The Truth comes out

: The Truth comes out

Ok so I promised to try and stay out of Politics and Climate Change during this election but I just can't help myself, one more post (I almost promise)

So now we find out the Labor Party has an almost identical policy to Kyoto as the Liberals, under pressure they have admitted they would only sign Kyoto under the same conditions the Libs would. I don't necessarily think this is the greatest thing in the world for Australia's efforts at being part of the Global Warming solution but I am glad that we are all on a level playing field now and the smoke screen is being cleared.

Climate Change/Global Warming shouldn't be an election issue in my view, we all need to do our bit every day regardless AND THAT GOES FOR WHOEVER IS IN GOVERNMENT. It shouldn't be about Kyoto it should be about us caring for the Future and for the Planet.

Below is an article from the Australian with excellent FACTS (its been a while since we saw facts in the press) about Climate Change, Carbon Emission Statistics and the Kyoto status quo.

cheers

Louie

P.S. Be interested to know who out there thinks Climate Change should be an election issue.
CLICK HERE FOR STORY OR SEE BELOW

Principles for Responsible Investing

PRI: Who What When Where Why How

October 20th 2007 01:00

: UN Principles for Responsible Investment: PRI

What are Princples of Responsible Investment and Why should you care about them?

The Principles of Responsible investment are the guidelines set out by the United Nations for Fund Managers to create a Global benchmark for responsible investing. Why should you care? Well we all have money invested somehow with our Superannuation, the more pressure we put on large companies to sign up to these Prinicples the more they will have to embrace the philosophy; and this will make the world a better place: money talks.

The Aim of the Principles is to simply add the conscience element to investing. Yes we all want superior returns but signatories of the PRI have to take other things into consideration when making investment decisions. The key things taken into consideration are Environmental, social and Corporate governence factors. By taking these factors into consideration before investing signatories are encouraging corporates to improve their performance in areas such as Environmental Impact (Carbon Emissions), Human Rights. The prinicples incorporate the United Nations global compact and encourage corporations to embed these principles in the way they do business. corporates are encouraged to have set policies in areas such as human rights, labour standards, the environment and anti-corruption.

We all know that money makes the world go round and you can pretty much say that dirty money is responsible for a lot of the Damage to the Environment, terrorism, human rights violations and the list goes on. If large corporations are cut off from investment because they don't adhere to standards then they will not survive, the more money that flows into good corporations the more good will be created.

These principles are a unique way to get financial markets and leaders from the investment community to contribute to the objectives of the UN and simply make the world a better place to live in.

Many Australian Financial insitutions have signed up, and 8 trillion dollars of money under management has already committed to this project globally

but f you can believe it this is nothing...... the UN Web site has great links and has some great stuff if you want to go and check it out. CLICK HERE

The more we care the more they will do.
cheers

Louie

Rough ride Ahead

Rough ride ahead

October 17th 2007 01:38

I have decided to get my Political Climate Change post out of the way early on in this election campaign and then try to stay out of the fray with maybe the odd comments as a P.S. here and there (here's hoping)

There is no doubt that Climate Change is an election issue, I was just on a Climate Change site where kevin07.com came up in the Google Adwords Ad, so Labor are clearly pulling out all stops to make it an election issue. As much as I am all for Climate Change awareness I can't help but secretly think that I don't want Climate Change to be an election issue, mainly because of the misleading statements that will inevitably be made.

Climate Change is an important issue and it would be a shame for all of us to lose sight of the FACTS. There has already been enough damage to the few good things we are doing e.g. the Collapse of the NSW NGAC System and the collapse of Companies like Easy Being Green. Much as I don't think these systems were doing enough they were better than the nothing we currently have during this political uncertainly: Liberal and Labor are GUILTY HERE

The best thing that can happen is for the Liberals to do what they alluded to last week i.e. say they will sign the new Version of Kyoto and that people would be AWESOME and should be the END OF CLIMATE CHANGE as an issue for this election campaign, let them slug it out on other issues.

Let's FACE IT PEOPLE they are preaching to the converted, hell even johnny Howard has backflipped on the issue.

OK thats it from me, you all know where I stand, here's hoping I can bury my head in the sand.

cheers

Louie

P.S. I do have thoughts on Climate Change and the noble Peace Prize on www.climateforum.com.au

Backflip almost entirely complete....

Backflip almost entirely complete....

October 11th 2007 06:10

It is being reported today that the Government via Malcolm Turnbull have said they may ratify the new version of the Kyoto Protocol in Nov/December.......hands up who is shocked....

Should be no-one, they have def been warming up to this complete 180 for some months now, to pledge to ratify this treaty is the Icing on the cake and even tho I hate talking politics it says to me that the Govt will call the election any Second now...they are just ironing out a few thorns in their side...as has been discussed before apparently polls say 86% of us care about this issue they have successfully messed up so you could call this issue a thorn....... here we go....the sooner its over and done with the better I say....

Just quietly my favourite bit is the fact that he thinks being part of a global Agreement is in the National Interest....hmmmmmm....

story below with link

Cheers

Louie

Really Long Link

Turnbull hints at ratifying new climate change agreement

Posted Wed Oct 10, 2007 6:39pm AEST
Updated Wed Oct 10, 2007 6:54pm AEST
Mr Turnbull says the Commonwealth is committed to an effective international agreement, if all the major emitters come on board.

Mr Turnbull says the Commonwealth is committed to an effective international agreement, if all the major emitters come on board. (AAP: Tracey Nearmy)

* Audio: Turnbull willing to ratify Kyoto's successor (PM)

Federal Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull has signalled Australia may ratify the next international climate change deal that comes into effect when the Kyoto Protocol expires.

Australia has refused to ratify Kyoto, but Mr Turnbull says the Commonwealth is committed to an effective international agreement, if all the major emitters come on board.

He says the move is in the national interest.

"We are committed to a new international climate change agreement which is environmentally effective," he said.

"To be environmentally effective, it will need contributions to those reductions from all the major emitting countries, be they in the developed or the developing world."

But Labor Environment Spokesman Peter Garrett says it is a huge about-face on the eve of an election.

"I've got to tell you, after listening to these people talk in disparaging terms about climate change action for over three years of being in the Parliament and prior to coming into the Parliament, I don't take the spin that comes from the Government all that seriously," he said.

Cool or be Killed Part II

As published on my other site www.climateforum.com.au

Cool or be killed Part II

October 10th 2007 00:56

: Peter Garrett weighs in on Climate change and Terror

Climate Change and Terrorism becomes political....well more political. Following on from my post on Friday called Cool or be killed CLICK HERE I thought it was interesting if not slightly amusing that yesterday......

Opposition environment spokesman Peter Garret weighed into the Climate Change and terror argument by surprise surprise taking the opposite position to John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull stating that Climate Change is in fact linked to Terror.

Peter Garrett said that Climate change is a "threat multiplier" that will exacerbate already unstable situations. Here are the exact words from the statement.

"As food production declines, diseases start to spread, clean water is scarce, and people move in large numbers seeking new opportunities and resources. Of course, there is an increased risk of non-state terrorism and traditional war,"

I pretty much hate politics so am not going to comment further. I have found a transcript of an address Peter Garret gave to the national press club in august which (if you filter out the political sledging) is an EXCELLENT account of what Australia needs to do to clean up its act....I would much prefer to do something positive than get involved in Politics

Here is the link (its a big read) CLICK HERE
Its also worth exploring the ACF website it is full of info.


