Media release

Action beyond Kyoto

25 January 2005

The Kyoto Protocol which has now come into force internationally tomorrow is a wake up call and an initial stepping stone - a very basic framework for action. But to avoid dangerous climate change the world needs to do much more in order to avoid an average temperature rise of 2 degrees Centigrade compared with the beginning of the industrial age.

"Beyond Kyoto" is now on everyone's minds specifically the need to achieve the 60% cuts in carbon emissions by the middle of the century which will be necessary to avoid that rise in temperature.

Environment Business Australia (EBA) has released a discussion paper that outlines a 'toolbox' approach to fast-track the necessary action. It is intended to be compatible with the Kyoto Protocol. The full paper can be seen at www.environmentbusiness.com.au

The highlights include the need for a government backed 'enabling framework' that can support industry's innovation. Making sure that new, beneficial technology gets fast market entrance.

"We have suggested using new taxation concepts, economic tools like carbon emissions trading, and making sure that Government's purchasing and investment funds are used to back sustainable action that will benefit the whole country" said Fiona Wain, CEO of the peak industry group.

"We believe that this approach will create jobs and help to maintain Australia's prosperity while shrinking our energy footprint" added Wain.

EBA has taken a similar approach with their submissions to Government regarding national competition policy reforms, and the 2005 Federal Budget.

Some of the key messages from EBA are:

Externalities (or collateral damage) are harming the national economy as well as the environment and Australia needs to have a clear picture of the real costs of pollution, land and waterway degradation, and climate change
There has to be equity in the marketplace to make sure that poor performers cannot undermine sustainability leaders
Greater attention should be paid to commercialising beneficial technology and infrastructure
The market needs timely and meaningful intelligence in order to judge between opportunity and latent liability
There is foreseeability in the changing international marketplace and Australia must be sufficiently flexible and resilient to respond to change
Preventing harm from happening is a lot less expensive than cleaning it up or trying to adapt