Write to climatechange@flinders.edu.au

Government & Community

Latest update

SOS Small Islands - AVAAZ petition to the security council
Imagine the sea rising around you as your country literally disappears beneath your feet, where the food you grow and the water you drink is being destroyed by salt, and your last chance is to seek refuge in other lands where climate refugees have no official status. This is not a dream, it's the fearful reality for millions of people who live on islands around the world, from the Maldives to Papua New Guinea.

That is why these small islands are planning the unprecedented step next week, ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting, of calling on the Security Council itself to address climate change as a pressing threat to international peace and security.

This is a creative move born of desperation, a challenge to global powers to end their complacency and tackle this lethal crisis with the urgency of wars. This effort could help shift the tenor of the world's debate -- from a far-off storm cloud to a life-threatening crisis here and how. But the island states' campaign will meet fierce opposition from the world’s biggest polluters, so they need our help. Sign the petition now to raise a worldwide chorus of support for this call -- our signatures will be presented to the UN by the islands' ambassadors as they introduce their resolution next week:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/sos_small_islands

Previous updates

Victorian community goes it alone on wind farm .
The residents of two towns in regional Victoria have taken matters into their own hands and are going it alone with their own wind farm. Costing $4 million each, the two turbines on Leonards Hill will eventually power 2,300 homes, which is most of the homes in the area. Common in Denmark and Germany, the community-owned wind farm will be the first of its kind in Australia.

Shares in the wind project, which is expected to be over-subscribed, are being offered first to the local residents of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, aiming to raise $9.6 million over the next three months. When the wind is blowing hard in Daylesford, which is often, they will export power into the grid and when the wind is rather still, they will import, with a net balance of zero expected over a year.

Three years ago another wind farm project, involving 20 turbines was rejected by the local community, but consultation, bus tours, downsizing and a sense of ownership all appear to have reversed community sentiments. The project received close to $1 million in funding from the Victorian Government. The project is expected to be finished in 2010.
Based on a report by Alison Caldwell for ABC AM.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/25/2314235.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/25/2314478.htm

July edition of E-Mission
Local News
Solar feed-in scheme and national greenhouse reporting begin
Incubator predicts impact of climate change on seeds
Study looks at climate change impacts in Barossa
South Australia to house Australia's largest rooftop solar installation
Further boost for 'hot rock' research
South Australia home to more than half of nation's wind power
New project to tune-up SA buildings
Local and State Governments join forces to tackle climate change

National News
Australian Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme
Garnaut draft report released
CSIRO Climate Adaptation Flagship launched
Feedback invited on renewable energy target design paper
What will a new car mean for your wallet and the planet?

 International News
Green Olympics Yield Mixed Record on Green Building

 Case Study
SA alpaca farmers demonstrate green living

 Upcoming Events
Living Well on One Planet: Future Proofing South Australia – 29 July
Australian Government hosts Public Information Session on Green Paper on Emissions Trading Scheme - 28 July
Climate Change Q&A Seminars Series - commencing 6 August
Green Travel, Climate Change and Tourism Conference - 17-20 November

Previous updates

CARBON POLLUTION REDUCTION SCHEME
Green Paper
July 2008

• http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/greenpaper/index.html

• About the Green Paper
• Fact sheets
• Summary
• Full report
• Making a submission
• Public information sessions
• Media release
• Press Club Address

CARBON POLLUTION REDUCTION SCHEME

Green Paper

July 2008

• Fact sheets
• Summary
• Full report
• Making a submission
• Media release - Green Paper on Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme released
• Press Club Address - A Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme for Australia
• Garnaut Climate Change Review

The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Green Paper canvasses options and preferred approaches on issues, such as which industry sectors will be covered and how emission caps will be set. It also includes ways to address the impacts on Australian households, emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries and other strongly affected sectors.

Have your say

Submissions and comments are being sought on the design of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.

Public information sessions

The Department of Climate Change is holding public information sessions in capital cities around the country to discuss the Green Paper. The public information sessions will also cover the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme that came into effect on 1 July 2008.
Members of the public are invited to register to attend a session in the following cities, dates and times:

To register please phone 1800 057 590 Monday-Friday from 14 July between the hours of 8:30 am - 7:00 pm AEST. Venue details will be provided when you register. Please note that seating is limited.
A series of public information sessions will be held in the following regional centres around Australia in August 2008:
Wollongong & Newcastle (NSW), Geelong, Latrobe Valley & Portland (VIC), Gladstone, Mackay, Cairns & Townsville (QLD), Port Augusta (SA), Port Headland & Kalgoorlie (WA), Burnie (TAS).