Here is an excerpt which pretty much covers the guts of it, the rest is pretty detailed so is for anyone who has half an hour to spare.

Address by Peter Garrett AM to National Press Club
Peter Garrett


National Environment Test: How do our politicians score?

I'd like to begin by acknowledging we are meeting on Ngunnawal land and offer respects to the elders and traditional owners.

Late last year millions of Australians sat the National IQ te st; last night on TV and at home millions sat the National Drivers test. These tests have captured the imagination of many so we want to extend the testing to our leaders on the subject of the environment-a subject whose time is now.

I can clearly state that as a nation we're failing ourselves and our kids on care for the environment. Know that we can and must do better, I want to look at what needs to be done and how our political leaders rate on the national environment test

It's not only a test of whether their policies will turn around the damage to our fragile land. It's also a test of how well they are listening to Australians who are speaking up for a cleaner, smarter and greener future.

On this last score ACF judges that both major parties might be slowly waking up to how deep the environmental concern is within mainstream Australia. At the same time we believe they remain well short of the action required.

This slow awakening is showing up in our research, which I'll share with you later, and in other polling too. Judging by the recent statements of both parties, we think its starting to show up in their research as well.

Primarily ACF believes Australia needs a bold package of sustainability reforms to not only protect and repair this battered ancient land, but also generate jobs and a healthy economy.

We reckon there are five key tests for a sustainable Australia. And we need to pass them all if we are to protect our natural heritage and develop an Australian economy & a society free from environmental damage for the generations that follow.

The five tests are:
1. Show national leadership - by a commitment to sustainability reforms which matches the commitment to competition reforms of the last decade. Prime amongst these is a Council of Australian Governments backed Sustainability Council with funding and powers akin to the National Competition Council. And additionally showing national leadership, means being held accountable to real and substantial environmental outcomes.
2. Cut greenhouse pollution - not only by ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, but through a package of measures including higher renewable energy targets, revenue neutral emissions trading and a bold attack on our grossly inefficient use of energy.
3. Repair our land and rivers - repair rivers like the Murray with more water flowing down it and turn around the loss of our bushland by ending land clearing. Only then will we stop the curse of salinity poisoning our environment, farms and towns.
4. Protect great natural areas - the Great Barrier Reef, Cape York and the great old growth forests of Tasmania are national treasures future generations won't enjoy unless strong protections are put in place now
5. Support sustainable living - give greater support for Australians wanting to take action to help the environment by, for example, going solar or adding rainwater tanks.

And there can be no sustainable living if Australia is still caught in the toxic nuclear cycle - building new nuclear reactors and creating very long lived radioactive waste.

Today I'm launching a "National Agenda for a Sustainable Australia." which details the damage being done to our ecological infrastructure, Australia's international performance and the policies needed if we are to turn around environmental damage. We're drawing a line in the sand as to what Australians should expect of their governments when it comes to taking adequate care of this country.

A special thanks to the Australian Conservation foundation website for the transcript

Cool or be killed....

October 5th 2007 05:28

: Is Climate Change the biggest emerging threat to National Security?

This is my first post on Climate Forum www.climateforum.com.au, come check it out or read on here, I have been procrastinating all week about what to write as the previous contributor to this site has so many techniclly perfect articles on here and I def don't have the attention to detail a Lawyer posesses..So i am going to try something a little different.

I would like this to be an open Climate Change Forum from now on where anyone can post their ideas and Views on Climate change, I will try to introduce "hot" topics, or "cool" Topics just to get into the Spirit of it.

Today I would like to discuss the Topic of Climate Change supposedly being our biggest emerging threat to National Security.

Is it COOL or BE KILLED or is this just hysteria and a case of some people blowing the whole Climate Change thing out of proportion for their own gain?

From what I can glean the logic behind the headlines is that Climate Change will lead to drought which will lead to food shortages and possibly people flocking to our shores. Below is a quote from the Clmate Change Scientist who introduced the concept which has been embraced and brought to the headlines by none other than our Police Chief Mick Keelty who said

"It's a challenge not just for the [federal police] and our state and territory colleagues, but for law enforcement the world over," he said.

Print Email Add to My Stories

Climate change will affect security, scientist warns
Posted Wed Oct 3, 2007 1:32pm AEST

Map: Canberra 2600
A former CSIRO scientist and academic is warning that climate change will create serious issues for national security.

Dr Graham Pearman has raised concerns about water shortages, energy use and rising sea levels at the annual homeland security summit in Canberra.

Dr Pearman says now that the science allows us to anticipate what will happen, action is needed to prevent a human disaster.

"Maybe hundreds-of-millions of people being exposed to drought and this can have an impact both on their political stability, on their propensity to actually migrate and move, their capacity to feed themselves," he said.

"The quality of their economy and all of those things affect the way we trade with them and the way we interact with them."

Dr Pearman says that Australia needs to examine how to handle the difference in resources and stability of other nations.

"What do we do if for example many people in our neighbouring countries of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea on the coastlines are subjected to major losses of life and livelihood as a result of rising sea level?" he said.

"We need to think about these things before they happen."

I might add this had been rebutted very swiftly by the PM and other such Political heavyweights which because I am a cynic has really got me thinking on this issue. Originally I thought these headlines were for media sensationalism to sell papers then the PM rebutted a little too swiftly for my liking........Of course the PM isn't going to admit it is a threat to National security because that would be political suicide coming into a Federal Election given he was against Climate Change for so long AND the surveys show 86% of us care about Climate Change......

I am interested to see what everyone out there thinks. Is it Hysteria or COOL OR BE KILLED Feel free to post, rebutt, disagree, agree, swear and get nasty.

Cheers and Happy Friday

Louie

Next Forum Topic....Using the Climate Change name in Vain, is Climate Change the new scapegoat for every little thing that goes wrong...I stubbed my toe because of Global Warming, i couldn't do my homework because of Global Warming....who shot JFK..Global Warming

HUGE Investment needed to combat Climate change

Take a look at this report by the UN. Huge investment is needed to combat Climate Change by 2030.......scary numbers

here's the link story below http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070828/sc_afp/austriaunclimate_070828180700;_ylt=Aj0kO.xJU1kYAC41JaBQgaFrAlMA

