Resources: Climate Change Policy

Last Updated (Tuesday, 30 March 2010 22:07) Written by Administrator Tuesday, 30 March 2010 22:01

Garnaut Climate Change Interim Report Feb 2008.pdf

Garnaut Draft Report June 2008.pdf

Shorter synopsis of Garnaut Draft Report:

Garnaut_transcript.pdf

Policy, economic drivers and business roundtables
Howe Scoping Research report #1 (4).doc

The White Paper on European Governance
This White Paper was published in 2001 and seems to be the basis for current European governance. The paper was published by the Commission of European Communities which makes legislation and policy proposals for the EU. See http://eurlex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/com/2001/com2001_0428en01.pdf for details - accessed 05/03/08
Following is an overview of the paper, as I understand it.
The White Paper contains a set of recommendations on how to enhance democracy in Europe and is based on 12 reports, 2 studies and intense consultations with interested parties (over 2,500 organisations and people have contributed to this work).
The White Paper highlights the need for greater community involvement in the decision making process and identifies ways to open up these processes to the European community. These processes include
· on-line and up-to-date information on policy formation and development – see http://www.europa.eu.int
· clarifying the roles and responsibilities, and expectations, of all the levels of government (regional, national, local), and how they fit into EU policy developments
· establishing better communication with local and regional governments and civil society (“civil society” includes churches and religious communities, various NGOs with specialist interests, trade unions and employers’ organisations, and sporting institutions with global requirements such as the soccer clubs)
· by taking local and regional legislation into consideration before imposing EU legislation
· by identifying whether local, regional or EU legislation is best applicable to a situation
· by making better use of expert and community advice
· better enforcement of EU law – so as to enhance internal markets and to establish credibility outside of the EU
· by establishing sectoral based partnership arrangements with businesses, communities, research centres, and local authorities to promote new technologies and cultural change, e.g. “car free days” which have involved many cities and all levels of the community – including businesses, schools, pupils and teachers
The paper then looks at global governance and describes the EU’s role and contribution. And interestingly, describes the EU citizens’ expectations that the EU reinforces the idea of a European identity, while acknowledging the contributions of the member countries. This united-identity façade then, in theory at least, lends strength to EU contributions to global negotiations and strategies.
(and I guess that this is the ultimate paradox for the EU, united but separate identities and how to best represent them all)
From the paper, “the term "European governance" refers to the rules, processes and behaviour that affect the way in which powers are exercised at European level, particularly as regards openness, participation, accountability, effectiveness and coherence.”
Recommendations for EU interaction on global governance include
· improving dialogue with other governments and NGO’s when policies affect the EU Community
· and to review the EU’s internal organisation so that the EU is able to speak with one voice more often
The White Paper also recommends a re-focusing of EU policies and institutions and identifying long-term goals and “strategic orientations” for the EU.
It is recommended that the role of the European Parliament, and all national parliaments of the EU, should be become more active in stimulating public debate on the future of Europe and the policy directions.
And, if you’re interested, more information about how the European Parliament works can be found at http://www.europarl.europa.eu/parliament/public.do?language=en
Particularly the “Parliament and You” section.

Democrats Climate Change Policy – can be found at http://www.democrats.org.au/campaigns/climate_change/
This website has not been updated since the December 2008 Federal election and lists ratification of the Kyoto Protocol as a priority. The Democrats are also lobbying for a ‘climate change trigger” to be inserted into the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act; and for an increase in mandatory renewable energy targets.

Recent Announcements in the EU
On 23rd January 2008, the EU committed to an ambitious legislative proposal for fighting climate change and promoting renewable energy. The proposal includes

• an improved emissions trading scheme (ETS)

• an emissions reduction target for industries not covered by the ETS such as transport, housing, agriculture and waste

• legally enforceable targets for increasing country’s renewable energy mix

• new rules on carbon capture and storage and on environmental subsidies

The proposal, known as the Climate Action and Renewable Energy package, outlines the EU’s commitment to fighting climate change and promoting renewable energies up to 2020.
The proposal sets out individual member country obligations and is the culmination of MANY year’s negotiations and consultations.
The aims of the proposal are a 20% cut in greenhouse gas emissions, a 20% increase in energy efficiency and to have 20% of energy from renewable sources - all by 2020, (you may also see it referred to as 20-20-20-20)
See http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/climate_action.htm - accessed 05/03/08

European Parliament (which represents the citizens of the EU)
Prince Charles addressed the European Parliament on 15th February 2008. He called for the biggest public, private sector and NGO partnership ever seen to tackle climate change.
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/public/story_page/064-20985-042-02-07-911-20080211STO20962-2008-11-02-2008/default_en.htm - accessed 05/03/08

Australian Government responses to climate change
The 10th March 2008 marked the end of the 90 day period after Australia’s Instrument of Ratification was received by the United Nations. Australia will become a full member of the Kyoto Protocol before the end of March 2008. But what does this mean for Australia? And what responses have to be made locally, regionally and internationally to comply with ratification requirements?

The Garnaut Climate Change Review – interim report – was released in February 2008 clearly going to play an important role in Australia’s future climate change policies and directions. Mitigation options so far, are about Australia’s role in accelerating effective international climate change action (which is mostly at the diplomatic level) ; emissions pricing and an emissions trading scheme (from an economic perspective) ; and institutional arrangements to support an emissions trading scheme along with regional and international linkages to the scheme (clearly the government’s role and responsibility)
(c) Also on 11th March, from the Garnaut Review, an issues paper on transport, planning and the built environment was released. This is a 13 page document in response to submissions made to the Garnaut group by a variety of stakeholders. Issues addressed include passenger transport, freight, aviation and shipping emissions; and lower emission opportunities and barriers.