saying it would be cheaper to confront climate change now than wait to combat the consequences.

UN reports this year have also projected that warming will bring more heatwaves, droughts, disease and rising seas.

De Boer said investments to developing nations should rise.

"The bulk of cost-effective opportunities are in developing countries," he said, adding that did not mean that rich nations should seek only to invest abroad rather than at home.

"More than half the energy investment needed is in developing countries," he said. China is opening coal-fired power plants at a rate of two per week to feed its growing economy and cleaner technology would help the climate.

Story by Alister Doyle, Environment Correspondent

Airlines Body Sees End of Paper Tickets in 2008

GENEVA - The global airlines body IATA said on Monday it had placed its last order for paper tickets, clearing the way for air travel to be based entirely on electronic ticketing from June 1 next year.


"In just 278 more days, the paper ticket will become a collector's item," said Giovanni Bisignani, director general of the International Air Transport Association.

The changeover from paper would not only cut airlines' costs by US$9 for every traveller but would also mean the industry -- criticised by environmentalists for its part in global warming -- would save 50,000 mature trees a year, he added.

Bisignani did not say whether the US$9 in cost savings would or should be passed on to passengers.

Based in Geneva, IATA represents more than 240 airlines which operate 94 percent of scheduled international flights.

Non-IATA airlines, mainly low-cost carriers like the Irish Ryanair and the British Easyjet, already have a paper-free ticket system where travellers are registered in computers and present only an identity document at check-in.

IATA launched its drive for so called "e-ticketing" just over three years ago and now 84 percent of travellers on IATA carriers fly without paper tickets.

The airlines body says China, one of the fastest-growing markets for air travel and host to next year's Olympic Games, is heading to be the first country in the world to operate an entirely paper-free ticketing system by the end of this year.

Australia's first-ever green magazine - G magazine

What is G magazine?

G is a glossy and stylish guide to green living in the 21st century: an environment-friendly consumer guide for people who want to reduce their impact on the planet but don't want to compromise on quality of life.

Every bi-monthly issue features great ideas for greener living, and practical, evidence-based solutions to living a more environment-friendly lifestyle.

The first issue was the January/February 2007 edition, which went on sale in newsagencies across Australia in November 2006. It is produced by Luna Media, the boutique publishing house that won the coveted Best Small Publisher trophy at Australia's annual Bell Magazine Awards in November 2006.

Charity Gets Staff on Bikes

BOSSES are giving employees extra money as an incentive to ditch their cars and ride a bike to work to help cut greenhouse gases.

Latest figures show about 10,000 workers now regularly use pedal power in the Sydney metropolitan area.

Bicycle NSW chief executive Alex Unwin said there has been a 50percent increase in bike commuters in the last five years.

At internet search engine company Google, employees at its Sydney office are given about $100 to donate to the charity of their choice for every 20 days they use bicycles and other "self-powered means" to get to work. Google Australia's spokesman said about 50 employees are now involved in the scheme.

"It is designed to encourage people to take self-powered means to work," he said.

As well as bike riding, employees can also walk or skateboard to get to work to earn the charitable donations.

And if they must use a car, Google is encouraging them to use an eco-friendly version, offering a $5000 rebate to staff who purchase hybrid cars.

Despite growing ranks of cyclists, Sydney still lags behind cities such as Copenhagen where a stable of around 2000 bikes can be used free of charge by citizens and tourists. Paris also has a high cyclist population and recently announced plans to introduce a self-service network of more than 20,000 bikes that can be picked up and dropped off at a series of bike racks across the city.

Riding bikes instead of using cars is helping to reduce pollutants with each litre of petrol consumed in a car emitting 2.4kilograms of carbon dioxide, figures from the Department of the Environment and Water Resources show.

Sydney real estate developers are also beginning to encourage tenants to use bicycles.

When a new commercial development by GPT Group is completed in inner-city Pyrmont, tenants will have access to a set of bikes that they can use to get around town free of charge.

GPT Group head Tony Cope said he believes the scheme will give the company a competitive advantage while also helping the environment.

"We hope people will grab a bike and ride into the central business district of Sydney rather than getting a taxi," he said.

Innovative "bike buses" are being formed around NSW allowing cyclists to ride to work in the comfort of a group.

Computer programmer Fiona Campbell, who previously drove to work, runs the Marrickville to the city bike bus.

"It's growing all the time," she said.

"Initially it was just me and one other person. Now about 20 use it at some times."
Source: The Sun-Herald

Two-year respite before heat hits

SCIENTISTS predict temperatures will plateau before climbing again to a succession of record-breaking highs, in the most detailed forecast of global warming's effects.

Powerful computer simulations used to create the first global warming forecast suggests temperature rises will stall in the next two years, before rising sharply at the end of the decade.

From 2010, they warn, every year has at least a 50 per cent chance of exceeding the record year of 1998 when average global temperatures reached 14.54 degrees.

The forecast, from researchers at Britain's Meteorological Office's Hadley Centre in Exeter, south-western England, shows that natural shifts in climate will cancel out warming produced by greenhouse gas emissions and other human activity until 2009, but from then temperatures will rise steadily.

Temperatures are set to rise over the 10 years by 0.3 degrees. Beyond 2014, the chance of breaking the temperature record is even greater.

The forecast of a brief slump in global warming has been seized upon by climate change sceptics as evidence that the world is not heating. Climate scientists say the new high-precision forecast predicts temperatures will stall because of natural climate effects that have caused the Southern Ocean and tropical Pacific to cool over the past couple of years.

The forecast marks a shift in thinking by climate change researchers. Instead of using their models to look many decades ahead, they will focus on the very near future.

The hope is that forecasts will be more useful to emergency planners in governments and companies by warning of droughts and other extreme conditions a year or two ahead. Previously, the models have been used to show that global temperatures may rise 6 degrees above pre-industrial levels by 2100.