Massive investment needed to combat climate change: UN
by Sim Sim Wissgott Tue Aug 28, 2:07 PM ET
VIENNA (AFP) - Investment of more than 200 billion dollars will be needed by 2030 just to keep greenhouse gas emissions at today's levels, according to a UN climate change report presented Tuesday in Vienna.
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"Global additional investment and financial flows of 200-210 billion dollars (146.3-153.7 billion euros) will be necessary in 2030 to return global greenhouse gas emission to current levels," according to the report by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Presenting the report, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer told reporters that finding "an economic answer" was key to dealing with the peril of climate change.
The UNFCCC is holding talks in Vienna this week with government, industry and research representatives ahead of a conference in Bali, Indonesia, in December to discuss climate commitments after 2012, when the UN's Kyoto Protocol expires.
Between 0.3 and 0.5 percent of global gross domestic product and between 1.1 and 1.7 percent of global investment will have to be spent on addressing climate change, the report estimated.
Although additional funding is necessary, "a substantial part of the additional investment and financial flows needed could be covered by the currently available sources," the report also suggested.
The aim will be to "direct the financial and investment flows into new facilities that are more climate-friendly and resilient."
This will include investing in technology research, renewable energy and energy efficiency for transport, industry and construction, as well as supporting agroforestry and implementing sustainable forest management.
"Energy efficiency is in fact the most promising means to reduce emissions in the short term," De Boer told journalists.
Funding should also be provided to certain sectors in developing countries to encourage them to reduce activities that can lead to further climate change.
One way to generate additional funding is the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), the report said.
Under this device, industrialised countries can invest in projects that reduce emissions in developing countries in order to offset emissions at home, where making reductions would be more costly.
An international air traffic levy -- an idea that is running into fierce opposition from the aviation industry -- could also raise between 10 and 15 billion dollars, De Boer pointed out.
The report was drawn up in cooperation with UN agencies, international financial institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private-sector representatives.
It called on all countries to adopt common policies on technology research and development and set global efficiency standards for electrical appliances.
De Boer said the report sends "signals ... to the people out there, the governments that are going to be designing the architecture of the future climate change regime, in terms of the areas that they need to address."
More than a thousand representatives are gathering in Vienna this week as part of the UNFCCC talks.
Atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), the principal greenhouse gas, have so far risen by around a third since the start of the Industrial Revolution in the mid-18th century.
Over the past hundred years, the global mean air temperature has risen by around 0.75 degrees Celsius (1.33 degrees Fahrenheit), causing glacial retreat, shrinkage of the Arctic ice cap and loss of permafrost, the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said earlier this year.
Its experts forecast further warming this century of between 1.1 and 6.4 C (2.0-11.5 F) depending on how much more CO2 is emitted. Water stress and drought, impacting on agriculture, and a greater risk of more powerful storms, affecting coastal dwellers, are among the feared outcomes.
The big source of CO2 is pollution from the burning of oil, gas and coal, the mainstay energy in today's society. Reducing this pollution entails efficiency or a switch to cleaner fuels, which carries a cost.

Freezing your Butt off for Global Warming

reezing your butt off for Global Warming

August 20th 2007 04:30

Freezing their Butts and other bits off 600 swedish troopers climbed up a melting Glacier for Photographer Spencer Tunick and Greenpeace on the Weekend to raise awareness for Global Warming.
I'll have to say this makes some other attempts at raising Global warming awareness look rather feeble. When I first saw this article I was afraid for how cold their feet would have been, then I discovered in other shots they lay FACE DOWN in groups....OUCH OUCH OUCH....

Here's hoping there is some Photographers trick and they are holding at least one item of clothing away from the camera's, otherwise these people are HEROES......its not like they even get their faces in the Pap like celebrities, they are baring all for the cause anonymously.

Given the rivalry between Climate Change Believers and Climate Change Hoaxers you have to wonder what the Hoaxers will come up with next to raise awareness for their argument....no close ups PLEASE...this is about about all we can take and I think we are all stoked Al Gore isn't in these photo's he's stacked on a few Kg's lately and it may not be a pretty sight.

Here are some more images of those brave Ice Warriors from the Greenpeace Galcier Photo shoot on the weekend.

As they say a picture is worth a thousand words, I only have one OUCH

also here is the link to Greenpeace just in case you fell like supporting their Global Warming efforts.


LINK TO GREENPEACE
Cheers Louie

Photo's from greenpeace Website

Really Long Link

This is fighting talk people: Gore speaks out

This is fighting talk people: Gore speaks out

August 12th 2007 02:13

Well it has been a pretty rough week for Climate Change believers with people even doubting the very weather data that Al gore's entire argument is based on. It is very hard to know from the sidelines whether this is the classic Tall Poppy syndome taking effect on a Global scale or if we really have been lied to. It escaped my attention due to a busy week that Al gore actually spoke out against the Climate change Hoaxers on Tuesday in Singapore, he didn't mince his words either. This little battle could get quite nasty if the gloves come off that is for sure.

Al Gore is saying that the Climate change Hoaxers are running an anti-climate change campaign financed by Polluters!!!! He compared it to the campaigns run by the Tobacco companies........

Here is a little exert but the full story is worth a read if you want to follow the link

"There has been an organized campaign, financed to the tune of about $10 million a year from some of the largest carbon polluters, to create the impression that there is disagreement in the scientific community," Gore said at a forum in Singapore. "In actuality, there is very little disagreement."

He even goes on to use the P and M word's........- puts a chill in the hearts of many a conspiracy theorist- ...yes you got it Propaganda.....and Maniuplation

"They're trying to manipulate opinion and they are taking us for fools," he said.

and wait there is more, our fearless Climate Change leader even names the culprits and has directly pointed the finger at Exxon , whatever you think about Climate change picking a fight with an Oil company is pretty dam courageous thats for sure. I get the feeling there is going to be some blood on the streets before we hear the last of this.

The question will be who can we trust?

WHOONEARTHCARES: Cate Blanchett joins the Climate change campaign

Cate Blanchett was in qld yesterday to capmpaign for Climate Change and launch the new Australian Conservation Faoundation's campaign CLICK HERE to tell them you CARECLICK HERE You go online and register and answer a few questions and if you can be bothered send a pre-typed letter to your MP. I usually don't do this kind of stuff but have made an exception for a good cause this time, especially because they didn't ask for money........

I can be a bit cynical about the agenda of B grade celebrities jumping on the Climate Change bandwagon and the money to be made BUT I think in this case we can safely say Cate genuinely cares, she is Definitiely A list and ...........good on her for getting out there and not campaigning from some cushy studio somewhere. Here is the snippet. I am going to visit the link and give them some support.

Blanchett campaigns for climate change awareness

Posted Mon Aug 6, 2007 2:18pm AEST
Updated 4 hours 0 minutes ago


Hollywood star Cate Blanchett was in Brisbane today - not to promote a movie, but to encourage Queenslanders to become aware of the issues around climate change.

Blanchett visited the drought-ravaged Lake Samsonvale, north of Brisbane.

There she launched the Australian Conservation Foundation's new online campaign, whoonearthcares.com.

She says the campaign is about bringing people from all over the country together to work on climate change solutions.

"I think that the majority of Australians are beginning to realise that we can't hope to address the very real issues of water shortages and drought unless we significantly reduce Australia's spiralling greenhouse emissions," she said.

"Climate change is an issue that affects each and every one of us, and therefore it's up to each and every one of us to act responsibly and do something about it."

Bush Fire or spark in the right direction?

Bush Fire or spark in the right direction?

August 5th 2007 02:02

I guess its no surprise that Bush's recent invitation to the World's largest polluters has been greeted with audible eye rolling from the Greenies and Silent Groans from heads of State. Let's hope this is a spark in the right direction and not the beginning of the end for Global agreement on Climate Change.

The Greenies are frustrated as are the Heads of state that of course the moment Mr Bush wants to get on board the Green boat it has to be his boat, forget perfectly good upcoming global forums for discussion; APEC in September and the UN Conference in November; it has to be George W's idea and has to be in his sand pit.

