International Climate Negotiations

Australia a global disappointment; Canada leads

Media Release | Spokesperson Christine Milne
Thursday 8th December 2005, 12:00am
in

Australian Greens climate change spokesperson Senator Christine Milne said Canada threw down the gauntlet to nations meeting in Montreal when the Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin said earlier today: 'We must act, and we must act now.'
 
Whilst countries that have ratified the Kyoto Protocol welcomed its implementation and spoke of the need to find innovative solutions for the period after 2012, the best Australia could do was to recount the policy settings which have failed to stem the growth in greenhouse gases, she said.
 
"Australian Environment Minister Ian Campbell is deluding himself if he thinks that the global community gathered in Montreal was in any way taken in by the spin that he put on Australia's response to global warming," Senator Milne said from Montreal.
 
"Everyone here knows that while the rest of the world negotiated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions Australia negotiated for itself an eight per cent increase on 1990 levels when the Kyoto Protocol was first negotiated in 1997.
 
"Everyone here also knows that Australia has refused to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and that its greenhouse gas emissions are spiralling out of control with a 23 per cent increase predominately from the transport and energy sectors.
 
"The minister talks about how much money he has spent but cannot point to outcomes. It merely goes to show that propaganda machines cost money. They do not save the global climate.
 
"While Minister Campbell made excuses based on Australia's energy intensive economy, Mr Martin said: 'We are using our resource strength as a platform for innovation: in cleaner energy, renewable energy, sustainable energy, in efficiency and conservation.'
 
"In a thinly disguised swipe at the US and Australia, who argue that to significantly reduce greenhouse gases will cause economic disruption and cost jobs, Mr Martin said: 'Some speak of the cost of bringing about change. But surely we realise by now that a greater cost will be exacted if we lack the will or the tenacity to change. 
 
"He went on to say: 'If we fail to meet the challenges of climate change, it will not be a failure of nations. It will be a failure of people – of me, of you, a failure of character for all who today are confronted with the clear cost of our indulgence and who refuse to submit to sacrifice and new ways.'
 
Senator Milne said: "I hope Prime Minister Howard and Minister Campbell are listening."
 
 
Contact: Katrina Willis 0437 587 562 or 03 6234 4566

Greens welcome Montreal recognition of need to act on deforestation

Media Release | Spokesperson Christine Milne
Thursday 8th December 2005, 12:00am
in


The global community has taken a first step in recognising that incentives need to be provided for developing countries to protect their forests, Australian Greens climate change spokesperson Senator Christine Milne said today.
 
"For years, governments such as those of Papua New Guinea, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Brazil have argued that, under pressure from multinational logging companies, communities have few options but to sign contracts to log their forests," Senator Milne said from Montreal.
 
"Now the world has recognised that these forests are an invaluable carbon sink and provide for biodiversity protection and ecosystem services.
 
"Under the current Kyoto Protocol rules, protecting forests does not generate carbon credits. The move in Montreal to refer the matter to a scientific panel to determine how carbon credits may be able to be applied is a huge breakthrough for conservation and local communities.
 
"It is a tragedy that whilst local communities in Papua New Guinea are pleading with the world to help them save their forests, in a developed country like Australia the Tasmanian government is trampling local communities in order to cut down the state's old growth forests."
 
Senator Milne is attending the international climate change talks in Montreal.
 
 
Contact: Katrina Willis 03 6234 4566 or 0437 587 562

Milne calls for more action, less talk as Montreal climate talks stall

Media Release | Spokesperson Christine Milne
Wednesday 7th December 2005, 12:00am
in


Australian Greens climate change spokesperson Senator Christine Milne today called for negotiators to do more to break the deadlock over future greenhouse gas abatement measures.
 
"Climate talks in Montreal are deadlocked and there seems little hope of a firm commitment towards Kyoto Protocol measures beyond 2012," Senator Milne said from Montreal, Canada, where she is attending the climate talks.
 
In addressing a forum of parliamentarians from around the world, Senator Milne said that while the Gleneagles dialogue was welcome, the need for action was urgent.
 
