Earth Day: A Call For Energy Security

Tuesday: April 22, 2008 - Energy efficiency and conservation emerged as an important issue in the Pacific region due to the continuing increase in the world market oil prices which affect increases in electricity tariffs, transportation costs, prices of consumer goods and services.

As the world celebrates Earth Day today, the region is urged to focus on energy efficiency efforts to work towards regional energy security.

The Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission’s Energy Adviser Koin Etuate says the use of Renewable Energy technologies and Energy Efficiency and Conservation practices at homes and offices should be recognised as part of the solutions to sustainable development and enhancing energy security.

“In the Pacific region we follow the global theme by highlighting the need to use renewable energy technologies and promoting efficient energy use and savings as possible ways to contribute to national development.”
Etuate says Pacific Island Countries are already committed to energy and economic development in both national and regional level through policies and programs.

“Pacific economies are the most vulnerable in the world to rising oil prices and they see the urgent need to reduce this vulnerability through mainstreaming energy security into national planning and budgetary processes improving energy efficiency and energy conservation.” More >>>

Climate Change & Peak Oil: An Integrated Policy Response for Australia

Ian Dunlop: Climate Change & Peak Oil

Wednesday, 04 April 2007

An integrated policy response Ian Dunlop has outlined the need for an integrated policy response for Australia to the twin challenges of Peak Oil and Climate Change. Full report as submitted to the Prime Ministerial Task Group on Emissions Trading. Climate change and peak oil are inextricably linked. Each one is a major issue in its own right, but their convergence has received minimal attention, which is unfortunate as it is likely to have far greater impact than the sum of the individual parts. Policy must ensure that solutions to the one reinforce, and do not conflict with, solutions to the other. Current piecemeal government policy is totally inadequate to meet the challenges of climate change. Emissions trading is now, reluctantly, under discussion but it is only one component of the comprehensive policy required. Peak oil is barely on the agenda, although it may be the issue which has the greatest impact in the short-term. This paper suggests a comprehensive, integrated policy, at both global and national levels, which will provide a coherent response to both issues. Above all, visionary, principled, long-term leadership is need from government, the community and business. Short-term political or corporate expediency is no longer acceptable; bi-partisan cooperation is essential. Action is required in the next 6-12 months, not in the 3-5 years favoured in political debate. Ian Dunlop is a senior member of ASPO-Sydney. He is an engineer and was formerly a senior international oil, gas and coal industry executive. He chaired the Australian Coal Association in 1987-88, chaired the Australian Greenhouse Office Experts Group on Emissions Trading from 1998-2000 and was CEO of the Australian Institute of Company Directors from 1997-2001. He has a particular interest in the interaction of corporate governance, corporate responsibility and sustainability. Read More

Developing World Seeks Funds And Technology To Tackle Climate ChangeEnergy Security

This week's debate is laying the groundwork for a high-level meeting called by UN chief Ban Ki-moon on the sidelines of the September General Assembly meeting, and for a major climate change conference in Bali, Indonesia, in December.

by Gerard Aziakou
United Nations (AFP) Aug 01, 2007
Rich nations were challenged Wednesday to make deeper cuts in their greenhouse gas emissions and to provide the developing world with funding and technology to help it tackle climate change. Developed countries "have a specific responsibility" to carry out deeper cuts in greenhouse gas emission "in accordance with the commitments made under the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol," Pakistani Environment Minister Mukhdoom Faisal Hayat told the General Assembly on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Read More

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the parent of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, the landmark environmental treaty that mandates cuts in the gases blamed for global warming.