Productivity Commission: the world is moving to price pollution & support renewables
The Productivity Commission report for the Multi-Party Climate Committee shows that major countries are moving to transform their economies with a combination of carbon pricing and direct support for sunrise industries such as renewable energy, the Greens said today.
The report shows that a wide range of climate policies and industry measures are in place in all countries analysed: China, the USA, the UK, South Korea, Japan, Germany and New Zealand.
"In a serious debate, this report would help finally put to rest the ridiculous notion that Australia might be moving ahead of the world in putting a price on pollution," Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.
Senators Bob Brown and Christine Milne press conference - 17-5-2011
Discussing Current Climate Change Negotiations
Greens back levy after $100 million win on solar
...and support for affordable housing, education
The Australian Greens will support the flood levy in the House of Representatives and the Senate after important gains from the Government on their proposed funding cuts.
Greens Leader Bob Brown, Deputy Leader Christine Milne and MP Adam Bandt took their concerns directly to the government and negotiated a good outcome that will release funding for flood recovery and protect key programs.
The Greens have ensured that $100 million will be returned to the Solar Flagships program in the forward estimates and that a proper consultation process will be undertaken to develop long term policy for large-scale solar power.
The Greens also secured agreement for continued discussions about long-term funding for disaster relief and options for a national insurance program as the nation moves toward confronting the challenges posed by climate change.
Greens remain open to flood levy but climate program cuts make no sense
The Australian Greens remain open to the idea of a flood levy, but oppose climate program cuts and will seek discussions with the government about alternatives including deferring top end corporate tax cuts as well as establishing a long-term disaster relief fund to face up to the reality of climate change.
"Helping to rebuild shattered communities left in the wake of these devastating floods is a top priority for Australians and the Greens firmly stand behind that goal," Australian Greens Acting Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.
"But it does a disservice to all those tragically affected by these floods - and all those whose lives will be thrown into turmoil by more floods, fires, storms and droughts in years to come - to keep insisting that these are one off events and ignore the role of climate change.
Auditor Gen confirms Green Loans debacle; This must never happen again
The Australian Greens today called on the government to compensate Green Loans assessors left in the lurch and to ensure that the level of mismanagement seen under the Green Loans program never happens again, following the tabling of a damning report by the Auditor General.
The Auditor General conducted an investigation into the program at the request of Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, who referred the matter to him on 4 February 2010.
"The Auditor General has confirmed all the concerns included in my request for him to investigate this program," Senator Milne said.
Climate Change Committee 1st milestone towards a carbon price
The Greens have delivered a huge step towards tackling climate change with the establishment of a new Climate Change Committee of federal parliamentarians and experts.
Established as part of an agreement between the Greens and Labor to support the formation of the Gillard Government, the Committee will work to develop a mechanism to put a price on carbon pollution.
"I look forward to giving my all as co-deputy chair of the committee, alongside Minister Greg Combet, with the Prime Minister as chair and Senator Brown, Treasurer Swan and Tony Windsor as members," said Australian Greens Deputy Leader Senator Christine Milne.
Fuel Efficient Cars
Road transport amounted to 12% of Australia’s total carbon dioxide emissions in 2006, and the largest source of these emissions was passenger cars. That means that improving the fuel efficiency of passenger vehicles is vital for tackling the climate crisis.
More efficient cars would also reduce Australia’s vulnerability to higher oil prices as a result of Peak Oil. Australia has become dependent on importing foreign oil and it makes no sense to delay action to reduce our exposure. Shielding consumers from oil price volatility is particularly important for low income earners who are most vulnerable to petrol prices.
Planning for 100% renewable energy
Australia can be a renewable energy powerhouse, harnessing our tremendous resources of sun, wind, wave, earth and human ingenuity to replace our reliance on coal with 100% renewable energy within decades.
To make that transformation rapidly and efficiently, Australia needs a plan: we need to know where our biggest and best renewable energy resources are; we need streamlined consultation and approvals processes that bring communities together instead of dividing them; and we need jobs and infrastructure in the right place at the right time.
Gillard 'moving backwards' on climate crisis
Prime Minister Gillard's climate change policy announced today is an excuse for more delay on the climate crisis, the Australian Greens said today.
"Prime Minister Gillard is showing a complete lack of leadership on the climate crisis," Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.
"The Greens stand ready to work with a re-elected Gillard government to deliver a carbon price fast, and the community is clamouring for action, but the Prime Minister is making excuses for more delays instead of embracing the opportunity.