Alternate web site

PDFs of the Green Paper are also available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet web site at: www.pmc.gov.au/publications/greenpaper

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Last modified 22 July 2008

DON’T LET THE MURRAY RIVER DIE
PUBLIC RALLY – PARLIAMENT HOUSE NORTH TERRACE ADELAIDE
11.30AM AUGUST 1ST 2008WE NEED WATER NOW WATER CRISIS
FACT SHEET – July 17, 2008
• Goolwa pool (Barrage to Blanchetown) is currently 1.112m below usual pool level - usual
pool level is +0.75m AHD
• Over allocation of the water accentuated by low inflows is the cause of the environmental
catastrophe that is upon us.
• Current salinity upstream of Goolwa barrage has exceeded 30000 EC (approx. 50% sea
water)
• The lower lakes urgently need environmental flows of 250 GL as the lakes are below sea
level now
• Construction of a temporary barrier upstream of Clayton Bay using environmentally sensitive
design will increase the pool level by 1.0 metre
• Increasing the water level will prevent the soils turning acid. (acid soils are significant in the
Finniss River and Currency Creek waterways)
• The barrier will capture the 50+ GL of freshwater inflows from the Finniss River and Currency
Creek immediately reducing the salinity around the western end of Hindmarsh Island and
Goolwa.
• Reduced salinity will create a crucial wildlife refuge for the lower lakes and Coorong. The
pool would then remain a major site of environmental importance.
• The temporary barrier will protect the unique tributary deltas of the Finniss River and
Currency Creek which shelter endangered native fish species.
• Immediate water flows are essential for the protection and enhancement of this valuable
RAMSAR wetland.
• This is a major opportunity to save the environment and enhance the achievements of the
“Living Murray Initiatives”.
• Immediate social benefits for Goolwa and Clayton Bay by re-establishing employment
opportunities.
www.goolwaneedswaternow.com.au OR www.weneedwaternow.com.au
Show your support

Petition to restore solar panels rebate.
Back in 2006, Sunrise proved that people power does work. When the Howard Government was planning to ditch the rebate on solar panels, Sunrise viewers spoke up. Well since then, Australia has taken a backward step. The Rudd Government now means tests the rebate. If this plan stays, the rebate that makes solar panels affordable will only be available to households earning less than 100-thousand dollars a year. Now, we're calling on the Rudd Government to scrap the means test. This is not a baby bonus - this is a valid incentive for ALL Australians to do something about global warming.

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, CALL ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO SCRAP THE MEANS TEST ON THE SOLAR PANEL REBATE.
http://sunrisefamily.com.au/current/petition/index.php

‘

Design Options for the Expanded National Renewable Energy Target Scheme’.
Consultation paper
COAG Working Group on Climate Change and Water
Interested stakeholders are invited to comment on the design issues and the two broad design approaches outlined in the paper. The working group is particularly interested in data or other information that:supports comments on the design issues; and may help to assess the design approaches.
Download the consultation paper.
http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/renewabletarget/consultation/index.html
Lodging a submission.
Where possible, submissions should be lodged electronically via email, preferably in Microsoft Word or other text based formats. Submissions should be forwarded to the Renewable Energy Sub Group Secretariat by 30 July 2008 at: ret@climatechange.gov.au
Guidelines for submissions.
All submissions, including the names of the submitters, will be made publicly available on this website after the close of submissions and may be used by the Department of Climate Change in subsequent publications unless the submitter requests that the submission, or part of it, be treated as confidential.
Where only part of a submission is confidential, it would assist the Department if the submitting party could provide a different version of the submission, with confidential material deleted, to be placed on this website. It is requested that submitters provide contact details with their submission. As these personal details (apart from the submitter's name) will be treated confidentially, please provide them on a separate page (cover page) to the submission. If submitters require that their name remain confidential as well, they must make a specific request, at the time of lodging their submission, that their name not be made public. The Department reserves the right not to consider late submissions. Submissions will be acknowledged with a receipt via email (or post if email is not available).

New primer on climate change for regional NRM bodies.
The Department of Climate Change has just published a primer for regional NRM bodies on climate change, by Andrew Campbell.  It looks at potential climate change impacts for issues like salinity, native vegetation, water, weeds, ferals and fire, and aims to assist regional NRM bodies to think about how to handle climate change.
You can find it at:   http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/impacts/publications/nrm.html

The Australian Greens have called on the Federal Government to speed up action to save the Murray Darling system.  
"The Government have now had two eye-opening reports in as many days. It is obvious what is needed now is a much more radical approach than the Government is currently planning," said Australian Greens Senator  Siewert.
Senator Siewert was responding to the release of the first Murray Darling Commission system-wide health check - a report card on the ecological health of 23 river valleys that make up the Murray Darling system. The report found ecosystem health of just one of the 23 regions studied was in 'good health' while 20 were in poor or very poor health.

"Under the Government's current approach, their much vaunted basin plan doesn't come into effect until 2019. It is obvious from the information we've received in the last two days that the system will be gone by then. Instead of fiddling around the edges of the current system, the Government should be requiring changes to be made now rather than when water sharing and catchment management plans expire, like they are expected to in Victoria in 2019."
"We need a living plan for the river system in which all water extraction and use is accounted for, with biophysical targets for key ecosystems and an ongoing system for monitoring and managing ecosystem health. Time is running out for the Murray Darling. At the very least, we need an immediate release of water this winter to give the system a reprieve, alongside fast-tracking of further water purchases. The Government needs to be prepared to work with all stakeholders to create a new approach to land use and the way the system is managed."