"After two days of discussions about carbon finance, it is clear that the global business community desperately needs a signal from these talks that there will be a commitment to continue greenhouse gas emission reductions," Senator Milne said.
 
"Australia's Environment Minister Ian Campbell has suggested that voluntary arrangements and technology transfer are sufficient to address climate change.
 
"But business leaders here in Montreal are saying that they need to make decisions on plant and equipment for the next 30 years and governments must give a signal as to whether or not they are serious about regulatory measures to reduce emissions.
 
"The shining light here in Montreal is the success story of the renewable energy sector, with speaker after speaker confirming rapid growth and deployment.
 
"China has moved swiftly, with a 15 per cent renewable energy target, recognising that costs of renewable energy will come down after initial capital investment is paid off whereas traditional sources of energy will continue to increase in cost."
 
 
Contact: Katrina Willis 03 6234 4566 or 0437 587 562

Senator Milne joins thousands in climate change rally in Montreal

Media Release | Spokesperson Christine Milne
Sunday 4th December 2005, 12:00am
in

Australian Greens climate change spokesperson Senator Christine Milne joined thousands of people in the climate change rally in Montreal, Canada earlier today, as part of the International day of Action on Climate Change.  

Senator Milne, who has travelled to Montreal for the first conference of the parties to the Kyoto Protocol, said freezing conditions did not stop a huge crowd turning out for the rally to protest at inaction by world leaders on climate change.
 
"The march goes for at least a dozen city blocks, with two huge lines meeting in the middle," Senator Milne said from Montreal.
 
"There is lots of colour, lots of placards, lots of excitement. People desperately want the US and Australia to do something.
 
"Meanwhile back at the convention centre, Australia is virtually out of the talks. They are very much sidelined in this event. They are keeping a watching brief as the rest of the members of the Kyoto Protocol are getting on with trying to negotiate an outcome."
 
Senator Milne said the strong turnout at the rally demonstrated that people were way ahead of their governments.
 
"People are very angry about what's happening," she said.
 
In Canada, the evidence of climate change was already apparent with sea ice retreating.
 
"People want action on climate change and they want it now," she said.
 
Senator Milne will be in Montreal this week for the duration of the talks.
 
A sound recording of Senator Milne's comments, as a wav file, is available on request.  Audio files will be available on Senator Milne's website from tomorrow at www.christinemilne.org.au
 
 
Contact: Katrina Willis 0437 587 562
 

Kyoto-Plus essential for Aust clean technology, business and jobs: Greens

Media Release | Spokesperson Christine Milne
Wednesday 30th November 2005, 12:00am
in


The Australian government's refusal to ratify the Kyoto Protocol is costing Australia investment, jobs and competitive advantage in global markets, Australian Greens climate change spokesperson Senator Christine Milne said today.  

"The coming into force of the Kyoto Protocol has provided unprecedented business opportunities such that thousands of companies and business executives are joining world leaders in Montreal to take advantage of the mechanisms for technology transfer between developed and developing countries," Senator Milne said.
 
"Legal, financial and investment interests are set to direct trillions of dollars in the next decade into carbon trading markets and new technologies.
 
"Executive Director of UNEP, Klaus Toepfer, said: 'There is no question that 2005 will be seen as the watershed, when the mainstream banking, insurance and investment worlds realised the scale of the opportunities unfolding in the new carbon, clean-tech and sustainable natural resource markets, and also, the legal risks of not being a leader in this area.'"
 
Senator Milne said the only risk to a major transition to a low carbon future is if the Montreal talks fail to provide for a climate policy framework beyond 2012.
 
"It is essential that Australia agrees to a 2013-2017 regime incorporating major reductions in greenhouse gases in the order of 60% by 2050," Senator Milne said in Canberra.
 
"Just as investment has dried up in the renewable energy sector in Australia because the government refuses to lift the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target, so too global investment in the development of clean environmental management and technology solutions will falter unless the world comes away from Montreal with a clear second commitment period regime."
 
