CCNQ

These are the words from the 2011 World Energy Outlook recently released by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Although a conservative organization the IEA take climate change very seriously and included in their report detailed investigations of potential energy senario's and how they will affect climate change.

Here's their most salient conclusions (emphasis mine)

We cannot afford to delay further action to tackle climate change if the long-term target of limiting the global average temperature increase to 2°C, as analysed in the 450 Scenario, is to be achieved at reasonable cost. In the New Policies Scenario, the world is on a trajectory that results in a level of emissions consistent with a long-term average temperature increase of more than 3.5°C. Without these new policies, we are on an even more dangerous track, for a temperature increase of 6°C or more.

Four-fifths of the total energy-related CO2 emissions permissible by 2035 in the 450 Scenario are already “locked-in” by our existing capital stock (power plants, buildings, factories, etc.). If stringent new action is not forthcoming by 2017, the energy-related infrastructure then in place will generate all the CO2 emissions allowed in the 450 Scenario up to 2035, leaving no room for additional power plants, factories and other infrastructure unless they are zero-carbon, which would be extremely costly. Delaying action is a false economy: for every $1 of investment avoided in the power sector before 2020 an additional $4.3 would need to be spent after 2020 to compensate for the increased emissions.

For a more detail discussion see Skeptical Science, but basically the IEA looked at 3 future scenario's:

Business as usual = 6°C warming
New Policies (governments meet all pledges made to date) = 3.5°C warming
450ppm (requires much greater action) = 50% chance of limiting warming to 2°C.

2°C warming is seen at the red line we don't want to cross, therefore it is clear much more world action is required.

Time is of the essence to take action to meet a 450 ppm target because existing polluting infrastructure (power plants, factories etc) is almost at the level that uses up all our "carbon budget". The implication of this is that unless action is taken now then worldwide by 2017 any new infrastructure will need to replace those already existing or be zero carbon, or we blow the budget. This is why some news stories have reported we have "5 years" to act on climate change before it is too late.

This is also why those who claim they support climate action, just not now, are misguided. Such a "strategy" is not only far more expensive in the long run, but runs the risk of beginning too late because the "locked in" polluting infrastructure is already great enough to cause dangerous climate change. The fact is a coal plant will operate/ pollute for 50 years, while new but inefficient buildings built today could be around for even longer.

The good news (from Australia's point of view) is that with the passage of the carbon price, we'll be getting started on action. One of the early effects (and perhaps one that is already being felt) will be that new power generation in Australia probably won't include coal plants and that more efficient buildings, factories and appliances will become the norm.

I'll leave the last word to the IEA:

“If we don’t change direction soon, we’ll end up where we’re heading”

If you have left it to the last minute to get your tickets to Powershift 2011 it's not too late to register and head along this weekend.

Powershift 2011 is being run by the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) and this year we are lucky enough to have Powershift here in Brisbane.

Here's the details;

 

Power Shift 2011: Start the transformation

Climate change is the challenge and opportunity of our generation – it’s not about politics, its about ensuring a safe future for young people across Australia.

Power Shift 2011 will be the moment when our generation comes together, and starts the transformation we need to become a nation powered by renewable energy.

In October, hundreds of young people will come together for an incredible summit in Brisbane. Together we’ll engage with the solutions, make our voice heard, and launch a campaign to transform the country.

Brisbane: 15 – 17 October, St Laurence’s College

 

 AYCC have lined up a whole lot of great speakers and workshops for those attending, with speakers including Jessica Watson, Dick Smith, friend of the CCNQ John Cook from Skeptical Science, Bill McKibben founder of 350.org and many more.

 Tickets are usually $100, but if the deal wasn't sweet enough already, a little birdy has told us how you can get your hands on tickets for just $50, see here for how can can score yourself a bargin and see you there this weekend!

Carbon Nation is a climate change solutions movie that doesn't care if you believe in climate change.

• Los Angeles Times: "Excellent"
• The Seattle Times: "Lively and fun"
• The Huffington Post: "Entertaining... endearing... and exceptional. 

The first screening is designed to encourage individuals to organise screenings in their own local community. No need to RSVP.

Brisbane Square Library theatrette   2 - 4 pm, Sat 3 September

Designed  moreso for American audiences, this 84 minute film shows that there ARE positive ways to frame messages about the transformation to a healthier low carbon economy!

Watch the trailer here www.carbonnationmovie.com

Other scheduled showings so far are:

• QUT Gardens Point, theatre Z-411   4 - 5.30pm, Wed 7 September
• Ferny Grove State High School Resource Centre  7.00 pm  Thu 22 September 
• Sunnybank Hills Library   2.30 - 4.30 pm, Sat 1 October
• Mt Ommaney Library   1.00 - 3.00 pm, Sat 8 October
• New Farm Library   2.30 - 4.30 pm, Sat 29 October
• Indooroopilly Library    2.00 - 4.00 pm, Sat 5 November
• Chermside Library    12.30 - 2.30 pm, Sun 13 November

Anyone can arrange their own community screening!

Enquiries to Ngaire
Ph 0400 141 040

Sustainable House Day is in its 10th year! Visit an open house in your area to gain ideas about taking sustainability to the next level. Houses to be opened in SEQ include but are not limited to:

42 Wau Rd, Darra
4 Blaxland Ct, Mt Ommaney
19 Grevillea Street, Sinnamon Park
39 Sollis St, Geebung (rental property)
15 Aspen Court, Burpengary
4 Woodgrove Court, Highvale
135 Frizzell Street, Stretton
29 Gresham St, Ashgrove
Currumbin Eco Village
And more!
For an up to date list of open homes visit www.sustainablehouseday.com

Ancillary events include open days at Sustainable Concepts (43 Ipswich Rd, Wooloongabba), Northey Street City Farm (Albion), Wild Mountains Environmental Education Centre, and an expo and forum at the Eco Village at Currumbin to name a few.