Prior Updates

New Programs in the Budget
Clean Business Australia will provide $240m to establish a partnership with business and industry to deliver energy and water efficient projects with a focus on productivity and innovation. Clean Business Australia will comprise 3 new programs - Climate Ready,
Re-Tooling for Climate Change and the Green Building Fund. They will be introduced in 2008/09.

• Climate Ready ($75m – over 4 years) will be a competitive program providing grants from $50,000 up to $5m on a matching funding basis to support research and development, proof of concept and commercialisation activities to develop solutions to climate change challenges.
•  Re-Tooling for Climate Change ($75m – over 4 years) – this new program will be targeted at assisting Australian manufacturers improve their production processes, reduce their energy use and cut carbon emissions. Australian small and medium sized manufacturers will be able to apply for grants from $10,000 to $500,000 for initiatives such as investing in energy efficient manufacturing tools, small scale co-generation plants and water recycling.
• Green Building Fund ($90m – over 4 years) – this initiative will be designed to help Australian businesses implement cost saving energy efficiency measures through retrofitting and retro-commissioning of existing commercial buildings. The program will also provide financial support to relevant industry associations and other non government organisations for building operator training and the development of energy efficiency operating and maintenance advisory guides.

(Information supplied by Dr. Stephen Clarke, Flinders University).

South Australian Residential Energy Efficiency Scheme (REES) 
The website has been updated to include copies of written submissions received (excluding confidential submissions).
http://www.dtei.sa.gov.au/energy/government_programs/REES.html

Previous updates

Background Paper

HUMAN RIGHTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Human Rights: Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• I. The Human Rights Dimensions of Climate Change
• A Right to an Environment of a Particular Quality
• The Right to Life
• The Right to Adequate Food
• The Right to Water
• The Right to Health
• The Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Human Security
• II. Australia's Human Rights Obligations
• International Law
• Domestic Law
• III. Upholding Australia's Human Rights Obligations in Climate Change Responses
• A Human Rights Response to Adaptation
• A Human Rights Response to Aid for Overseas Adaptation Measures
• A Human Rights Response to Disaster Management
• A Human Rights Response to ‘Climate Change Refugees’
• Conclusion
• Bibliography

Previous updates

New Residential Energy Efficiency Scheme (REES) for South Australia.
The scheme continues the South Australian Government's commitment to fighting climate change. It's primary objectives are to:

• Address typical barriers to household energy efficiency to improve uptake;
• Reduce total energy costs for households generally, and low income households in particular;
• Assist households to prepare for likely energy price increases from a future emissions trading scheme;
• Deliver quantifiable reductions in household energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions; and
• Ensure the scheme complements other initiatives and achieves results beyond business as usual.

The REES imposes an obligation upon energy retailers operating in South Australia to achieve targets for:

1. Delivering energy audits to low income households; and
2. Implementing energy efficiency measures in households, such as ceiling insulation, draught proofing and more efficient appliances. A proportion of these must be delivered to low income households.

In achieving their targets, retailers are expected to offer incentives to households to adopt energy saving measures. This is likely to be at little or no cost to the householder, particularly for those within the priority group of low income households.  All South Australian households will be able to participate. They will also be able to take up incentives offered by any retailer, not just their own.
The REES presents an opportunity for energy efficiency businesses, welfare groups, local governments, manufacturers and other service providers to work in partnership with energy retailers in achieving their targets.
The REES will start on 1 January 2009 and be administered by the Essential Services Commission of South Australia.
The Government is seeking stakeholder input to ensure that the REES is appropriately and effectively implemented.  A Consultation Paper has been released to obtain stakeholder feedback as to key design elements.  Written comments are invited by Friday, 4 April 2008.   www.climatechange.sa.gov.au. Email:jackie.bishop@saugov.sa.gov.au

March edition of E-mission
http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/Newsletter/emission_issue_16.htm
Contents:

Competition
Win one of 10 bags from The Bag Lady
Local News
$7.1million Solar Power Plant for Coober Pedy

• Australia's First Carbon Neutral Government
• New Scheme to Lower Greenhouse Gas and Power Bills
• First Feed-In Laws Pass Parliamen
• South Australia Puts Words Into Action at Solar Cities Congress

National News

• Australia Ratifies Kyoto

International News

• UN Climate Change Conference in Bali
• US Announces Clean Energy Fund

Upcoming Events

New Residential Energy Efficiency Scheme (REES)
The scheme continues the South Australian Government's commitment to fighting climate change. It's primary objectives are to:

The REES imposes an obligation upon energy retailers operating in South Australia to achieve targets for:

In achieving their targets, retailers are expected to offer incentives to households to adopt energy saving measures. This is likely to be at little or no cost to the householder, particularly for those within the priority group of low income households.  All South Australian households will be able to participate. They will also be able to take up incentives offered by any retailer, not just their own.

The REES presents an opportunity for energy efficiency businesses, welfare groups, local governments, manufacturers and other service providers to work in partnership with energy retailers in achieving their targets.

