Posted by: admin
on Sep 22, 2011
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Transport
Carbon price for shipping could sail ahead, say Oxfam and WWF
Escalating greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping could be tackled by applying a carbon price of $25 per tonne to shipping or ‘bunker’ fuel, according to a new report from Oxfam and WWF.
The report shows that the EU could broker a deal on a carbon price for shipping fuel at the United Nations’ climate change conference in Durban, South Africa later this year.
As well as controlling emissions from shipping, the proposal would also raise around $25 billion a year by 2020 to help tackle climate change in developing nations, say the charities. The revenues raised could also be used to compensate developing countries for higher import costs arising from the carbon price.
The report, Out of the Bunker – Time for a fair deal on shipping emissions, says the proposal would tackle two of the major issues facing the Durban conference – agreement on future emissions cuts and finance to help developing nations.
International shipping is currently responsible for around 3% of total global emissions – more than Germany and twice that of Australia – but has remained resistant to regulation, although the industry did recently agree to some mandatory efficiency standards.
“Our research shows it is possible to cut the massive greenhouse gas emissions from shipping without unfairly hitting developing countries, and to generate billions of dollars in new cash for climate action in poor countries in the process,” says Oxfam’s advisor on climate change and co-author of the report Tim Gore.
He says that the proposals are affordable and would represent a fair global deal on shipping that addresses emissions without unduly hitting the economies of developing countries.
“The climate conference in Durban this year provides the ideal opportunity for a global agreement on shipping,” says Jason Anderson of WWF. “A mechanism to address shipping emissions and at the same time provide financing for developing countries should be one of the pillars of a strong package of outcomes in Durban.”
Posted by: admin
on Sep 20, 2011
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Recession drives reduction in emissions across UK local councils
Greenhouse gas emissions have fallen in nearly all local authorities across the UK between 2008 and 2009, according to the Government’s latest statistics.
The figures published yesterday by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) report that since 2008, emissions have been reduced in 402 out of 406 local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales – including the industrial and transport sectors, with domestic emissions down in all areas.
On average – although there are wide local variations – the industrial and commercial sector was responsible for 43% of emissions, the domestic sector for 30% and road transport for 27%.
Over the last five years, between 2005 and 2009, emissions fell by an average of 12.2%, with the industrial and commercial sector down 15.8%, the domestic sector down 11.7% and road transport down 7.5%. Per capita emissions across England, Scotland and Wales are down 15% on average.
Local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales have influence over around 80% of the country’s total emissions, but the figures do not include motorway traffic, for example, and heavy industry over which they have no control.
But green group Friends of the Earth warned that the trend is mainly a result of the recession and not emission reduction activities.
Friends of the Earth’s campaigner Liz Hutchins cautions that emissions will start to rise again once the economy picks up.
“Disappointingly, the sharp fall in emissions councils have influence over is largely due to the recession – not green policies which could boost jobs and businesses at the same time,” she says. “From greener travel to slashing energy waste at home and generating it in a clean way, councils have a vital role to play in meeting UK climate targets – but unfortunately most aren’t doing enough.”
Posted by: admin
on Sep 20, 2011
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Power Generation
Asia-Pacific nations promise to make transport more energy efficient
Energy and transportation ministers from 21 Asia-Pacific nations have promised to make transportation cleaner and more energy efficient.
The announcement follows the first-ever joint Transportation and Energy Ministerial Conference held by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) hosted by US Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in San Francisco.
The ministers said that Asia-Pacific nations are making progress to their goal set in 2007 of reducing energy use in economic activity by at least 25% by 2030, but added that more efforts are needed.
The meeting also called for a phasing out of subsidies supporting fossil fuel use, while promoting the use of biofuels, natural gas vehicles and electric vehicles instead.
One of the most significant opportunities for improvement – freight transport – was also highlighted for further action, particularly encouraging the switching from energy-intensive modes of transport like trucks to more efficient rail and maritime modes.
“To create jobs and lay the foundation for a prosperous future, we must grow our economies while staying mindful of 21st-century challenges like climate change and energy efficiency,” said LaHood. “Our roadways, runways, railways, waterways, and transit systems all must move greater numbers of people and products while leaving a smaller environmental footprint.”
