Yarra Climate Action Now!

Presented by the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society (ACSIS), University of Melbourne, in association with the Institute of Environmental Studies, UNSW

Wednesday 30 May 2007, 5.30-7.30 pm
Public Lecture Theatre, Old Arts Building, University of Melbourne, Parkville

Global warming is arguably the most dangerous environmental problem and the most difficult political issue to be faced by the world in the 21st century. This symposium discusses sustainable energy technologies and the policies needed to implement them at federal and state government levels. The two speakers are actively engaged in developing, teaching and advising on greenhouse and energy policy.

Dr Mark Diesendorf’s new book presents the case that a mix of efficient energy use, renewable sources of energy and natural gas (as a transitional fuel) offers a clean and feasible energy future for Australia.

The symposium is open to the public and there is no need to book.

Speakers:

Dr Mark Diesendorf teaches and researches ecologically sustainable development and greenhouse solutions at the Institute of Environmental Studies (IES) at UNSW. Previously he has been a Principle Research Scientist at CSIRO, Professor of Environmental Science at UTS and Vice-President of the Australia New Zealand Society for Ecological Economics. He will speak on renewable energy technologies and policies.

Alan Pears is an Adjunct Professor at RMIT University and a Director of the environmental consultancy, Sustainable Solutions P/L. He has worked in the sustainable energy field for three decades, for governments, business and community groups. Alan's activities span policy analysis, development of programs, public education and practical projects. He will speak on technologies and policies for efficient energy use.

To get to the university, catch a Swanston Street or Royal Parade tram (Swanston Street trams can be caught from Flinders Street or Melbourne Central Stations). Maps of the university are available in the Melways, on signs on campus and online at .

The book Greenhouse Solutions with Sustainable Energy will be available at the symposium at the 20% discount price of $40 (RRP $49.95).

More information: Domenica Settle, , ph (03) 8344 4708.

Beyond Zero Emissions fundraiser at

Lentil As Anything - May 25th

Companies and individuals rushing to go green have been spending millions on “carbon credit” projects that yield few if any environmental benefits. The investigation has uncovered widespread failings in the new markets for greenhouse gases, suggesting some organisations are paying for emissions reductions that do not take place. Others are meanwhile making big profits from carbon trading for very small expenditure and in some cases for clean-ups that they would have made anyway. The growing political salience of environmental politics has sparked a “green gold rush”, which has seen a dramatic expansion in the number of businesses offering both companies and individuals the chance to go “carbon neutral”, offsetting their own energy use by buying carbon credits that cancel out their contribution to global warming.

■ Widespread instances of people and organisations buying worthless credits that do not yield any reductions in carbon emissions.

■ Industrial companies profiting from doing very little – or from gaining carbon credits on the basis of efficiency gains from which they have already benefited substantially.

■ Brokers providing services of questionable or no value.

■ A shortage of verification, making it difficult for buyers to assess the true value of carbon credits.

■ Companies and individuals being charged over the odds for the private purchase of European Union carbon permits that have plummeted in value because they do not result in emissions cuts.

to read the full article click here.