The REES will start on 1 January 2009 and be administered by the Essential Services Commission of South Australia. The Government is seeking stakeholder input to ensure that the REES is appropriately and effectively implemented.  A Consultation Paper has been released to obtain stakeholder feedback as to key design elements.  It can be accessed at www.climatechange.sa.gov.au. Written comments are invited by Friday, 4 April 2008.
The Government will be conducting a number of forums and meetings to engage directly with stakeholders. These will initially take place in March 2008 and are expected to be ongoing leading up to commencement on 1 January 2009.  The dates and details for the forums will be published on the REES website which is accessible through the above link.

'Contributing a submission to the Australia 2020 Summit is a way for all Australians to be involved in bringing the best ideas forward to address Australia’s long term challenges.
All submissions will be made publicly available on this website and will be presented to the Australia 2020 Summit participants to stimulate discussion and ideas about addressing our future challenges.
Individuals, schools, groups, and organisations are invited to make submissions.'

The Web site is at
http://www.australia2020.gov.au/

South Australia's Cabinet Ministers are about to become the first in the nation, and possibly the world, to offset the greenhouse gases used in the course of their duties, including all air travel.

Labor Party media statement,

24 July
Assisting Our South Pacific Neighbours Prepare For Climate Change
A Rudd Labor Government will commit $150 million from Australia’s international aid budget to assist our neighbours prepare for and adapt to the effects of climate change.
Experts warn that the impact of climate change, particularly through rising sea levels, could lead to the submergence of tiny atolls and the inundation of low lying land – and that by 2050 up to 150 million people may be displaced.
Given the large number of small, low elevation islands in the southwest Pacific, the impact of climate change on migration patterns in our own region is very real. Tuvalu has already begun negotiating migration rights with New Zealand as a result of climate change.
Federal Labor is committed to working with our neighbours to develop and implement climate change adaptation plans to minimise the impacts on our region. Federal Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Heritage, Peter Garrett, Shadow Minister for International Development Assistance, Bob McMullan, and Labor Candidate for Wentworth, George Newhouse, launched the policy today at Bondi Beach.
More click here.

AdaptNet - RMIT University Global Cities Institute's Climate Change Adaptation Working Group network.
This decentralized network will create a set of common knowledge and reference points for participants in the network; it will offer a stock of such knowledge, and either offer tools or direct users to tools to undertake urban climate change adaptive policy research and analysis. It will highlight best practice and demonstration projects. It will focus on cities in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, but nested within the global network of cities.
http://www.globalcollab.org/gci/adaptnet
Latest issue - 9 October 2007:
#History
#Climate Change in Australia – New Projections
#Urban Health Vulnerability to Climate Change
#Global Warming Demands a National Solution in US
#Equity Implications in Forecasting Climate
#Climate Change Science and Indigenous People
#European Population Conference Barcelona, Spain

http://www.globalcollab.org/gci/adaptnet/2007/adaptnet-for-9-october-2007/#5-climate-change-science

Latest E-mission newsletter
Contents:
# Movie tickets for DiCaprio’s 11th hour.
Local news:
# Solar feed-in scheme to increase renewable energy use
# Business and state government sign climate change agreement
# Solar Cities Congress students’ competition world wide entries.
# North Adelaide Green Cathedral project to capture storm water from streets.
# Two more SA schools switching to solar power.
# Renewable energy training centre opens in Adelaide at TAFE Regency campus.
# Small businesses in N. Adelaide sustainability project.
# Adelaide youth launch rock against warming CD.
National News:
# Australia’s latest climate change projections
# Federal clean energy target.
# Building sector steps up to climate change.
# Companies admit ignorance on emissions.
# Dr Karl Kruszelnicki to run for senate on Climate Change Coalition ticket.
# National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Bill.
International News:
# NZ emission trading scheme.
# Tesco UK supermarket investing $25mn in a Sustainable Consumption Institute.
# Sustainable Dutch dance club will use energy generated by dancers.
# UN climate change summit in NY
# APEC meeting in Sydney.
# 20 anniversary of Montreal ozone protocol.
Upcoming events.
# Solar Cities Congress – February 2008.
# Winners of Adelaide Showground Farmers Markets membership
http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/Newsletter/emission_issue_15.htm

WA government report on health impacts of climate change in Western Australia
http://www.health.wa.gov.au/envirohealth/planning/climatechange.cfm

Getup raising over $200, 000 for climate change ad campaign at AFL grand final
https://www.getup.org.au/campaign/ClimateCleverer&id=128

Facts About Water (The Sunday Mail 9 September, p17).
Information about water restrictions http://www.sawater.com.au

The Environmental Education and Landcare Email Network (EELN) will now be accessed through a web link.
A regular email will remind you of the network and the link to the information (suggestion of weekly at this stage). Information will continue to be regularly published for wider distribution. To register for these updates click brown.sheila@saugov.sa.gov.au and forward your name, organisation, position title and contact details to Sheila Brown.
To display an event, workshop or information on the EELN page please email information including flyers and .pdf's to Environmental Education (env.edu@saugov.sa.gov.au). Take a look at the first installment at http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/dehaa/eeln.html.

NEWS RELEASE - 16 AUGUST 2007
RIVER MURRAY FOREST LAUNCHED
South Australian Premier Mike Rann today launched an initiative to plant 2.5 million trees that will create a River Murray native forest between Morgan and Renmark in the Riverland. Click here to read more.