"If you look ahead on a 50- to 100-year time frame, then global warming is the big thing for the climate," Doug Smith, a climate scientist at the Hadley Centre, said. "But if you're working on a project that is only designed to last for the next few years, that information doesn't make much difference to you."

A team led by Dr Smith set computers working on the forecast after plugging in temperature measurements taken from the world's oceans and atmosphere. The team then checked the accuracy of the forecasts by getting it to predict climate change throughout the 1980s and 1990s - making "hindcasts".

Existing global climate computer models tend to underestimate the effects of natural forces on climate change, so for this analysis Met Office experts tweaked their model to better reflect the impact of weather systems such as El Nino and La Nina, or fluctuations in ocean heat and circulation.

So far, only forecasts of temperature changes have been released in the journal Science, but the models also calculate changes in rainfall, drought risk and other aspects of climate change that affect flood defences and other vital responses to global warming.

"The people who can use long-term climate information are few and far between," Chris West, the director of the British climate impacts program at Oxford University, said.

"It's fine if you're building a skyscraper or something else that's going to be in place for 100 years, but for most people it doesn't matter much. It's much more critical to know what is going to happen in the next year or two, and that is something climate scientists have always struggled with."

Guardian News & Media

Tips for Driving Efficiency

Your driving habits, the type of vehicle you drive and the conditions under which you drive will affect your vehicle's environmental performance. Follow these tips for greener driving.

Minimise your vehicle use

Think about your travel needs prior to your travel. Planned travel decisions will result in fewer trips and more efficient/cheaper travel than unplanned decisions made 'on the go'. Some travel planning tips:

* Plan to do a number of errands in one trip rather than several trips and save both time and fuel (for the first couple of minutes of a car trip the engine is cold and this results in an increase in fuel consumption per kilometre).
* Patronise shops near to you whenever possible to reduce the distances you travel by car. Walk or cycle to your local shops if you can.
* Avoid peak-hour traffic whenever possible.
* Use alternative transport, eg. public transport (bus, train, tram or ferry), walking or cycling. These alternative methods of travel are often cheaper, and may provide other benefits including increased fitness.

Drive in high gear

The engine runs most efficiently between around 1,500 and 2,500 rpm (lower in diesels). To maintain these low revs you should change up through the gears as soon as practical and before the revs reach 2,500 rpm. Automatic transmissions will shift up more quickly and smoothly if you ease back slightly on the accelerator once the car gathers momentum.

Drive smoothly - avoid unnecessary acceleration

Drive at a good distance from the car in front so you can anticipate and travel with the flow of traffic. You will be able to see such things as traffic lights changing or cars turning and minimise your fuel use through braking and accelerating back up to full speed.

Minimise fuel wasted in idling

Minimise fuel wasted in idling by stopping the engine whenever your car is stopped or held up for an extended period of time. By having the engine switched off, even for a short period, you will save more fuel than is lost from the burst of fuel involved in restarting the engine. The net increased wear and tear from this practice is negligible.

Speed kills economy

High speeds result in high fuel consumption. At 110 km/h your car uses up to 25% more fuel than it would cruising at 90 km/h.

Minimise aerodynamic drag

Additional parts on the exterior of a vehicle such as roof racks and spoilers, or having the window open, increases air resistance and fuel consumption, in some cases by over 20%.

Look after your vehicle's tyres

Inflate your vehicle's tyres to the highest pressure recommended by the tyre manufacturer and make sure your wheels are properly aligned (remember to keep your spare tire inflated as well). Looking after your tyres will not only reduce your fuel consumption it will also extend tyre life and improve handling.

Use air conditioning sparingly

Air conditioners can use about 10% extra fuel when operating. However, at speeds of over 80 km/h, use of air conditioning is better for fuel consumption than an open window.

Travel light

Don't carry more people or cargo than you have to. The more a vehicle carries the more fuel it uses; an extra 50kg of weight can increase your fuel bill by around 2%.

Service your vehicle regularly

Keeping your vehicle well tuned will minimise its environmental impact.

Toyota's Hybrid Prius Tops Satisfaction Table

LONDON - For the first time, a hybrid car, the Toyota Prius, is the highest-ranking model in satisfying owners of new cars, according to an annual survey.


The Prius ties with the Lexus IS for top spot among models included in the study.

Other high scorers are Japanese models from Toyota, Honda and Lexus, although Skoda shows well, with the Octavia and Fabia ranking fifth and seventh overall.

The J.D. Power and Associates/What Car? magazine 2007 UK Car Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) highlights a growing trend towards environmentally friendly cars.

The Prius, the first mass-produced hybrid car, with a part-petrol, part-electric engine, first went on sale in Japan in 1997 and has seen sales rise steeply in tandem with concern about the environment.

It received 868 index points on the survey's 1,000 point scale and earned particularly high ratings in ownership costs.

Prius owners are most satisfied with day-to-day operating costs and also report high satisfaction for vehicle quality, vehicle appeal and dealer service.

"The Prius clearly demonstrates that car owners think green is good," said Steve Fowler, editor of What Car? magazine.

"We know that there's an increase in consumer interest in environmentally friendly cars here in the UK, and with the Prius topping the model rankings in the 2007 study, we may be seeing a trend emerging in people's thinking about these vehicles."

In the rankings of nameplates, or manufacturers, luxury Japanese brand Lexus ranks highest for a seventh consecutive year, receiving a customer satisfaction score of 862 points.

Lexus continues to receive particularly high ratings in three of the four key measures: quality/reliability, service satisfaction and vehicle appeal. Following Lexus in the rankings are Honda and Skoda in a tie at 845 points, Toyota (832) and Daihatsu (824).

Mercedes-Benz is the most improved maker in 2007, increasing 12 points from 2006. Other notable improvements include Citro n, MG Rover and Land Rover.

"Mercedes-Benz has made impressive strides over the past two years, with major improvements in vehicle quality and dealer service making a strong impact on satisfaction with the overall ownership experience," said Frank Parisi, director of European automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates.

The study is based on the evaluations of more than 18,000 British car owners after an average of two years of ownership and includes 33 brands and 113 models.