All of a sudden going green is a good idea. Now this blog is groaning. This band wagon is getting mighty crowded with recent converts. I am not saying this is a bad thing, it should be a good thing except for the small detail of Politics and the fact that of course the Geroge W wants to reinvent this wheel. Forget that Eurpoe and the rest of the World- except for the U.S and Australia has been running with a perfectly good and successful system for quite some time now- we need a new one.

Maybe this is all a ploy for Bush to successfully avoid the issue at the APEC conference, maybe he isn't equiped to talk about this with the world leaders; he is merely giving a speech at the September 27/28 conference in Washington, Condoleze Rice is running the show; Does this totally scream of a man who doesn't know the subject and needs to be on familiar ground to deal with it, with a speech written by someone else?Tthis doesn't bother me except he is the leader of the Free world and this is the most important issue of our generation- still. You would like to think he would want to debate the topic every waking hour; and be able to.

Anyhow who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth, the end game here is that we need a solution for the sake of the Planet and future generations (love melodrama on a sunday mornming) let's hope the Greenies are wrong and the U.S. provides solutions not a whole heap of spanners in the very delecate works of the Treaty that is Kyoto and the system that is still taking baby steps towards a solution.

Green Stocks: New Series: Part 4: 9 more Clean Energy Stocks

Green Stocks: New Series: Part 4: 9 more Clean Energy Stocks

July 18th 2007 08:43

Here are 9 more Clean energy stocks to put on the radar, this takes us up to 23 names in our investable universe. I read an article today stating there are 50 names or so in total in OZ. A lot more than i thought that is for sure.......

today we will focus on Geothermal Stocks: GHT, TEY, GDY, GRK, PTR
A Hybrid Clean Energy Stock: EDE
Some Solar Names: EVM and SOO
an Ethanol company: AAE

I also forgot to mention a stock called GRD simply because it is currently under takeover: HOWEVER this mean the price is underpinned and the game may not be over so it is probably a good stock to include as a low risk play in our portfolio.

I know this process is boring but finding the Aussie names is a lot harder than in the US because the broker coverage at the small end of the market where we are playing is scattered, but that has its rewards we will be buying stocks befor ethey go on the radar screens of big brokers hence if we get the mix right we will get an element of a free ride when they are re-rated as and when the market wakes up to them...the hard work will pay off......

Agri Energy AAE http://www.indcor.com.au/
Agri Energy Limited is the only investment group developing a global ethanol and biodiesel business.
Agri Energy Limited is focused on identifying and developing cost competitive opportunities in global agriculture for the production of green energy.
Agri Energy Limited is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (code AAE) in the Energy and Mining sector.
Agri Energy Limited, through wholly owned subsidiary companies, is developing fuel ethanol and biodiesel operations in the major international transport fuel markets.
United States
Constructing the world’s first integrated agri-energy complex in South Eastern Nebraska consisting of a Biodiesel Production Plant incorporating an oil seed crusher using a feedstock of soy and an Ethanol Facility using a feedstock of corn.
Australia
Constructing Australia’s first grain Ethanol Production Plant incorporating a feedstock of corn, cereal grains and other fruit pulp waste. Ethanol and biodiesel facilities are planned at a number of other regional locations. The Group plans to manage and operate grain production in regional Australia to support a major component of feedstock demand and is strongly focused on agricultural research to identify future world competitive biofuels feedstock to align with Australia’s agricultural capabilities. Agri Energy Limited is involved in the distribution and retailing of ethanol and biodiesel through an independent operator

Geothermal Energy - Really Long Link
The principal objective of Geothermal Resources is to explore its tenement areas for hot rock geothermal energy resources that can be exploited for electricity generation purposes.
The company's current projects in the Curnamona Craton and the South East of South Australia are well located with respect to existing infrastructure and power grids - a major strategic advantage over other more remotely located projects.

Torrens Energy http://www.torrensenergy.com/
orrens Energy Limited (TEY) listed on the ASX in March 2007, raising $6M. Due to overwhelming investor interest, the offer – which comprised 30 million shares at 20c each, with one free attaching listing option for every two shares – was heavily oversubscribed.
Torrens has created an exceptional opportunity to generate sustainable, renewable, emissions-free geothermal energy and become a dominant player in efficient, reliable electricity generation.
The Company has been granted a large geothermal tenement holding in areas close to Adelaide in South Australia. The selected areas are known for high heat flow and coincide with the overlying insulating sedimentary cover required for high temperatures to accumulate. In addition, and unique to Torrens, these highly prospective areas are located on the National Power Grid, close to large energy markets and infrastructure.

Geodynamics: Really Long Link
GDY
Geodynamics Limited is the only listed public company in Australia whose sole focus is on developing hot fractured rock (HFR) geothermal energy.
HFR geothermal energy is produced using heat extracted from buried hot granites by circulating waters through an engineered, artificial reservoir or underground heat exchanger. These hot granites represent a massive source of renewable energy, free from CO2 emissions.
The development of HFR geothermal energy relies on existing technologies. HFR geothermal projects are currently underway in France, Switzerland, Germany, California, and Japan. Australia has a recognised potential for the development of HFR geothermal energy.
Geodynamics Limited has secured significant geothermal exploration rights in South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland and is investigating the potential in other states. The Company has a strong Board of Directors and successfully listed on the Australian Stock Exchange on 12 September 2002. Stage One of the Company's Business Plan is now nearing completion.

Green Rock Energy Really Long Link
GRK
Green Rock Energy Limited is an Australian based geothermal energy explorer and developer with projects in South Australia and Hungary.
Incorporated in 2002 and listed as Mokuti Mining Limited initially, Green Rock Energy has been trading on the Australian Stock Exchange since December 2003.
It will be the first mini-fracture stimulation program for geothermal energy carried out anywhere in Australia. This innovative approach to geothermal exploration in Australia has the potential to significantly lower costs and risks for Green Rock by providing key input information which will be used for the optimal design and conduct of the subsequent deeper drilling and fracture stimulation program. This will enable more accurate design and costing of the deep wells and fracture stimulation program than has been possible for others who have had to drill to much greater depths before intersecting the top of their targeted hot reservoir rocks.
PETRATHERM - http://www.petratherm.com.au/
Petratherm - PTR
Petratherm Limited has made significant progress towards achieving its stated mission which is to;
"Explore and develop, emission free, commercially sustainable geothermal energy projects"
Approximately ninety percent of Australia’s electricity is generated from fossil fuels, the use of which contributes to one third of Australia’s total carbon dioxide emissions.

Eden Energy: http://www.edenenergy.com.au/
EDE
Eden Energy Ltd is a diversified clean energy company that listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in May 2006. Eden has interests in hydrogen production, storage & transport fuel systems, including the low emission Hythane hydrogen-methane blend, coal seam & abandoned mine methane in the UK, conventional gas in SA, low temperature pyrolysis research into hydrogen production & geothermal energy production.
All these aspects of Eden's business are part of an integrated strategy to become a major global participant in the alternate energy market, particularly focussing on the clean energy transport market, producing hydrogen without any carbon emissions, transporting the hydrogen to markets & providing the engines to power hydrogen-based transport & energy solutions.