Coalition MP sceptics dissenting from geo-sequestration report. They question the human causation of warming. http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/scin/geosequestration/report/dissent.pdf

The Government of South Australia will today release its unprecedented solar “feed-in” legislation - which will see home-owners with solar panels receive double-credit for power they feed-in to the grid.
http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au
http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/news/news_5.htm

July edition of E-mission
http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/Newsletter/emission_issue_14.htm

CLIMATE CHANGE – NOW IT’S LAW
News Release
www.premier.sa.gov.au
Tuesday July 3, 2007
The nation’s first Climate Change legislation became law today.
The Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 makes South Australia the first place in Australia to legislate targets to reduce greenhouse emissions.

“South Australia continues to lead the way for the rest of the nation when it comes to climate change – and we are on track to achieve the legislated target of 20 per cent of our State’s power coming from renewable sources by 2014,” Mr Rann said.
“The legislation commits the Government to work with business and the community to develop and put in place strategies that will put our State in a position to take early action to reduce greenhouse emissions and adapt to climate change.

“A series of sector agreements are now being negotiated. Mr Rann says industries big and small are well aware that they can reduce greenhouse emissions and grow their businesses at the same time. “The two ideals are not mutually exclusive – as some people seem to believe. “Some industries, such as the wine industry, need to prove their green credentials in order to grow their exports – especially to markets in countries such as the UK which are demanding wines that are grown using environmentally sustainable methods.

“It is vital that what we do as a State to reduce greenhouse emissions goes hand in hand with economic development and community well-being. The Act sets out three targets to:
• reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the State by at least 60 per cent of 1990 levels by the end of 2050;

• increase renewable electricity generation so it makes up at least 20 per cent of electricity generated in the State by the end of 2014;

• increase renewable electricity consumption so it makes up at least 20 per cent of electricity used in the State by the end of 2014.

Mr Rann said that the Government was now looking at an extra interim target to be established by regulation.
“The Act allows for this and will enable us to fill the gap left when the Upper House defeated an interim target to achieve 1990 levels of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 which would have brought us into line with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s law in California".

The legislation has won praise from international leaders including British Prime Minister Tony Blair, former US Vice President Al Gore and renowned environmentalist David Suzuki. “This Government has a track record of supporting the rapid growth of the renewable energy sector in this State through a range of measures.

South Australia continues to lead the nation in renewable energy, with 47.5 percent of the nation’s wind power and 45.7 of Australia’s grid-connected solar power. Other State Government sustainability initiatives include:
• Buying enough ‘green power’ to meet 20 per cent of the State Government’s own energy needs by the end of 2007, prompting other State Governments to follow our lead;

• planned introduction of Australia’s first feed-in laws, which will reward owners of solar panels for the surplus energy they return to the energy grid;

• trialling of a new generation of mini-wind turbines on Government buildings;

• installing solar panels on major public buildings, such as the South Australian Museum, State Library, Art Gallery and Parliament House, and soon at the Adelaide Airport;

• rolling out the Solar Schools Program with the installation of solar panels on 250 public
schools across the State;

• mandating five-star energy ratings and plumbed rainwater tanks for all new homes;

• ensuring that half of South Australia's government fleet cars are alternatively fuelled by 2010;

• establishing a Chair of Climate Change at the University of Adelaide.

Strategy for tackling climate change in South Australia released
The Premier of South Australia, the Hon Mike Rann MP has released
Tackling Climate Change: South Australia's Greenhouse Strategy 2007-2020.

He has also released the report by former Adelaide Thinker in Residence, Professor Stephen Schneider, Climate Change: Risks and Opportunities.
For more information, and to download the reports, visit www.climatechange.sa.gov.au

Welcome to E-mission - keeping you up to date on climate change issues in South Australia and beyond.
We are pleased to report that Tackling Climate Change: South Australia’s Greenhouse Strategy 2007-2020, has been released.
Local News
• Tackling Climate Change strategy & Climate Thinker's report released
• New tools to reduce environmental impact
• TAFE SA grows its environmental trade training
• State Government widens rainwater tank rebate scheme
• Schools invited to design a sustainable city...
National News
• Emissions Trading for Australia?
• SA to benefit from ALP hot rocks policy
• $170m for climate change adaptation strategy and centre
International News
• Germany fails to convince Japan on Kyoto pact pre-G8
• Norway aims for zero-carbon status with all emissions offset by 2050
• UK Companies, Government Partner to Cut Greenhouse Gases
Upcoming Events
• Ecolivingexpo – 2-3 June 2007 at Adelaide Showgrounds
http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/Newsletter/emission_issue_13.htm

At LGA conference in Adelaide on 13 April, the director of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, Peter Cozier, said local councils should use planning laws to fight climate change.. © Media Monitors http://www.lga.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=1298

State of the Darling, interim hydrology Report 2007.
http://www.mdbc.gov.au/news/darling_report_2007