Owners provide detailed evaluations of their vehicles and dealers, which covers 77 attributes grouped in four measurements of satisfaction.

In order of importance, they are: Quality and reliability; vehicle appeal, which includes performance, design, comfort and features; dealer service satisfaction and ownership costs which include fuel consumption, insurance and costs of service/repair.

The top five models:

1. Toyota Prius (868 points)

2. Lexus IS (also 868)

3. Honda Jazz (864)

4. Lexus RX (854)

5. Skoda Octavia (851)


REUTERS NEWS SERVICE

Cool Pool

Brought to you by Cool the Globe, join Australia's biggest car pooling database. It's FREE to join with endless benefits. Ii is another effort aimed at keeping cars of the streets needlessly. Go to this link to register. Cool Pool!

Blacktown goes green to beat the heat

Wendy Frew Environment Reporter
July 28, 2007

WHEN the mercury rose above 43 degrees at Blacktown on New Year's Day, 2006, air-conditioners and pool pumps worked overtime as residents sought relief from the searing temperatures that have come to characterise Sydney summers.

Residents will again seek refuge from the heat this summer but the rising income levels that have helped many of greater Blacktown's 300,000 people keep cool are also sending power bills sky high and putting huge pressure on the electricity network.

Demand for power-hungry air-conditioners on the few really hot days of the year - especially in the booming western suburbs where temperatures are higher and houses are bigger - is so strong the NSW Government is considering building a new coal-fired power plant to cope.

But an ambitious project launched today at Blacktown's Civic Plaza hopes to prove there is a cheaper, more environmentally friendly way to solve the power problem.

With a $15 million grant from the Federal Government and $22 million from consortium members, the Blacktown Solar Cities project is designed to demonstrate how a combination of solar power, smart electricity meters, energy efficiency and innovative approaches to electricity pricing can meet energy needs and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

"We are making it easier to save energy, and we are making it especially easy when the sun is shining, air conditioners are running and energy use is at its heaviest," said BP Solar's regional director, Brooke Miller.

The project, which covers Blacktown Council's 47 suburbs, includes discounts of between 30 and 50 per cent on solar electricity and solar hot water systems, and ceiling insulation, as well as special peak pricing packages that encourage consumers to use less peak power in return for discounts for off-peak power.

The project is backed by BP Solar, Integral Energy, ANZ Bank, Landcom, Blacktown Council and energy efficiency expert Big Switch and runs until 2013. The consortium members hope that by avoiding an estimated 25,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and shaving $3 million off electricity bills each year the project will drive policy changes that favour demand management, energy efficiency and renewable energy ahead of electricity grid expansion and new power plants.

They believe if new ways of thinking about and pricing electricity catch on in Blacktown, with its mixture of old soldier settlement suburbs, housing commission homes and McMansions, and its broad cross-section of nationalities, it will work anywhere.

The Doherty family are among 1000 locals who have already registered their interest in the project.

Living on a tight budget, but maintaining a home equipped with air-conditioning, several computers and a pool, Gordon and Janet Doherty have had their energy use audited by Integral Energy, and are thinking about taking part in a trial in which their pool pump will be turned off automatically on 12 hot days over summer, during peak energy periods. It won't affect the cleanliness of the pool but should cut the family's power bill.

The family of four has already switched its lights to less energy-intensive compact fluorescent bulbs, and has begun turning off at the wall appliances that use standby power.

"Every cent you can save is vital," said Mr Doherty.

"It is sometimes 2 to 3 degrees hotter out here than in Sydney but Blacktown's electricity infrastructure is inadequate … our home computers often suffer from power surges."

Apply now to be a climate change presenter with Al Gore!

The Climate Project - Australia, in partnership with ACF, invites you to apply for an exciting opportunity to join Al Gore in Melbourne to help stop dangerous climate change.

Al Gore will be travelling to Australia in September to personally train 170 people to deliver a version of his now famous slide presentation featured in the documentary An Inconvenient Truth. The training will be held in Melbourne between 21st-23rd September 2007.

Mr Gore trained 84 Australian presenters in Sydney last year. He is returning to Melbourne to train an additional 170 Australian climate change presenters. Worldwide, Mr Gore has trained 170 presenters in the UK and 1000 in his home town of Nashville in the US.

To apply, just visit the Climate Project - Australia website and follow the links.

Applications close at 9am, Friday 13th July. Applicants will be notified of the results no later September 3rd, 2007.

Kind thanks

Green Travel Tips

Start conserving before you leave home. On the day you leave for vacation, turn down the thermostat, lower the water heater and stop newspaper delivery.


Use the hotel’s towel and linen recycling service. Just like you don’t change your sheets everyday at home, you don’t need to have them changed everyday in the hotel.



Rent a hybrid car. Some eco-friendly hotels even offer free parking for hybrids.



Don’t waste. After opening the tiny shampoos and soaps take them home and finish them or use them on another trip.



When shopping on vacation, head to local markets, where you can purchase fresh food from local vendors. This benefits the community by increasing their economy, and you will get fresh fruits and veggies plus hand-made souvenirs.



Off-Season – Visit popular natural areas during their off season, reducing the number of peak season visitors and the impact crowds have on the environment.



Bring a "to go" cup to the coffee house and a reusable water bottle when you head to the beach. Those Styrofoam coffee cups and plastic water bottles are non-biodegradable trash and will be buried in the Earth for years to come. Some coffee houses will even give you a discount if you bring your own cup!



Offset flights through carbon program http://www.carbonfund.org/site/

Print Greener With Greenprint

If we cannot have a paperless environment then the next best thing is to use less paper. GreenPrint Enterprise is waste-reducing software which was recently officially launched in the UK, enabling organisations to decrease the amount of paper and ink used when printing.