SOLAR POWER
Enviromission – EVM Really Long Link

Within five years EnviroMission aims to be one of Australia’s leading producers of clean, green renewable energy.
A company committed to establishing profitable,
large-scale renewable energy generation power stations for the Australian electricity market.
aim to lead the renewable energy market with new energy technologies that do not consume fuel resources or produce greenhouse gas emissions.
EnviroMission owns the exclusive licence to German designed Solar Tower technology in Australia. Their first project will focus on developing this revolutionary technology into the world’s first large-scale solar thermal power station capable of generating enough electricity to supply 200,000 typical Australian homes.

SOLCO – SOO Really Long Link
Solar Energy Systems was established in 1998 as a solar company providing decentralised sustainable water solutions to Australia. The primary product was the award-winning Sun Mill solar water pump. Solar Energy Systems and the Sun Mill soon had global interest, with installations in Canada, East Timor, Bali, Fiji, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and Tanzania, as well as throughout Australia. Following the successful listing on the ASX, Solar Energy Systems improved its ability to provide decentralised power solutions with the creation of a Projects team. This team focused on providing custom off- and on-grid sustainable power solutions to cater for projects both nationally and internationally.
Relationships were developed with many charities including Rotary, Communicade Edmund Rice (Christian Brothers), CARE International, Action Contre La Faim, Bia Hula and Aus-Aid with water and power solutions being implemented in developing countries.
Solco has diversified its product base in the past two years by including a wider range of sustainable products and has strengthened its global distribution network, enabling the company to better realise its mission of becoming a global leader in the distribution of decentralised sustainable water and power solutions.

GRD

Green Stocks: New Series: Part 3 Another Green Aussie Stock for the Radar

Green Stocks: New Series: Part 3 Another Green Aussie Stock for the Radar

July 17th 2007 10:20

How could i have overlooked ENE, it is probably the best Aussie candidate especially when we start stacking things up Globally...... I've seen a few guys lose their shirts on this one, back in the day when mkts knew how to fall.....seems like its time may come again soon.
A word of warning this name can be VERY volatilein rough mkts but i intend to pick my level when I play. They have a tonne (excuse the pun) of Renewable Credits in their hollow log....Definitely worth watching this one......

Ene – CLICK HERE

Energy Developments (ENE) owns and operates power generation, co-generation and waste-to energy projects across the world. Power is generated at operating plants by landfill gas, coal seam methane, natural gas, distillate, and municipal waste.

Th

eir blurb
Communities and governments worldwide are placing a higher priority on responsible environmental management. Superior environmental performance is central to energy Developments' business strategy and the Company seeks to achieve standards of environmental performance that exceed the expectations of regulators, customers and the community.
The Company also sees environmental management as an important source of competitive advantage and a significant factor in generating new business opportunities.
The Company's power generation plants are small, efficient and designed to minimise emissions. These power generation plants primarily utilise waste fuels that would otherwise cause disposal and emission problems. Land fill gas and coal mine waste methane are he fuels for 71% of the Company's generating capacity. The use of these fuels results in reduced emissions of waste methane into the atmosphere. As methane is a potent greenhouse gas (with approximately 21 times greater global warming potential than carbon dioxide), its beneficial utilisation by the Company ensures significant greenhouse gas emission abatement which is approximately 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.
The Company is very aware of its environmental responsibilities and is committed to maintaining high standards of environmental management in its business.
To ensure high standards of environmental care are maintained, the Company will:
• be aware of and comply with all applicable laws and regulations;
• wherever possible, exceed the basic performance standards required by law and regulations, to minimise the adverse environmental impacts and maximise the environmental benefits of its operations;
• communicate openly with government and the community on environmental matters, including making contributions to the development of environmental policy and regulations; and
• promote a high level of awareness among employees of the environmental impacts of its operations and foster a culture of environmental responsibility and excellence.
Good environmental management is a core component of the Company’s business strategy and the Company will constantly seek to achieve standards of environmental performance that exceed the expectations of regulators, customers and the community.

Green Stocks: New Series: Part 2 More Green Aussie Stocks

Green Stocks: New Series: Part 2 More Green Aussie Stocks

July 17th 2007 07:09

Here are some more stocks that may qualify for our Green Portfolio.....ARW, NFL, SBI, TPI, COZ

Again I am just doing the background on names to put on the Radar screen and have yet to work out price targets and entry levels, as i said this is a long term portfolio so we have to do our homework before we put out money where our mouth is

I spotted in the Airport on sunday that the AFR Magazine I think it is called Smart Investor ran a story mentioning about 5 stocks to put into your Green portfolio, I didn't get to read it properly but it's probably worth getting your hands on if you are interested in this topic...great minds think alike hey...they only had one or two that my posts haven't covered if you look at previous post which I'll link to.
TPI is pretty touch and go to me, I honestly only put it in here because it is currently featured in an AFR Magazine article on the Topic therefore due to perception will get re-rated when cash flows into the "Green" Sector as i think it will over the next 12 -18 months as more Environmenatl funds are set-up Globally. (more on funds flow in another post it is a can of worms)

See list below

ARW - http://www.arfuels.com.au/

Description: Australian Renewable Fuels Limited is an Australian company currently developing two biodiesel plants, one in Adelaide, South Australia, and another in Picton, Western Australia.
The development of commercial scale renewable fuels production plants marks an exciting new stage in the growth of use of alternative fuels in Australia
ARF Limited's vision is to become the pre-eminent Australian biodiesel producer by managing a planned roll-out of biodiesel plants within Australia. The Company's expansion program includes the establishment of biodiesel plants overseas.
The technology to be used in its plants is the proven Energea process, currently operating in Austria. ARF has an exclusivity agreement with Energea for the use of the technology in the Australian region, including manufacturing rights.


NFL - http://www.naturalfuel.com/
Produces
Biodiesal
Glycerine
Natural Fuel Limited was incorporated in October 2003 and became an unlisted public company in June 2004. The company was formed to build a global sustainable and renewable energy business in emerging yet strong growth markets.
The Natural Fuel group of companies is comprised of:
• Natural Fuel Limited
• Natural Fuel Australia Limited (50% with Babcock & Brown Environmental Investments Ltd )
• Natural Fuel Pte Ltd (Singapore)
• Natural Fuel & Energy Biofuel, LLC. (USA)
Natural Fuel intends to manufacture biodiesel and glycerine from renewable sources through a number of subsidiaries, either wholly-owned or joint venture type vehicles, in select countries. Over the last two years the company has undertaken extensive, independently verified, market research and due diligence into the viability of biodiesel plants in Australia, the United States and Singapore. During this time, the company has formed a number of strategic relationships with key biodiesel industry participants.
Natural Fuel has developed a robust scaleable business model and assembled a highly experienced management team together with internationally renown contract and equity partners. Natural Fuel’s first biodiesel plant in Darwin, Australia is currently in the commisioning stage. Further plants to be commissioned in coming years.
Sustainability
As biofuels are produced from renewable energy sources (vegetable oils in the case of biodiesel), it is critical to ensure that feedstocks are produced on a sustainable basis.
Natural Fuel’s sustainability policy requires feedstocks to be sourced in compliance with eight key principles:
1. Commitment to transparency
2. Compliance with applicable laws and regulations
3. Commitment to long–term economic and financial viability
4. Application of best practices by growers and millers
5. Environmental responsibility and conservation of natural resources and biodiversity
6. Responsible consideration of employees and of individuals and communities affected by growers and the mills
7. Responsible development of new plantings and
8. Commitment to continuous improvement in key areas of activity
In particular, any palm oil sourced as feedstock for Natural Fuel must be certified by the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (of which Natural Fuel is a member) as meeting its stringent requirements.
Natural Fuel is also committed to the research and development of high yield oil crops and alternative vegetable oil technologies so to further increase the sustainability of its businesses.