Senator Milne departs Australia on Thursday to attend the climate talks in Montreal, Canada.
 
 
Contact: Katrina Willis 0437 587 562 or 02 6277 3063

Australia to be sidelined at climate conference

Media Release | Spokesperson Christine Milne
Monday 28th November 2005, 12:00am
in

Australia will be left on the sidelines at the international climate talks because the federal government has refused to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, Australian Greens climate change spokesperson Senator Christine Milne said today.
 
"Environment Minister Ian Campbell failed during Question Time today to answer how Australia will justify to the international community its failure to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and to implement a raft of measures to reduce the impacts of global warming," Senator Milne said in Canberra.
 
"The Minister's ramble suggests he is deluded about Australia's standing in the world when it comes to climate change. Far from being a leader Australia is regarded as a laggard.
 
"Minister Campbell owes the country an explanation as to what he intends to commit Australia to at the first meeting of the parties to the Kyoto Protocol in Montreal, Canada.
 
"Australia will suffer the humiliation of observer status only, because it refuses to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.
 
"While the responsible world players seek to reach agreement on how to make the deep cuts to greenhouse gas emissions required to avert the worst impacts of climate change, Australia will be sidelined.
 
"As emissions trading is implemented and progressive countries move to take advantage of technologies facilitating energy efficiency and renewables, Australia will remain stuck in a huddle with the coal and nuclear industries."
 
The government also today voted down a motion moved by Senator Milne to support the international day of action on climate change on 3 December and the need for urgent action to stabilise greenhouse gas emissions.
 
Senator Milne will depart Australia on Thursday to attend the climate talks in Montreal.
 
Contact: Katrina Willis 0437 587 562 or 02 6277 3063
 
 

Australia shamed by UN climate report

Media Release | Spokesperson Christine Milne
Saturday 19th November 2005, 12:00am
in


Government must act now  
The latest report on Australia's greenhouse gas emissions is alarming and demands urgent action by the federal government, Australian Greens spokesperson on climate change, Senator Christine Milne, said today.
 
"The figures released overnight demonstrate the decade of lost opportunity under the Howard government," Senator Milne said in Canberra.
 
"Australia's greenhouse gas emissions are out of control. The government, which has belatedly acknowledged that climate change is a serious challenge for Australia, has failed the community and should be condemned for its inaction."
 
The report, released by the United Nations ahead of the international climate conference in Montreal later this month, shows that at 2003, Australia's greenhouse gas emissions had risen by 23.3 per cent on 1990 levels. This is well above the eight per cent growth limit Australia negotiated as part of the Kyoto Protocol.
 
Senator Milne, who will attend the international climate talks in Montreal, said the federal government must now tell the Australian people what position it intends to take at the global talks.
 
"Will the government use the talks to finally ratify the Kyoto Protocol as a sign of good faith and commitment to take serious steps to address the greatest environmental threat facing the planet, or will it again undermine international efforts?" Senator Milne said.
 
Senator Milne is attending the two-day Catholic Earthcare conference which has brought more than 300 people together in Canberra, demonstrating that mainstream churches and the community are way ahead of the government in their preparedness to act on climate change.
 

Contact: Katrina Willis 0437 587 562
 

World Bank confirms climate change impact

Media Release | Spokesperson Christine Milne
Friday 7th October 2005, 12:00am
in


Australian renewable energy growth to stall  
A World Bank report on the devastating human health and ecological impacts of climate change reinforces the need for urgent, serious action by the federal government, Australia Greens energy spokesperson Senator Christine Milne said today.
 
The report, released in Washington, said environmental degradation is contributing to illness and deaths, particularly among the world's poorest people, with more than 150,000 premature deaths attributed to climate change impacts in the year 2000.  
 
It also found that global warming will increase the spread of dengue fever and malaria, and is already lowering crop yields and causing salination of coastal areas.
 
"The World Bank report should ring alarm bells in the federal government. It reinforces the Australian Greens' call for the government to take urgent, serious steps to reduce Australia's greenhouse gas emissions," Senator Milne said in Hobart.
 