Australian Conservation Foundation. Latest media releases:
ALP should say no to open slather uranium mining - (24-Apr-2007) The future’s bright – a boost in renewable energy is a boost for the Australian economy - (23-Apr-2007) New nuclear reactor no cause for celebration - (20-Apr-2007) Tight knit community appeals to Environment Minister over Traveston Dam - (18-Apr-2007) Rainwater tanks a viable urban water solution - (16-Apr-2007) ANZ customers unhappy about bank’s financing of logging in PNG - (12-Apr-2007).
http://www.acfonline.org.au/default.asp?section_id=6

12 April
SA Premier’s policy for COAG meeting
Click here.

Proposal to Map SA existing research capacity on climate change adaptation.
Climate change adaptation has been building as a key issue over the last few years, and is increasingly recognised as an essential complement to mitigation of climate change impacts. Research on the likely impacts of climate change and adaptation responses will be essential for effective adaptation. The Centre for Natural Resource Management and a number of South Australian Government departments are therefore proposing to map South Australia's existing research capacity on climate change adaptation. This mapping is a first step at building the capacity of this sector and improves its ability to successfully tender for research.

As part of this process we would like to invite key South Australian institutions to provide input on the design of the mapping process. At this early stage the input would be fairly high level, as much of the design details will be worked out with the consultant.

I would be delighted to provide further information. Please feel free to contact me on 0414 065 556 or via this email address.

Best regards
Rob Murray-Leach
National and International Affairs Officer
Sustainability and Climate Change Division, Department of the Premier and Cabinet
GPO Box 1047 Adelaide South Australia 5001
Tel: 8204 9278 Fax: 8204 9144 Email: murray-leach.robert@saugov.sa.gov.au

South Australia Climate Change News

Emission Issue 12, March 2007.
Keeping you up to date on climate change issues in South Australia - local, national and international news.

Summary of what's in this month's newsletter....
Competition
• Win a Good Life Modern Organic Pizza Voucher
Local News
• Expert appointed to help SA tackle climate change
• 13 more schools to go solar
• Grants announced for sustainable energy research
• Premier encourages entries to Banksia Awards
• SA will have say on nukes
• Strong Feld of Thinkers
• World class wind tunnel for SA defence aerospace and wind turbine sectors
• *Reminder* 3rd International Solar Cities Congress
• Tackling both climate change and poverty
• From Buckleboo to Keith - SA regions are learning how to adapt to climate change
National News
• Council for the Australia Federation signs climate change declaration
• Sydney will be 'dancing in the dark' on 31 March
• Lights Out Australia
• Australian utilities gear up for CO2 trading
• New prizes launched for climate change innovation
International News
• UK first country to set carbon targets
• European Union agrees renewable energy target
• Australians are more concerned about climate change than any other nation
• Global Roundtable on Climate Change calls for action
• Ski industry goes green to fight warming
• UK churches get help on being green
• US sports magazine goes green

http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/Newsletter/emission_issue_12.htm

Last week

Expert appointed to help South Australia tackle climate change
The Government of South Australia has appointed an expert to help advise government, the community and industry on how to tackle climate change.
Professor Barry Brook is taking up the position of Chair of Climate Change at the University of Adelaide. He will evaluate the impact of climate change on the state and guide the community and industry on how to address it.
http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/PDFs/News%20Releases/070307_climate_chair.pdf
______________________________________________________
South Australia sponsors 2007 Banksia Climate Award
The State Government will sponsor the 'climate' category for the most prestigious environmental awards in Australia, Premier Rann has announced. The 2007 Banksia Climate Award, recognises outstanding achievement in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/PDFs/News%20Releases/banksia.pdf

Planet Hero to address Adelaide Conference
A man who was named by Time Magazine as a Hero for the Planet will be a keynote speaker at an international conference on environmental sustainability to be held in Adelaide next year, Premier Mike Rann has announced. Robert F Kennedy Jr – nephew of President John F. Kennedy and son of the late Senator Bobby Kennedy – will be a guest at the 2008 International Solar Cities Congress to be held in February 2008. http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/PDFs/News%20Releases/solarkennedy.pdf

World class wind tunnel for SA defence aerospace & wind turbine sectors
As part of the Premier's Science and Research Fund, the State Government has announced that $800,000 will be granted for the establishment of a large scale, world class wind tunnel to support South Australia's defence aerospace and wind turbine sectors. http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/PDFs/News%20Releases/windtunnel.pdf

National Resource Management Monthly Bulletin for February

Feed In Rebates
The Government of South Australia is taking the next step in its introduction of feed-in rebates for residential owners of solar panels, with the release of a discussion paper on the scheme. The discussion paper, South Australia's Feed-In Mechanism for Residential Small-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Installations, is open for comment from industry and the community for the next six weeks.
http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/

Apologies for giving incorrect link to last SA government E-mission newsletter. This should be:
http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/Newsletter/emission_issue_10.htm

E-mission Issue 11 – Fbruary 2007. South Australia's Tackling Climate Change e-newsletter
http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/Newsletter/emission_issue_11.htm
* Huge interest in Feed-In rebates
* UN Report a dire warning on climate change
* South Australia's Strategic Plan
* Solar Cities Congress set to energise communities
* Banksia Awards open for entries
* Green power surge - councils beat target
* Semaphore traders move to reduce greenhouse emissions
* Young people rock against warming
* UniSA puts diesel vehicle emissions to the test