SBI - Click Here

SPC Biodiesel Sdn Bhd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sterling Biofuels International Limited. Its principal activities are:
• To construct and operate a 100,000 tonnes per annum biodiesel manufacturing plant in Lahad Datu, Sabah; and
• To manufacture and sell biodiesel to global markets – in particular, Europe.
The biodiesel will be made from palm olein (refined form of palm oil).


TPI - CLick Here

TPI is a Company that is borderline Green i.e. in the view of this Author some of its activities apply and some do not therefore it won’t be passing my “Green Screen” I don’t imagine HOWEVER this won’t stop the market putting it in this category so there could be some good money to be made with a relatively clear conscience when the market is re-rating stocks in this category which will happen frequently over time in my view as previously discussed..
Transpacific Industries Group Ltd (Transpacific) is a public company (ASX : TPI) that provides integrated industrial cleaning and total waste management to customers across Australia and New Zealand, with particular focus on the liquid, solid and hazardous waste management markets. Transpacific is also a key player in the heavy-duty commercial vehicles industry in Australia and New Zealand and has niche operations in parts of Asia.
The companies’ wide network of operations includes collection operations, transfer stations, waste-to-energy sites, composting facilities, and recycling plants. These assets enable Transpacific to offer a full range of environmental services to industrial, municipal, and commercial customers.
Transpacific operates an integrated business across five primary divisions:
• Liquid and Hazardous Waste
• Solid Waste
• Energy
• Industrial Solutions
• Commercial Vehicles
Their environmental policy is sound “Our Environmental Policy states our objectives in ensuring a healthy environment. TPI is committed to seeking continuous improvement in our environmental management practices and we continually monitor our processes and our approach to the environment in order to realise our objectives”

However some of their processes do involve Chemicals etc. AGAIN I AM NOT A FAN


COZ – http://www.co2australia.com.au

CO2 Group Limited specialises in the commercialisation of business opportunities within the environmental sciences sector. CO2 Group's first major initiative has been the formation of a leading Socially Responsible Investment Company - CO2 Australia.

CO2 Group's CO2 AUSTRALIA™ Carbon Sequestration Program focuses upon opportunities for above average shareholder returns by developing a series of products based upon biomass carbon sinks for the provision of greenhouse gas emission reductions; this activity can be generalised as the "carbon credits" business.
Commercial Offsets -Investment in a CO2 AUSTRALIA™ Carbon Sequestration Program
• Removes Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere helping to reduce Global Warming.
• Investing in a CO2 AUSTRALIA™ Carbon Sequestration Program provides a hedge against future carbon price increases.
• CO2 AUSTRALIA™ Carbon Sequestration Program produces fully auditable certificates under both the NSW Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme and the Federal Governments Greenhouse Friendly™ Program.
• CO2 AUSTRALIA™ Carbon Sequestration Program is a cost effective way to build a Carbon Bank for the future.
• CO2 Australia provides a turn-key solution to your voluntary action, your mandatory obligation or your investment.
• Becoming Carbon Neutral demonstrates good corporate citizenship.
Contact a member of our Commercial Offset team for further information.

CO2 AUSTRALIA™ Carbon Sequestration Program Benefits Beyond Removing Carbon from the Atmosphere:
• Improves regional employment. A 5,000 hectare program would lead to in excess of 180 full time equivalent employee positions being generated over the life of the project.
• Contributes to catchment targets for soil health, water quality and quantity, riverline ecosystem health, terrestrial biodiversity as well as to sustainability of local and regional economies.
• Improves farming profitability by maintaining and enhancing the productive capacity of the farm's soil, vegetation and water resources.
• Improves the capacity of the farm to accommodate variations in climate and market conditions.
• Improves the employment opportunities of farm families.
• Prevents salinity. It has been estimated that 10,000 hectares planted will help to protect 50,000 hectares of farmland from potential salinity issues as well as enhancing the productivity of the farmland.

Why do we plant Mallee Eucalypts?
• They are extremely long lived.
• They withstand extreme climatic conditions.
• They have a natural fire regime and are resistant to fire due to their capacity to resprout from a large underground stem (called a lignotuber).
• They have biological characteristics which allow the trees to achieve relatively high biomass productivity rates in relatively low rainfall environments.
• They are resistant to major damage by insect or plant pathogens due to the high oil concentration within the trees.

Green Stocks: New Series: Part 1 Green Aussie Stocks

Green Stocks: New Series: Part 1 Green Aussie Stocks

July 10th 2007 09:13

Want to make your money work for you and the environment, well there might be a way without robbing some poor Granny out of her Carbon Credits...invest in Clean Green stocks. In the world the investment universe is about 950 stocks with a total mkt Cap of about $45bill and growing.

This blog will begin to take a look at some of the stocks that pass the Green Screen I am applying, I am building a portfolio that will also look for Growth prospects and Value as well so the list will probably end up being quite short, I am going to start in Australia and eventually build a global portfolio..yes I will be putting my money where my mouth is, and remember this is a long term portfolio so don't expect overnight results....disclaimer necessary of course, the following comments are my opinion only and not intended to be given as advice......

Today we will look at some of the names, over the coming weeks we will investigate each investment case.As I said I am building my Green portfolio so will probably only talk about stocks that I put on the radar as being decent value and I am in no hurry, always a good way to be to make sound Long Term investments. As you will see a lot of the companies on the smaller end of the scale have dot com written all over them, i.e. share prices have more than doubled and they are yet yo convery their technology into a single cent........

I am kinda ashamed to say there are very few Aussie names that actually make the list and some of those barely qualify. But here is the list as I know it (I will add to it as and when I discover new names) and a little background detail into each company.....

Mission Biofuels Ltd code MBTMission Biofuels Limited is an ASX Listed company developing a 100,000 tonnes per annum Biodiesel Plant at Kuantan Port, Malaysia.http://www.missionbiofuels.com/home.php
Babcock and Brown Environmental Investments Babcock & Brown Environmental Investments (ASX: BEI) is listed on the ASX and invests in a diversified range of environmentally friendly businesses in the renewables sector both in Australia and overseas. BEI owns a waste to energy and fertiliser facility servicing the Sydney basin, a used oil refining/recycling operation based in Wagga Wagga, NSW, and a US ethanol operation. BEI, through an investment in an associate, Natural Fuels Australia Ltd., is currently in the process of commissioning a new biodiesel plant in Darwin, NT.

In 2006 BEI completed the acquisition of a 100% interest in Denco LLC (Denco), a US ethanol operation, which has interests in other ethanol production facilities in the United States and a share of a substantial ethanol marketing group. The total acquisition cost for 100% of Denco was approximately $75.8 million.