Qld enquiries - anyone who wants to volunteer can contact: Ngaire 0400 141 040 or Dennis (Alternative Technology Association) 0488 112 558

On Sunday the Government released the long awaited details of its plan to act on climate change by putting a price on carbon pollution.

Here are ten important details about the scheme, more detail after the jump

1. A price on pollution of $23 a ton

2. Pollution cuts of at least 5% by 2020 and 80% by 2050

3. Scheme starts as a tax but moves to an emissions trading scheme in 2015

4. 500 biggest polluters will pay for their carbon pollution

5. Price rises will be modest - expected to raise average prices by 0.7%

6. Compensation for households will see most better or no worse off

7. Tackling climate change now is cheaper and easier than waiting or doing nothing

8. Over 10 billion dollars for renewable energy

9. Money for storing carbon in land, improving biodiversity, closing down the dirtiest coal plants and helping industry be more efficient.

10. Vulnerable industries who are trade exposed get generous assistance

Join organisations, communities and individuals all across Australia who are saying YES to action on climate change and a price on pollution!

Join us online, and please come to take part in the National Day to ‘Say Yes’, when events will be held around the country:

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Brisbane Riverstage, City Botanic Gardens

1 pm – 2.30pm Sunday 5 June

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Join the event on facebook

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CCNQ invites you to join us, along with organizations and individuals from all walks of life to call for a safe climate for everyone.

say YES to cutting pollution, say YES to renewable energy, say YES to a healthy environment, say YES to a sustainable future

Thanks to everyone who came to the Brisbane Climate Action Rally last weekend. There was a great turnout and a really positive atmosphere of people who want Australia to cut pollution and start moving to a clean energy economy.

There were some cool placards too, thanks to John Cook from Skeptical Science for capturing some of them.

"Next Saturday it’s time for Queenslanders to let our politicians know that we support Queensland and Australia’s clean energy future - and the many new jobs and business opportunities it will create.

On Saturday 9th at 11am we're uniting with our friends from the Australian Youth Climate Coalition , GetUp! , Greenpeace , Oxfam , Australian Conservation Foundation , World Wildlife Fund and Union Climate Connectors to support real action against climate change.

It's time to make the big polluters pay their fair share and unlock Australia's clean energy future. By acting now we can stay healthy, secure our environment, protect jobs and build new clean industries.

This is a family friendly gathering where we’ll hear speakers who understand the science and we’ll celebrate our positive message for change in Australia.

So come along on Saturday the 9th at 11am in King George Square, bring some mates and take a stand in support of fair and effective action on climate change."

Downloadable poster can be found here.

If you are on Facebook you can RSVP here.

Getting there: Being in the centre of the city, King George Sq is easy to get to.

By Train: Head to Central Station

By Bus: Go to King George Square Busway, or just a short walk from Queen St Busway

The Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (AMOS) is hosting a one day forum: "SE Queensland’s Future Weather and Climate: What it Means for Industry, Government and the Community" on the 12th of April.

Biled as an event for "for anyone in SEQ working with, or concerned about, the impact of weather and climate.". The forum features a number of experts speaking about the future of of weather in south east QLD, including thunder storms, cyclones, climate variability and threats from heavy/prolonged rain events. CCNQ is not involved with this event, but it does look interesting, here are the details:

Tuesday 12th April 2011

8:45 am – 4:15 pm

Queensland Museum Theatre, South Bank

Admission $55, UQ Alumni $40, Students $30

Lunch and refreshments provided

For more information and tickets, see here

Yesterday the government's climate change advisor Prof Ross Garnaut released his carbon pricing proposal. It was part 6 of a series of updates he has been making to his 2008 climate change report. Garnaut's report is not government policy but it likely to be influential in deciding how to proceed in implementing a carbon price. There is a good description of the main points here (though the headline is perhaps a little inaccurate), the report can be found here. Here are some of the key points:

• It is in Australia's interest to play our part in limiting climate change by reducing our emissions and working to secure global agreements to reduce emissions.
• A market based mechanism is the cheapest way to reduce our emissions.
• The effect of carbon pricing on the economy will be "modest".
• Garnaut has endorsed the plan to start with a fixed price (the carbon tax) before moving to an emissions trading scheme (price set by the market ie: supply and demand).
• Starting with a fixed price provides more certainty and stability when the scheme starts, allowing everyone to get used to a world where carbon pollution has to be paid for. Emissions trading is favoured in the long term for its ability to direct money for reducing emissions to the cheapest means of doing so.
• The carbon price should start at $20 to $30 per tonne and rise every year before being set by supply and demand under an ETS.
• A large amount of assistance (free permits) to business that produce products for overseas markets is favoured, this will be phased out over time (Nb: this is similar to in the EU ETS)
• Garnaut recommends household assistance should be mainly via tax cuts focusing on low and middle income earners, with some more targeted assistance for low income earners.

Not everyone will agree with all of Garnauts' recommendations, but he does provide some details policy people can now start to debate. For the average person the big picture remains the same: Polluters start paying for pollution, people are compensated for price rises.

This is a repost from the Transition Town Kenmore blog. The CCNQ is not specifically endorsing Garnaut's recommendations, just letting his recommendations be known so people can be informed about the carbon price policy proposals.