The IT department has an important role to play in reducing the amount of paper generated by computer systems. Employees should be asked to only print when really necessary and then only the content that is required. GreenPrint Technologies estimates that by using GreenPrint Enterprise an organisation with 20,000 employees could save 35.2 million pages annually, equating to 3,911 trees, and amounting to UK£1,267,200. It is not just paper usage that is an issue; ink is also a precious commodity, being 13 times more expensive than champagne by volume.

GreenPrint has the mission in life of creating products that make it easy to help the environment and save money at the same time. The company has developed GreenPrint Enterprise software, designed to reduce waste in office printing. It was created for organisations with multiple printers, although operates just as well in enterprises of ten or 10,000 employees. The application eliminates wasteful pages before they are printed, incorporates a PDF writer to provide an alternative to printing, and provides other options to save ink and toner.

The software highlights and removes unwanted pages and provides a print overview facility to enable the user to decide what is to be printed. In addition, there is an option to remove images or text from the printed page. GreenView, the reporting feature, tracks trees saved and the reduction in CO2 emissions as a result of using application. The results can be accumulated across the entire organisation, highlighting the overall environmental impact.

GreenPrint has also created the EverGreen font aimed at minimising paper use. The font has characters which are designed to enable more words to fit on each printed page without affecting readability. Compared with commonly used fonts such as Arial, Times New Roman, and Helvetica, EverGreen reduces paper usage by 15% to 20%..


Whilst a ‘green’ approach is obviously good for the environment, it can in many instances provide significant operational savings. Organisations must adopt a more environmentally friendly attitude using software such as that provided by GreenPrint, as well as creating effective policies and implementing a continual process of improvement.

A trial version of GreenPrint can be downloaded from www.printgreener.com.

New Fuel for 21st Century - Aluminum Pellets?

CHICAGO - Pellets made out of aluminum and gallium can produce pure hydrogen when water is poured on them, offering a possible alternative to gasoline-powered engines, US scientists say.


Hydrogen is seen as the ultimate in clean fuels, especially for powering cars, because it emits only water when burned. US President George W. Bush has proclaimed hydrogen to be the fuel of the future, but researchers have not yet found the most efficient way to produce and store hydrogen.

The metal compound pellets may offer a way, said Jerry Woodall, an engineering professor at Purdue University in Indiana who invented the system.

"The hydrogen is generated on demand, so you only produce as much as you need when you need it," Woodall said in a statement. He said the hydrogen would not have to be stored or transported, taking care of two stumbling blocks to generating hydrogen.

For now, the Purdue scientists think the system could be used for smaller engines like lawn mowers and chain saws. But they think it would work for cars and trucks as well, either as a replacement for gasoline or as a means of powering hydrogen fuel cells.

"It is one of the more feasible ideas out there," Jay Gore, an engineering professor and interim director of the Energy Center at Purdue's Discovery Park, said in a telephone interview on Thursday. "It's a very simple idea but had not been done before."

On its own, aluminum will not react with water because it forms a protective skin when exposed to oxygen. Adding gallium keeps the film from forming, allowing the aluminum to react with oxygen in the water.

This reaction splits the oxygen and hydrogen contained in water, releasing hydrogen in the process.

"I was cleaning a crucible containing liquid alloys of gallium and aluminum," Woodall said. "When I added water to this alloy -- talk about a discovery -- there was a violent poof."

What is left over is aluminum oxide and gallium. In the engine, the byproduct of burning hydrogen is water.

"No toxic fumes are produced," Woodall said.

"When and if fuel cells become economically viable, our method would compete with gasoline at US$3 per gallon even if aluminum costs more than a dollar per pound."

Recycling the aluminum oxide byproduct and developing a lower grade of gallium could bring down costs, making the system more affordable, Woodall said.

The Purdue Research Foundation holds title to the primary patent, which has been filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office. An Indiana startup company, AlGalCo LLC., has received a license for the exclusive right to commercialize the process.


Story by Julie Steenhuysen


REUTERS NEWS SERVICE

The Big Picture – Climate Change

by Hans Kunnen, May 2007

Download the article

The climate change debate has hotted up, fuelled by the release of the Blair Government’s Stern Report; comments on emissions trading by Australian State and Commonwealth Governments; and the recent report by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

The release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere has risen in the past 50 years and is predicted to grow exponentially in the next 100 years. The primary sources of these gases are the burning of fossil fuels, land-clearing and certain forms of agriculture.

Source: UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. www.ipcc.ch

The effect of these activities appears to be an increase in temperatures across all continents and an increase in ocean temperatures. According to the IPCC report, if current trends continue, we run the risk of seeing large scale changes in weather patterns and sea levels.

In response to these issues, Article 3 of the Kyoto Protocol states that the aim of the Protocol is to reduce the signatories overall greenhouse gas emissions to at least 5% below 1990 levels in the period 2008 to 2012.

2012 is just five years away.

Sources of concern
A major source of carbon dioxide is energy production. With a rising population, the globe is facing a rising demand for energy. Where will this energy come from? Sources include coal, gas, nuclear, wind, solar, tidal and ethanol, but at what cost? Coal is cheap but currently high in pollutants. Nuclear is expensive and comes with potential long-run baggage. Alternative energy sources are also expensive and face problems with meeting high and variable levels of demand.

Attempts to resolve these concerns will provide both challenges and opportunities.

Where the debate stands in Australia
Climate change has become a mainstream political issue with solutions falling into two broad camps. Market-based solutions, such as emissions trading are one approach, while regulation such as carbon taxes are another.

The 1997 UN sponsored Kyoto Protocol calls for a system of emissions trading combined with any other mechanisms to reduce emissions. Working against the Kyoto Protocol is the fact that several large polluting countries are not bound by the emission targets. Also, the Protocol focuses on the period 2008 to 2012. Beyond 2012 there is uncertainty. Australia is currently not a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol.

The State Governments of Australia established a National Emissions Trading Taskforce in 2004. It has outlined its principles for a possible national emissions trading scheme and is set to report in the second half of 2007.