Additional information on Babcock & Brown Environmental Investments Limited can be found on www.bbeil.com.au
Babcock and Brown Wind Partners code BBWBabcock & Brown Wind Partners (ASX: BBW) is a globally diversified listed stapled entity investing in wind energy generation assets. The fund has assets in Australia, the US and in the key wind energy generation markets in Europe. BBW listed on the ASX on 28 October 2005.

At 31 December 2006, following a series of acquisitions over the course of the year, BBW’s portfolio comprised of an interest in, or agreement to buy, 24 wind farms on three continents that have a total installed capacity of approximately 1,190 MW and are diversified by geography, currency, equipment supplier, customer and regulatory regime.

Additional information on Babcock & Brown Wind Partners can be found on www.bbwindpartners.com
New Zealand Wind Farms code NWF (I rarely look at NZ but such was the slim pickings in Australia)
Viridis Clean Energy Group code VIR Viridis Clean Energy Group is an energy infrastructure fund that invests in a diversified global portfolio of clean energy assets with the objective of delivering attractive cash equivalent distributions to investors with long-term growth.

The Fund invests in operating assets utilising commercially proven technologies.

The principal investment focus is on assets that generate electricity or other consumable energy produced from renewable, waste or inherently low emission energy sources, including wind, hydro, biomass, geothermal, solar, waste fuel, coal seam methane and natural gas.

The Fund has adopted a set of Investment Guidelines that describe the set of qualifying assets in which Fund investments are made.

While the Fund primarily targets equity investments in qualifying assets, it also considers debt or hybrid investments that meet its risk and return requirements.
Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd CFU: CFCL is a world leader in developing solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology to provide reliable, energy efficient, high quality, and low-emission electricity from widely available natural gas and renewable fuels. CFCL is developing SOFC products for small-scale on-site micro combined heat and power (m-CHP) and distributed generation units that co-generate electricity and heat for domestic use.


Bluglass This little puppy got my attention for the potential Dot com comparison, they have produced a technology for the new LED Lightglobes, it is all good on paper and the share price has more than doubled since listing they have however yet to earn a cent and still need to convince potential users to convert manufacturing processes over to their technology. On the plus side the seem to have enough cash to get the job done. Put in on the Radar and buy any weakness or Buy an announcement that they are doing deals for cold hard Cash......here is the link if you want to read more about them CLICK HERE

Think outside the Bottle?

Think outside the Bottle?

August 1st 2007 23:36

I guess we have all seen this brewing in me for the last few days, and I am hoping this will be my last post about water. I read an Article in the Economist yesterday; the economist is my staple, trustworthy magazine that represents the last bastion of capitalism, and even they have joined the bandwagon and are giving the think outside the bottle campaign airtime.

Here is the link to the Think outside the Bottle Capmpaign"

This campiagn distrubs me greatly on many levels. Ok Ill get the biased bit out of the way, I see the Bottled Water industry from a personal perspective i.e. knowing people who run family owned Springs and the small brands that will cop it the hardest from this Media, attention seeking Beat up.....I am the first to admit the industry has many faults, the largest being the domination of it by Pepsi, Coca Cola and the other monoliths that are buying up springs - yes they are cheaper now thanks - BUT do these guys actually think when they say, In america 50% of the bottled water market is dominated by 3 companies, Pepsi, Coke and Nestle...OK you Geniuses what about the OTHER 50% They are small family/owned/run operations, peoples dreams, aspirations, livlihoods. Don't these corporate crusaders think? Or do they just get caught up in the campaign they are told to mount that they forget there are some little guys out there that will get caught in their crossfire?

The question I have is does anyone have the right to think that they can destroy an industry? The fact of Capitalism is if you don't want to buy something, simply don't we all have that freedom. Why should any one man think he is good enough to destroy people's livlihoods and in some cases life long dream and aspirations? I read a great Orble post yesterday by Brenton

http://www.blipblog.net/moral/

about moral questions surrounding Blogs and bloggers but the context was broad enough to embrace every day ethics. Is it Ethical for someone in a position of power to actively seek to destroy an industry? Does this constitute an abuse of power? I mean honestly a bottle of water is no worse than any other Beverage .Ok so on face value the product comes from a Natural spring but a lot of water bottlers add supplements, remove bacteriea, have spent millions on technology to sanitise it with oxygen so there are no chemicals involved in the entire process and much more There is a lot more behind the average water company than simply sticking water in a bottle, and in some cases probably a lot more to it than adding some sugar syrup to the very same water and a few bubbles and calling it Pepsi!!!!!!!!

Having successfully popularised gay marriage, San Francisco’s charismatic young mayor, Gavin Newsom, is now trying to achieve the opposite impact on bottled water:Economist Magazine, link below

Most disappointing to me is Gavin Newsome joining the crusade: Legailising Gay marriage was a POSITIVE and worthy crusade, I am very disappointed that a man who could do great things decides to do something negative like this for his next crusade. Let's see how he feels when the familys of broke Spring Water families come camping on his door step. The greatest irony is: These people will be forced to sell out to the big boys. In a year coke will spend $100m on an Ad campaign and all the sheep that jump on the anti-water campaign will buy it all over again, this time there will be no good waters, just all the crap owned by the big boys and then well, he will have an argument.

Here is the economist article LINK

. The part about the bad mile at the end is interesting. The title is deceptivley negative it is a fairly balanced synopsis of the industry otherwise.

Rant over. Someone has to stick up for them. - This time I know i'll get crucified, not by Orblers but the think outside the bottlers will find me on Google and yahoo and hunt me down.........

Climate Change Poll Results

The Poll results are in, I wonder if Kevin Rudd will pay for the information? ......wishfull thinking I imagine....... so drum roll people...here are the results, I am sure none of you have been sleeping over this.........

Question 1 was, Do you think australia should pay to combat Climate change in the Asian Region?
80% of the huge no of people surveyed think that it is all 1 world and they don't mind that Labour is going to chip in $150million of our tax money to help combat Climate Change in the Asian Region. ...I can't beleive Kevin wouldn't pay to know this then again we have shown before that he reads Orble blogs and pays attention to us so on that premise I have just given him the info for free dam it.......

Question 2 was, Do you think Climate change is a hoax?
You will also be pleased to know that only 1% of people thought Climate change was a hoax so we are doing better than the UK where 49% of people think it is. I am definitely going to see if that changes after they Air the Channel 4 Documentary.

My new Poll this week is going to beg the question weighting on my mind.

Do you think Polls are stupid and annoying?

I am scared to know the answer because I am having fun conducting my little Polls but I think a few people out there might hate them, then again if you hate polls then why would you participate in one even if it was to say that you hate them so maybe Ill be surprised at the response...then again can I trust the replies because the sample will be biased, only a poll can tell....ok Ill shut up now.

Climate Change Surveys - Do you think climate change is a HOAX?

Labor has pledged $150m to the Asian region Climate change effort.
Do you think we should pay for other countries to reduce emissions: Vote Now

Do you think climate change is a Hoax?