"It follows the Australian Conservation Foundation and Australian Medical Association report which forecast as many as 15,000 Australians could die each year by the year 2100 from heat-related illnesses if we allow emissions to continue to grow.
 
"Instead of finding ways to prop up the old polluting coal and nuclear energy industries, the government should be moving Australia to a low-carbon economy, investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, and introducing a cap on greenhouse gas emissions.
 
"Yet the growth in renewable energy capacity is about to stall because of the government's short-sighted approach.
 
"The paltry Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) of 9500 gigawatts for 2010 will be reached this year, and the Australian Business Council for Sustainable Energy has warned that Australia faces a fall in investment in renewables at the very time when increased capacity is imperative."
 
"The Howard government should immediately increase the MRET to 10% by 2010.
 
"The international climate talks in Montreal next month provide an opportunity for the government to change direction," Senator Milne concluded.
 
Contact: Katrina Willis 0437 587 562 or 03 6234 4566
 

Govt Asia-Pacific partnership exposed as hot air

Media Release | Spokesperson Christine Milne
Thursday 6th October 2005, 12:00am
in

The federal government's Asia-Pacific partnership on clean development and climate has been exposed today as hot air, Australian Greens energy spokesperson Senator Christine Milne said in Canberra.
"In July this year, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer announced the Asia-Pacific partnership on clean development and coal with great fanfare at the ASEAN meeting, pledging a follow up meeting in Adelaide in November would be 'a globally significant meeting' and 'the most significant international meeting ever held in Adelaide'," Senator Milne said.
"He boasted that this would be 'the most heavy weight delegation and event that I have been able to attract'.
"Now the whole thing has collapsed.
"In Question Time today the government refused to confirm that the meeting is no longer going ahead and was unable or unwilling to provide any information about the detail of the partnership which was supposed to have been negotiated over the past few months.
"The government further refused to indicate the sum that Australia will commit to the global joint fund to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
"It is hard to draw any other conclusion than the Asia-Pacific partnership on clean development and coal was a hastily cobbled together publicity stunt at the ASEAN meeting, designed only to disguise negotiations on coal and uranium exports to China and India.
"In July, the government said it intended to proceed quickly to negotiate the detail of the partnership but nothing further has been said or done.
"With the next international meeting on climate change coming up in Montreal in November, Australia stands exposed as having failed to address climate change."
 
Contact: Katrina Willis 03 6234 4566 or 0437 587 562
www.christinemilne.org.au

Government's Greenhouse Plan Fossilised - Brown

Media Release | Spokesperson Bob Brown
Monday 1st December 1997, 12:00am
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Australian Greens Senator Bob Brown today revealed that the Australian Government has abolished funding for renewable energy research while spending over $111 million on R&D for coal and other fossil fuel industries during the next five years.

"As the climate change convention gets underway in Kyoto, Australia's greenhouse response strategy is to preserve the coal industry, not the planet. It's a fossilised plan from a government embedded in the past and ignoring the sunny future -- the next century will be the solar century", said Senator Brown.

Addressing the 'Solar 97' conference in Canberra this morning. Senator Brown said that the Howard government's recently released greenhouse package "Safeguarding the Future" did not include one cent for research into renewable energy or greenhouse impacts.

"Worse, the last two budgets slashed $92 million from greenhouse related R&D by abolishing the Energy Research and Development Corporation and the National Greenhouse Research Program."

"Renewable energy, represented by the researchers and industries at the Solar 97 conference is the optimistic alternative for now - greenhouse friendly, job creating new industries."

"Denmark's wind generation industry already employs 9000 people, will nicet 10% of electricity demand by 2000, and is growing at 20% per annum. It's a major export earner."

"We could do the same with solar but the government has turned its back on the future", said Senator Brown.

Senator Brown was speaking at the opening session of 'Solar 97', the annual conference of the Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society being held at the Australian National University. Senator Parer will address the conference on Wednesday.

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