Information on the initiative of the State Governments can be found at http://www.emissionstrading.net.au/home

More recently the Commonwealth Government established a Task Group on Emissions Trading which will report in May 2007. Its web site is http://www.dpmc.gov.au/emissionstrading/index.cfm

Very recently the Greens party announced that it wants to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020 and by 80% by 2050. This compares with a 60% reduction by 2050 suggested by the Australian Labor Party. To date the Government has been cautious about setting targets, suggesting that it wants to more fully understand the costs and implications of committing to specific targets.

In March of this year, the 27 European Union member governments approved a new target to cut their collective greenhouse gas emissions by 20% from the 1990 level by 2020.

The basics of emissions trading
The Government initially decides the quantity of emissions it will allow. It then gives companies permits to emit these greenhouse gases. Companies that cut their emissions may end up with excess permits that they can then sell to companies who need more permits. The quantity of emissions is fixed but the price of emissions is decided by the market.

Companies may also be able to purchase emission permits or carbon offsets from companies that absorb carbon. Tree planting is a common form of earning permits and the permits can be sold in the market. Even this, however, has its opponents. Tree planting in poorer nations has implications for local agriculture and the environment.

The example of Europe
Europe began phase one of its system of carbon trading in 2005 and a price for carbon emissions was established via the trading of permits in the market. As the graph below indicates the price has fallen since the early days of the scheme as it became apparent that during phase one, too many permits were granted.

Source: Bloomberg

The European scheme is now entering phase two and by all accounts it plans to significantly reduce the amount of carbon emissions it will allow.

The effectiveness of the European scheme has been questioned, and in the Australian context it is becoming apparent that any trading scheme must be transparent, enforceable and have a high standard of carbon accounting.

Wherever the debate ends, it appears as if individuals, businesses and governments will end up paying more for energy and water. In the past the atmosphere and the environment were thought of as a ‘free good’ with its capacity to absorb pollution regarded as unlimited. Few hold this view anymore.

Investment opportunities
Climate change is already producing investment opportunities. Victoria is spending a billion dollars on wind farms, the construction of which can affect several listed construction and infrastructure companies. Similarly the construction of water infrastructure offers investment opportunities, following developments at both State and Federal levels.

The development of infrastructure will assist the growth of both listed and unlisted infrastructure funds as investors seek assets with solid cash flows.

The recent rise in the price of uranium suggests that the markets believe that nuclear energy will be part of the response to climate change. The share price of Danish wind systems company, Vestas, is another indicator of market expectations.

In the years ahead companies will be looking for ways to reduce energy consumption. Others will be looking at alternative fuels, fuel technology and transport and heating options.

A major challenge for companies and investors will be to understand how the introduction of emissions trading, or other strategies for controlling emissions, will affect future earnings. Will certain industries be penalised? Will changes in the cost of energy affect consumption patterns in other parts of the economy?

As awareness of environmental issues has risen, so has the demand for ‘sustainable’ investments and sustainable investment funds. To move fund managers along this path, the United Nations has developed a set of principles for sustainable investing. Several fund managers, including Colonial First State, have agreed to abide by these principles, details of which can be found at http://www.unpri.org/

Until the authorities fully outline their approach it will be difficult for markets and consumers to make informed choices. In the meantime, we can all follow the debate with keen interest.

Top Ten Environmental Tips

You can help protect the environment and save money at the same time by making a few simple changes at home. Here are ten easy ways to get started. These simple tips can help you reduce your Ecological Footprint.

Save Energy

Over half your energy bill is likely to come from heating and cooling so set your thermostat to the optimum temperatures: Winter – Maximum 20°C. Summer – No less than 26°C. Every 1°C can make a big difference to the amount of energy you use - up to 15% less.

Even on standby mode, most electrical items still use electricity so make sure you turn of TV’s, computer monitors and other electrical appliances at the power point when not in use. And save around $100 a year too!

Save water

Limit showers to 4 minutes – this can save over 25,000 litres a year on average. Better still, also install water efficient showerheads and save around 10 litres of water a minute.

Turn off the tap whilst brushing your teeth or shaving. Leaving the tap running can waste up to 17 litres of water a minute.

Reduce waste and litter

Over 40% of an average Australian household’s waste thrown away is food, garden or wood waste that doesn’t need to be there. Compost or recycle your waste instead

Say NO to Plastic Bags. Take reusable bags for shopping instead.

Chemical-free cleaning

Use less chemicals when cleaning. Bicarbonate of soda with water is great for cleaning benches, sinks & windows and deodorising carpets.

For cleaning floors and windows add a cup of vinegar to every 1 litre of warm water.

Leave the car at home

Ride your bike or walk wherever you can. By leaving your car at home for journeys up to 5km you could save around $1000 on fuel a year.

Alternatives for getting to work? Car pool, catch public transport or ride a bike or electric scooter instead.

Australian Government - Guide to reducing greenhouse gases

Global Warming Cool it

A home guide to reducing energy costs and greenhouse gases

This booklet provides information to help every Australian understand how they contribute to climate change, and how they can play an important part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions

CONTENTS
Households & climate change Transport Water heating Electronics Standby Power Other appliances Clothes washing & drying Home heating & cooling Building and renovating Cooking Refrigerators & freezers HFCs Lighting Food, Garden, Packaging and Materials Green electricity Energy saving tips Greenhouse calculator

Earth Hour Results Amaze

More than 2 million Sydney residents joined Earth Hour on Saturday March 31 between 7.30 and 8.30 by flicking the switch, turning appliances off stand-by and enjoying an hour of quiet darkness, according to poll results.

Residents and businesses across the city showed their support for Earth Hour resulting in an impressive 10.2% drop in energy usage across the usually glittering CBD, according to Energy Australia.

This is double the anticipated energy saving and represents a reduction of 24.86 tonnes of carbon dioxide - the equivalent of taking 48,613 cars off the road for an hour.

"The overwhelming support for Earth Hour from Sydneysiders and from many communities across the country has amazed us and shows the willingness of both business and individuals to start cutting emissions," said WWF-Australia National Communications Manager Andy Ridley.