We are constructing a Green stock Portfolio at www.climatered.com

For more stories and comments on Climate Change Issues goto

www.climatered.com

Carbon Footprints for Beginners: II

Carbon Footprints for Beginners: II

May 17th 2007 04:07

Reducing your Carbon Footprint 102
Again apologies if I state the obvious or if I am preaching to the converted………….
So we got as far as saying we need to start by being aware of our Emissions and reduce them to reduce our Carbon footprint. To be really serious about the whole thing we are supposed to have an Emissions Audit then work out a plan. My logic and let me know if you agree is that every little bit should help so we could start with the little things and work our way up……

Some of the best ways to reduce emissions at home are
1) use more energy efficient light globes
2) Replace old electrical with new enviro friendly models
3) Install Solar Power panels
4) Turn off lights in rooms when we don’t need them, turn off unused appliances
5) Making sure our homes are heat efficient to reduce heating/cooling needs
6) Change our Electricity consumption to Green Power wherever possible.
7) Driving a car using Hybrid Technology such as the Toyota Prius

As you can see some of these things are expensive and the rest just require a liitle thought. Today we will start with a light bulb…What can changing a little light bulb do ?

The average Australian house uses 9 tonnes of energy p/a which equates to four tones of coal being burnt.
Every light bulb you change over according to Origin Energy results in a Carbon Credit of half a tonne for the life of the globe. These globes can be a little on the exy side but there are people who will come to your house and change them for free if you sign over your Carbon credit to them. (Carbon Credits on the Secondary market are worth anywhere between $11 - $45) depending on who buys them. So you can see these guys are making a healthy profit out of it. It is up to all of us individually if we object to this or not, as long as the end game is that the Credit is retired then it is all good, which is where the cynic in me comes out……they could tell you they are retiring it and keep it in circulation hence have you really helped? Two good web sites to learn about this are Neco and Origin Energy

Anyhow enough for today, more tomorrow.

Call for Climate Change Leadership

Article page 10 of the Fin review this morning.
I digress from yesterdays posts (I'll get back to it...) as there is an article in todays Fin Reveiw that is excellent reading if you want to get a handle on the lay of the land for the bigger picture in the Climate Change debate and where Australia sits.

As we know we are sadly behind the 8 ball globally but the rhetoric is beginning to really gain momentum which could bring us to a resolution. I hate politics but Johnny Howard should wake up to himself and kill this issue before the Election otherwise it could be the thorn in his side as many young Australians think this is the issue of our generation.

I am not sure if the Labor party would be too happy with their key business adviser saying " I think what has brought it home to Australians has been the drought, so thank God for the drought" as there might be a few farmers and the rest of the population who would resent this comment. But he made some very good points about the fact that the government needs to be more involved in the solutions via Regulation No-one can say what system is perfect but the European Cap and Trade system has ironed out its teething problems and should be the way to go if Australia wants to be on a level playing field. Sir Rod was right when he said the bsiness community needs a better lead from the Government. He stated there is a "real sea shift in the board...but I think we won't get the action we need until private boardroom discussions become public committments" "regulators provide the framework they don't provide the solutions, business can provide the solutions"

Another observation in the article by Nick rowley, Director of Kinesis is that we as a nation may have accepted Climate Change as an issue but we are yet to alter our behaviour. I personally this I think is a bit harsh, its not like we can all afford to run out and Buy a Hybrid car today, not all of us have the bank balance of Leonardo Di Caprio and the likes. He thinks the Govt should be forcing the choice through Carbon Taxes and levies, I DISAGREE entirely with this logic, taxes and the like will place far too great a burden on all of us.

Anyhow it is a good little article if you are interested in the progression of this issue.

Carbon Footprints for Beginners. How can we help…

It is one thing to watch a documentary and want to change the way we live our lives it is another thing entirely to know how to go about this.

I’ll try not to state the obvious but it is better to start at the beginning, I found this all very confusing in the beginning and I figure I might not be alone so here it is as I see it …apologies if I am going back way too far.

There are many things we can do to help. Put simply we need to reduce our Greenhouse Gas Emissions (commonly called GHG’s) …there are many ways to do this and luckily many companies that will help. There is a lot of information out there and a lot of people running around with solutions.

The most popular schemes at the moment are called Carbon Offsetting schemes, put simply this means you work out the emissions you create..called your (Carbon Footprint) and offset them by buying things called Carbon Credits. Buying these Carbon Credits means your emissions have been neutralized (providing of course they are de-registered or destroyed) and you have therefore erased your Carbon Footprint, erasing your Carbon Footprint is the name of the game.

What is a Carbon Credit? Put very simply a Carbon Credit is a credit generated by a Carbon Offset project. A Carbon offset project is a project registered with a Government or Industry body that reduces/ 'offsets' or compensate for the emissions being produced by an individual or a business. Carbon Credits can be earned or purchased. For example putting in Eco friendly light bulbs earns you a Carbon credit as does planting trees because they consume Co2…..you don’t have to formally register or purchase them to know you are doing the right thing.

The first thing we all need to do is conduct an emissions Audit and work out a plan from there.

That’s enough for today…..next Blog will look at all the different ways to make a plan…. buy Carbon Credits/ Offset and the like, then we will look at the Corporate side emissions, who provides offset schemes then Carbon trading markets etc and where Australia is in the Scheme of things……..as they say it’s not easy being green or cheap but that is another whole story.

Book suggestion: Tim Flannery: The Weather Makers

Climate Change and you: Hi

Hi Welcome to my new Blog site…..In blogging world I think I am pretty late to the Climate change bandwagon. However I can assure you I have been watching this topic evolve and heat up for a long while but until a friend asked me to work on a project a few weeks ago I haven’t been directly involved nor felt educated enough to put myself out there.

I am now currently on a Journey exploring the Business of Climate change or Biobanking as I have heard it referred to. As one English CEO put it so eloquently there are a lot of “snake oil salesmen “out there. This Blog intends to explore the facts, the fictions and the plain old lies about Global warming, the Carbon debate, environmental issues and the like ……..as well as where Australia stands in the scheme of things and what solutions are out there for us.

I think a lot of Australians in the post Inconvenient Truth era are trying to do the right thing....but how do we know who are the sharks and who are the good guys?...How do we know who is taking us for a ride and cashing in on the latest Hot Topic? (If you aren’t familiar with the Inconvenient Truth the Oscar Award winning documentary by Al Gore it is the best one-stop shop for Global Warming facts. The almost President has been a follower of the Global Warming cause his entire career and it is very interesting/scary viewing…..)


Now don’t get me wrong I am a huge fan of people making money and LOVE free enterprise. I personally have come to the conclusion that the World will be a better place because people can make money out of Carbon Credits and the like. There is nothing like a positive impact on the bottom line to drive us all into action….or as some people say Greed is Good. There is a post on http://www.climateforum.com.au/the-tipping-point/ that is particularly interesting; SarahJ among other things explores the concept of People first v Ecology first. My particular theory on this is that People will only put the environment first when it actually equates to helping themselves first ie they either make money out of it or their lives will be directly impacted if they don’t. I know I am a cynic ……..and as far as I am concerned it isn’t really a bad thing, as long as we do something.

What I don’t like is people making money out of NOT helping but taking advantage of all of us with good intentions. In this Blog I intend to take you on my journey into the money end of this topic close to my heart…..hopefully we can find the good guys, help them and kick the bad guys well and truly into touch.

I know this is an issue close to a lot of our hearts so I will be encouraged by any feedback you give. The more of us that care about this the more the Australian government will have to present a solution. This shouldn’t be an election issue it should be a given that Australia will help to do our bit. After all we have a lot to lose.