E-mission Issue 10 - South Australia's Tackling Climate Change e-newsletter http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/newsletter/images/DEH_template_FINAL_v2.gif

In this issue .... (links will take you directly to the website)

* South Australian Bill First for Climate Change in Southern Hemisphere
* South Australia's first 6-Star building to house SA Water
* Rann Rules Out Nuclear Power in South Australia
* Construction Starts on Nation's Biggest Wind Farm
* Energy Deal Highlights 'Hot Rocks' Potential
* Maps to help you Travel-Smarter around Adelaide
* Youth Rock Against Warming
* Victorian cabinet reshuffle reflects importance of climate change
* Sunrise - Australia's First Greenhouse Friendly TV Program
* Reminder - National Emissions Trading Scheme Discussion Paper
* ABS releases 2006 environment snapshot
* Taking Stern Seriously
* Al Gore trains 84 Aussies to deliver climate message
* Rupert Murdoch concedes to being a reluctant global warming convert
* International Global Warming Summit in Nairobi
* Climate Change Laws Planned for UK
* 'Hummernator' Schwarzenegger wants greener cars
* China to build one of the world's biggest solar power stations
* India says 16 percent of power to come from wind by 2030
* International Cycling Conference in Adelaide
* Planning for Climate Extremes - Free Workshops in Regional SA
* Carbon Neutral 380's
* Climate Change Portal for Researchers

News Release 6 December 2006 www.premier.sa.gov.au
South Australian Bill First for Climate Change in Southern Hemisphere
The most advanced climate change legislation in the Southern Hemisphere will be introduced to the South Australian Parliament today. The Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Bill 2006, will see South Australia becoming the first Government in Australia and only the third jurisdiction in the world to legislate targets to reduce greenhouse emissions. "This is yet another example of South Australia leading the way for the rest of the nation when it comes to climate change," Mr Rann said.

"The legislation commits the Government to work with business and the community to develop and put in place strategies that will put our State in a position to take early action to reduce greenhouse emissions and adapt to climate change. "It is crucial that what we do as a State to reduce greenhouse emissions goes hand in hand with economic development and community well-being.

"To help ensure this, the legislation also sets up the Premier's Climate Change Council to provide Government with an independent stream of advice on the impact of climate change."

The Bill sets out three targets:
• To reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the State by at least 60 per cent of 1990 levels by the end of 2050;
• To increase renewable electricity generated so it makes up at least 20 per cent of electricity generated in the State by the end of 2014;
• To increase renewable electricity used so it makes up at least 20 per cent of electricity used in the State by the end of 2014.

The legislation is being introduced following three months of consultation on the draft Bill, which drew praise from international leaders including Prime Minister Tony Blair, former US Vice President Al Gore and renowned environmentalist David Suzuki. Mr Rann said the legislation would put South Australia in an enviable position to meet the overall 60 per cent emissions reduction target and the 20 per cent renewable energy target.

"The introduction of the legislation is the culmination of four years of steady work and solid achievement by the State Government in responding to climate change," he said.
"We were successful in getting climate change on the national agenda through the Council of Australian Governments. We have also supported the rapid growth of the renewable energy sector in this State through a range of measures and South Australia continues to have the highest levels of renewable energy generation in all mainland jurisdictions in Australia. Time and time again we have provided leadership on this issue and we will continue to do so."

Other State Government sustainability initiatives include:
• Buying enough 'green power' to meet 20 per cent of the State Government's energy needs;
• The planned introduction of Australia's first feed-in laws, which will reward owners of solar panels for the surplus energy they return to the energy grid;
• The trialling of a new generation of mini-wind turbines on Government buildings; and
• The State leading a national investigation into impediments to the take-up of renewable and low emission technologies.

This press release is at http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/PDFs/News%20Releases/greenhousebillCORR.pdf

Last week

The State Government has released 2 news releases relating to climate change in the last week:

- Lake Bonney wind farm
- Energy Deal Highlights 'Hot Rocks' Potential
They are both available at http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/news/news.htm

E-mission 9 e-newsletter from the Sustainability and Climate Change Division, of SA government.
Contents:
Movie giveaway: Electric car.
Local News: SA to lead nation with 20% green power. Solar incentives. International and Conservation Council recognition. Co-generation plants for SA hospitals. Community views.
National News: Al Gore to train 75 presenters. Channel 7 Sunrise campaign. Building industry and green standards. Climate Change Impacts and Risk Management - A Guide For Business and Government. Australian Climate Change Scenarios. Climate change and security.
International News: Australia Reponds -Helping our neighbours fight climate change. Di Caprio. Global clean energy boom. Branson’s pledge. Norway seeks 50-80% cuts. UK on costs of inaction. Robots go solar.
Case studies: Sustainable landscapes.
Water use and SA water restrictions.
http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/newsletter/emission_issue_9.htm

CSIRO Report
June 2006
Climate change under enhanced greenhouse conditions in South Australia.
The key findings reveal that:
a) South Australia's annual average temperature has been increasing
and rainfall decreasing
b) These trends have strengthened during the past 55 years
c) Temperature is predicted to continue to warm by 2030 with
additional increases by 2070 and inland areas of the state
experiencing more of an impact than coastal areas
d) Rainfall is predicted to progressively decline in 2030 and 2070 in
most regions with significant changes in rainfall across the
seasons.
http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/PDFs/SA_CMAR_report_High%20resolution.pdf