Polling company AMR Interactive surveyed close to 1000 Sydney residents and found 57% participated in Earth Hour by either switching off lights, turning off computers, televisions and other household appliances.

Energy Australia's Retail General Manager Tim O'Grady said the success of Earth Hour was evidenced in the energy savings made between 7.30 and 8.30 pm on Saturday night.

"People really got behind the cause and showed they care about global warming. We originally thought 5% would be a good result but this is more than double that - an exceptional result."

Leading into the event over 65,000 individuals were registered and over 2,000 businesses.

"We are thrilled with the participation and energy reduction results on the night which have been greatly exceeded our original expectations," Mr Ridley said.

"It shows Sydney is committed to reduce the threats linked to global warming and we hope Sydneysiders have proved by acting together we can start to make a difference."

Earth Hour was initiated by WWF-Australia and is the start of an ambitious campaign to cut Sydney's greenhouse gas emissions by 5% by March 2008.

Key stats

Of 937 Sydney residents surveyed by AMR Interactive, 57% had participated in Earth Hour by either switching off their lights (53%), turning off their computer (25%), turning off a household appliance (25%) or turning off the television (17%).

According to Energy Australia, for the hour between 7.30pm and 8.30pm on 31 March 2007, there was a 10.2% reduction in electricity consumption across the Sydney CBD. This is calculated as follows: Sydney CBD temperature during Earth Hour was 19.8c. Typical energy consumption at this temperature between 7.30 and 8.30 is 228,180 KWh. Actual electricity consumption in the Sydney CBD at this time was 204,900 KWh. Energy Australia analysed data over 4 years to get the typical consumption on a Saturday night in the CBD during March and April. This takes into account daylight savings and weather.

The energy saving during Earth Hour is equivalent to taking 48,613 cars off the road for one hour, or 200,000 standard televisions turned off for one hour. This represents a saving of 24.86 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Integral Energy manages the network covering Greater Western Sydney, The Blue Mountains and the Southern Highlands and the Illawarra. According to their Corporate Environment Manager, Denise Corish, their data showed that Earth Hour definitely had an effect. "Major substations in residential areas across western Sydney and also in parts of the Illawarra showed a noticeable drop in load between 7.15pm and 8.00pm, more than we would expect on a similar Saturday night. We noticed a steep decline in the first five minutes of Earth Hour, between 7.30 and 7.35pm, equivalent to the amount of electricity needed to power 6,500 homes."

30% of businesses on the ASX100 committed to Earth Hour

Over 2,000 businesses were committed to Earth Hour, some of the highlights include:

AGL offset greenhouse gas emissions for 180,000 NSW electricity customers for Earth Hour for the entire 24 hours of 31 March.

Coca-cola sign at Kings Cross was switched off intentionally for the first time since the 1970s.

Woolworths had a high level of staff awareness and dimmed lights in over 200 sites across Sydney. This included over 100 supermarkets, 60 liquor stores and 40 electronic stores.

Many Sydney icons were switched off for the hour including the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House sails and the Luna Park face.

90 McDonalds golden arches turned off across Sydney

Investa Property Group, a 3CBDs signatory, had 30 of its buildings that it manages participate in Earth Hour. This is equivalent to 500,000 m2 or approx 50,000 lights. A large proportion of tenants regularly lead the way by turning off on Saturday nights.

The Rockpool restaurant turned off all lights within the restaurant and kitchen except for four above the stove for safety and held a full house candlelit dinner (110 people). In total they turned off close to 300 lights.

Commonwealth Bank turned off all lights and signage in 17 office buildings in the three CBD's of Sydney. They also turned lights off in 30 Sydney branches. Earth Hour was promoted nationally to 35,000 staff, with 1000 staff registering support.

The City of Sydney had 283 buildings participate in Earth Hour with a floor area of 398,776 m2. This is approx 99,700 lights (allowance of 1 luminare/4 m2 for internal only) and external & facade lights at Sydney Town Hall, Town Hall House, Customs House, Paddington Town Hall, 540 George Street plus a number of other smaller sites.

The Asset Management Services division of Jones Lang LaSalle manage office towers on behalf of The GPT Group, DB RREEF, Lend Lease, APPFC, Macquarie Office Fund, QIC, GIC and AMP & Multiplex Capital. Excellent results were recorded at Darling Park, MLC Centre, Chifley Tower, Australia Square, Citigroup Centre and HSBC Centre where 98% of tenants participated in Earth Hour, which equates to approx 462,000 m2.

Thinking differently

Thinking outside of the box to save the planet. Warning, it requres you to get your hands dirty.

1) Solar energy


The new solar energy collectors are far more efficient and environmentally friendly than the old ones. Use them for power generation but also use the rubber piping on the roof to heat the swimming pool if you have one. If you can't be bothered, purchase green power, but check that it's audited.

2) Water

All new home builders must say to their builder."I want rubble drains". These are holes dug under the lawn full of things like broken bricks and tiles, and covered with geotextile

fabric. The downpipes feed into them. When it rains, the water fills up the pits which slowly feed nearby shrubs and trees. What the plants don't use seeps down to the underground aquifers. This will multiply the used rainfall on your land by around five times. Saves your rainwater from going into the stormwater system, it will soak into your own land, saving the life of nearby trees. In conjunction every home should have a rainwater tank.

3) Frog ponds

Frogs need help. Breed native frogs to reintroduce into local rivers.

4) Stay home

Reduce travelling.
A generation ago, we loved our homes and backyards. Now we go out to have fun. Develop a universe at home. Despite the con-jobs from travel companies, happiness is not a function of distance from home. Real happiness is family, friends, your own creations, hobbies. The alternative is carbon credits either purchased or do it your self.

5) Recycling wit a difference


Recycling aluminium is very good, as is composting green waste. Feed your vegie scraps to the chooks or compost them. Put organic material in the soil and worms will come and eat it. Alternatively create your own worm farm. Re-use supermarket bags.

6) Bottled water

More than 400 billion plastic bottles of water are consumed by people each year. Each bottle involves at least four truck trips. Some glass bottles start off in France or Italy and the contents are consumed here or in the US. Drink tap water. It's healthier, cleaner and stops tooth decay in kids. Forget fizzy drinks and you'll weigh less and live longer, and the planet wins.

7) Urban oases for our bird life

Due to global warming many places around world could lose as much as 30% of its bird species as things hot up. You can help. In countries like Australia less than 5% of it consists of national parks and, for the most part, they are quite poorly run. Most of, say, NSW and Victoria is farm land (about 65%), privately owned. Our bird species will only survive if good food and migration zones exist on farms and in gardens. It is so simple to save them. For nectar-feeding birds plant grevilleas, kangaroo paws, banksias and gum trees. Banksia flower over autumn-winter when food is scarce. Feed seed to your local finches. They need a few generations to adapt to suburbia so they can out-compete the feral sparrows and pigeons. The bird seed replaces the native grasses you destroyed in building your home. Already native finches are adapting to eat weeds like guinea grass, summer grass, winter grass, barnyard grass, Johnson grass and panic veldt grass. Don't spray. Insecticides kill the insects birds eat. Never plant large, open lawn areas as they favour Indian mynahs, noisy minors (a nasty native species), starlings, blackbirds, etc. Narrow lawn areas, surrounded by native shrubs, favour native species.

For those living in other parts of the world focus on planting native plants, they will have the same effect.

Eco Challenge

A new showed has aired this month on Australian TV that follows two families that have been challenged to go green. Initially they are deprived of water and electricity to educate them how important a commodity both are. Once the electricity and water are turned on the challenge begins.

For more information click on the link. Eco Challenge!

It is worth viewing by the entire family on Wednesdays at 7:30pm

Here is some information from the site.

Want to save the planet?

Eco House Challenge is packed with all the essential hints, tips and advice that you’ll need if you’re serious about reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Check out your own environmental footprint, discover the eco hot spots around the home and put yourself to the ultimate test with our fully interactive online game.

You can also keep up to date with all the latest environmental news, join our forum discussions and find out what’s coming up in the next episode of the Eco House Challenge TV series on SBS

There are loads more fun, entertaining and informative features to explore so make sure you bookmark this page, spread the word to everyone you know and keep coming back.

Remember, it’s up to all of us to make a difference.

Can we prevent climate change

There is no longer any reasonable doubt that the polluting gases that humanity is pumping into the air are heating up our planet. In early 1996, 2,500 climate scientists warned that an unprecedented environmental catastrophe looks more likely every day. Action must be taken now. Whether governments will act decisively to prevent climate change is one of the most important stories of our time.

Human activities are causing the planet to heat up faster than at any time in the last 10,000 years. This 'global warming' is caused by a buildup of gases in the Earth's atmosphere, which trap the sun's energy. These gases - mainly carbon dioxide - are chiefly produced by the burning of coal, oil and gas, and the destruction of forests.

Carbon dioxide emissions chart.

The 2,500 scientists of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned in their second report, published early in 1996, that the effects of climate change will include flooding of entire nations as sea levels rise, severe droughts and storms, destruction of agriculture and extinction of species.

At the Earth Summit in 1992, 150 governments signed an international agreement - the Framework Convention on Climate Change - in which industrialised countries promised to limit their emissions of global warming gases to 1990 levels by 2000. Developing countries agreed to seek ways to minimise emissions as their economies develop.

These commitments are only a small first step. Scientists say that the world needs to cut emissions by 50% - 70% just to stabilise the level of these gases in the atmosphere.

To do this, industrialised countries need to agree on rapid reductions in emissions. Among other steps, this means shifting from private car use to public transport, energy conservation, and a shift to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. In the developing countries of the South, vastly increased resources are needed to promote renewable energy and to create financial incentives to keep the last great forests intact.

There's no sign of the necessary resources coming from overstretched national budgets. Proposals for generating international funds for sustainable development - for example, through a small levy on airline tickets - are being discussed at the UN, but are meeting strong corporate and bureaucratic resistance.

Meanwhile, few of the world's richer countries look likely to keep their promises to limit emissions to 1990 levels by 2000. Elsewhere in the world, emissions contin ue to rise. And many corporations and oil-producing governments are fiercely resisting any steps to reduce the burning of oil and coal.

While governments talk, climate change has already begun. The ten hottest years in history have all occured since 1980. Last year (1995) was the hottest ever. The level of global warming gases in the air gets higher every day.

In December 1997 there will be a Climate Summit held in Kyoto, Japan, attended by most of the world's governments. This meeting will set the agenda for addressing climate change beyond the year 2000. In the run-up to this Summit, there will be a series of UN climate negotiations to consider what action to take after 2000, and to decide on targets for future emissions cuts. It is vital that they agree to meaningful targets. A good start would be the adoption of the proposal of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) under which industrialised countries agree to further cut their emissions by 20% below 1990 levels by 2005.

Ultimately, though, solutions must be found to the profligate system of energy consumption which the world currently operates. Three avenues that must be followed are:

• Switch to renewable energy sources: sound alternatives to coal, oil and gas already exist: solar energy, wind energy, alternative fuels for engines, hydro-electricity, biomass energy (the burning of sustainable natural fuels);

• Energy efficiency: much of the energy which we do produce is squandered, by inefficient methods of lighting, heating, travel and other everyday usages.

• Forests: deforestation is responsible for the release of 17% of the world's atmospheric carbon dioxide. Preventing further forest destruction is an important way to prevent climate change.

Take Action - Sample Letter

One of the most effective was to initiate change is to make you message heard by your member or parliament or congress. Through the political process so much can be achieved. Here is a sample letter you can you to initiate change and be heard:

Taken from: http://www.earthaction.org/en/archive/96-08-cich/letters.html

Dear ___________,

I am writing because I am extremely concerned about the threat posed by global climate change, both to our nation and to the global environment.