SA's Climate Change Bill to be introduced before Christmas (12 October 2006).
CSIRO Report on Climate Change (released 27 September 2006) confirms rising temperature and falling rainfall already occurring in South Australia, and predicted to increase.
Community views on climate change: The Sustainability and Climate Change Division recent survey found many South Australians are extremely concerned and think South Australia should reduce emissions and increase use of renewables.
http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/

An information source on climate change and greenhouse issues as they impact on South Australia's environment, communities and industry sectors.
http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/

Comments from Flinders University on the South Australian Climate Change draft bill
1. Dr Stephen Clarke
2. Dr Fiona Young
3. Dr June Marks
4. Mr Timothy House

E-mission Climate Change Newsletter - Issue 8;Welcome to the eight issue of E-mission, the e-newsletter from the Sustainability and Climate Change Division, helping you to keep up-to-date with the development of Tackling Climate Change: South Australia's Greenhouse Strategy

Environmental Education in the Murray Darling Basin

Register of climate experts.

The Australian Greenhouse Office, the Australian Government's key agency on climate change, is seeking the name of experts in climate change and natural resource issues for its register of experts. Experts who are resigstered will be considered for services that may include:
* Independent review and assessment of projects, programs or other initiatives related to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change in the agricultural sector.
* Provision of specific advice in relation to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change in the agricultural sector for the development of policy based on economic, social and/or environmental considerations.

I have been requested to forward this to any experts that we are aware of in South Australia. Your names have been found through a number of sources. However, I am aware that this list is not exhaustive, and I would request that you forward this on to any other experts that you are aware of in this field. Please note that while official cut off date for registration in COB today, the Australian Greenhouse Office stated that registrations by COB Monday would be acceptable. Please forward your registrations to: chris.golding@deh.gov.au

Expert Register - Info for service providers.doc

Rob Murray-Leach
Environment Policy Officer
Sustainability and Climate Change Division
Department of the Premier and Cabinet
GPO Box 1047 Adelaide South Australia 5001
Tel: 8204 9278 Fax: 8204 9144 Email: murray-leach.robert@saugov.sa.gov.au

E-mission Climate Change Newsletter - Issue 7

Welcome to the seventh issue of E-mission, the regular e-newsletter from them Sustainability and Climate Change Division, helping you keep up-to-date with the development of Tackling Climate Change: South Australia's Greenhouse Strategy. Here you can find out how others are tackling climate change and ways South Australia can respond to the challenge.
To view the latest issue please click here:

E-mission Climate Change Newsletter - Issue 7
http;//www.climatechange.sa.gov.au

Climate Change Draft Bill - explanatory paper
Draft for comment South Australia Climate change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Bill 2006

Environmental Education Matters - Show Your Initiative

The Environmental Education Unit (EEU) of South Australia’s Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) are gathering information on environmental education initiatives* throughout our state (please see below for the definition of environmental education initiatives). Information is being sought on initiatives that have been undertaken during 2005-06 and 2006-07 through the use of an online survey, Environmental Education Matters - Show Your Initiative. The outcomes of this survey will guide the future direction of the DEH Environmental Education program.
A summary report will be produced for the general public, however individuals, community groups, schools, organizations and departments that participate in the attached electronic survey will receive additional, more in-depth information from the Environmental Education Matters - Show Your Initiative survey.
In order for this survey to work, your participation is important. Please aim to complete the survey within the week. It is estimated that the Environmental Education Matters - Show Your Initiative online survey will take around 20 minutes to complete. If you are involved in, and able to report on, more than one initiative, please complete one survey per initiative.
Link to the Environmental Education Matters - Show Your Initiative electronic survey here: <http://www.envappsqa.sa.gov.au/opinio/s?s=554>
If you would prefer to complete a paper copy of the Environmental Education Matters - Show Your Initiative survey, please print the Environmental Education Matters - Show Your Initiative attachment and fax or mail the completed survey to:
f: 8463 3950 (Attention: Ben)
a: Ben Fee
Environmental Education Unit
Department for Environment and Heritage
GPO Box 1047
ADELAIDE SA 5001
<<Show Your Initiative_Hardcopy.doc>>
If you require any assistance or clarification when completing the Environmental Education Matters - Show Your Initiative survey please email or phone Ben Fee on:
e: <mailto:fee.benjamin@saugov.sa.gov.au>
p: 0421 053 565
Apologies for any cross-postings and please, feel free to distribute this survey through your networks - the more participants the better!
We hope that you will find the survey easy to complete and trust that the results will be useful to the future of your environmental education initiative.
Much appreciated,
Environmental Education Unit
Department for Environment and Heritage
* The term ‘initiative’ refers to programs, projects, publications, presentations, seminars, conferences, education resources, on-ground activities or other activities that aim to engage participants in environmental learning.
Please note: All identities of individuals and initiatives will be confidential unless specific permission is granted to the EEU.