In early 1996, as you may know, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, made up of 2,500 climate scientists, reported that global warming has begun, and is being caused, at least in part, by human activities. They warned of devastating weather ef fects, disappearing habitats, species extinction, an increase in drought, and the flooding of coastal lands all over the world.

Clearly global warming is one of the biggest threats the world faces. Our government committed itself, in the 1992 Framework Convention on Climate Change, to work to stabilise the climate. In the light of this, I urge you to press the government to ensure that it supports meaningful action at the meetings of the Ad Hoc Group on the Berlin Mandate (AGBM) in the run-up to the Climate Summit in Kyoto in December 1997.

I encourage you to urge the government to press, at the AGBM meetings, for all developed countries to further cut their emissions of global warming gases by 20% below 1990 levels by 2005, as proposed by the Alliance of Small Island States. At the same time, please ask the government what action is being taken at the national level to reduce or minimise emissions of global warming gases.

I also encourage you to urge the government to support proposals at the UN for global revenue sources - such as a levy on air tickets - to generate funds to promote ecologically sustainable development in the South

I hope you can urge the government to take real action on this increasingly urgent issue. Please let me know what response you receive. Many thanks.

Yours sincerely,

Earth Hour : 7:30pm 31st March 2007

Earth Hour is a great world first initiative, that's been taken on by Sydney, to turn off as many lights as possible within the the CBD district and City of Sydney by businesses and residents on 7:30pm 31st March 2007.

Working and living in the CBD we are very excited about this initiative and are taking part wholeheartedly. Were I work at Australia Square, every single tenant has been called on to take part of this momentous occasion. Trying to turn this into something long term. Australia Square is behind this project 100%, already being heavily involved in a number of environmental projects; energy saving, water saving, recycling.

For our part as residents of the City of Sydney, we will not be at home during this evening. Instead we will be out with friends.

I strongly encourage you to sign up on the Earth Hour website!!!! As from the participation of as many people as possible, in turn providing a successful outcome, this initiative could very possiblyl be taken on both on a nationally and internationally scale.

Tips and Tricks

• Switch to Green Energy - this is by far you as an individual/family can reduce the damage to the environment by cutting household related greenhouse gas emissions. Switching to green power at home or at your place of work will mean that you will not produce any green house gases. For more information refer to http://www.greenpower.com.au
• Eat less red meat - red meet in particular beef has high environmental impact because red meat production is resource intensive. Cutting you red meat serving to one serving per week can make dramatic changes to the environment
• Drive less - walk, walk, walk or cycle to reduce greenhouse gases. This will also save your heart and keep you healthy. Driving 10km less each week can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 600kg per year
• Put an end to standby - don't just turn off from the remote, turn them off at the source, that is, at the wall switch. Not only will you cut greenhouse gas, but you can cut you electricity bill between $100-$200 per year.
• Shorten the shower - saves the environment and money off your power bill. Get a shower timer and try to keep showers to 4mins (you can wash your face and shave outside of the shower or at least while the water is not running). Get a water efficient shower head, you can save up to 100 000 litres per year
• Capture that water - have a bucket in the shower to capture water as the water heats up. This water then can be used for a number of this ie flushing the toilet, watering the garden, mop bucket etc.
• Turn it down - a difference of one degree on the thermostat of an air conditioner or heater can reduce energy expenditure by 10%
• Buy energy efficient - energy efficient appliances save you money and reduce greenhouse gases. When buying new appliances buy those with more stars http://www.energyrating.gov.au
• Use the sun - instead of using the dryer at home, try cut back on its use and hang clothes out on the balcony or clothes line. Put the suns energy to good use

Climate Change

The Future

Where do we start? All I know is that for the first time in my life, I am terrified of the future and we're my family and their family are going to be able to live. The weather has been so crazy and predictable this year, that winters and summers all around the world have been somewhat mixed up. A friend recently went to Canada, where normally around December all the Lakes should be frozen and the birds gone for the winter. However this year there were no frozen Lakes and the birds had not gone.

The very sad and frightening thing of this is, not only is the weather affecting the people, it is affecting our poor helpless animals. And it will have a enormous effect on us both - but it's only one of us who can make an enormous change to prevent this from continuing.

http://www.climatecrisis.net/

"An inconvenient truth" is exactly what our politicians think all the whole environmental catastrophe that is taking place. This movie and book have hopefully opened up the eyes of many, definite watch and/or read.

http://www.nccnsw.org.au/

The Nature Conservation Council of NSW (NCC) is the peak umbrella organisation for over 120 conservation and environment groups in New South Wales, Australia.

Environmental Safe Products and Energy!!

The making of our green home

In making our home environmentally safe and sound, we spent a lot of time researching and reviewing various products on various sites. Below I have listed a number of great website links, which we found to be immensely help for in locating the products in making our home green.

Environmentally Friendly Products - General websites

http://www.planetark.com.au/

These guys have been around for ages and are involved in so many great things that I can't even start to break them down. This site is a must!

http://www.biome.com.au/

A fantastic all in one eco-friendly shop, with an environment first company ethic. Something which really struck me when reading about company, there view on thing's.... "Not only the environment prospers. By living with respect for our planet and all who share it,we empower ourselves, enrich our lives and enhance wellbeing."

http://www.todae.com.au/

This is a great store/website which offers a great range of products ranging from; babies stuff to skin and beauty to homewares. Products can be purchased online or at the store located in Glebe NSW.

Green Energy & Water Saver

http://www.originenergy.com.au/

As a fundamental part of making our home as green as possible, we change our home electricity to green power. The link above details all the information on this fantastic energy option for your household.

https://checkout3.payments.com.au/energysave/

Light bulbs are a key in every household, they are in every room and provide much-needed light. As easily as they can be a great help where there is no natural light available, they can be a massive waste of energy. The link above is one of the best deals that we found which both gives you a great deal on saving you energy, but also in saving water. The ducky timer alone, was worth the purchase!!