Justice News
FACT SHEET:
EMISSIONS TRADING IN AUSTRALIA
An emissions trading scheme will be the central instrument for limiting Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. The Australian Government recently released a Green Paper outlining its preferred options for a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (an emissions trading scheme) in Australia. The Government is conducting a consultation on its preferred model and alternatives, with the final design of the scheme to be decided by the end of the year and a planned start date in 2010.
So what is a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) and how will it work?
Humans are used to using the atmosphere as a rubbish bin. Anyone can emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere at no immediate financial cost to themselves but we now know that there is a cost to everyone – these emissions are causing dangerous and irreversible climate change.
We must dramatically reduce the amount of greenhouse gases we are releasing into the atmosphere to stem the tide of climate change.
An emissions trading scheme is designed to use the market to limit the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. It will work by requiring companies to obtain permits to emit, and putting a cap on the number of those permits. This effectively puts a price on emissions, and is a means of incorporating the environmental, social and economic costs of these emissions into the economy.
How does emissions trading achieve emissions reductions?
The government is able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by progressively reducing the number of permits available each year. The schedule for emissions reductions will determine how quickly and steeply this reduction occurs.
The Australian Government has committed to a long-term emissions reduction target of 60 percent (below the level emitted in 2000) by 2050. It will announce its medium-term target for 2020 at the end of 2008.
Emissions permits
 | The CPRS will not require all businesses to hold permits. The Government has proposed an emissions threshold of 25 000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emission per year, meaning that businesses emitting greenhouse gas at levels below this would not require permits. |
| The direct costs to some businesses of acquiring permits will flow down the chain in the economy to other businesses and consumers. |
| Emissions permits can be auctioned, allocated to companies free of charge, or a combination of the two. |
| Auctioning permits creates a large pool of revenue which can be used by the Government for other policies and programs (this could include other climate change initiatives, such as assistance to households to improve their energy efficiency). |
| Free allocation of permits provides a form of assistance to companies and industries significantly financially-affected by the introduction of emissions trading. |
| The Government has proposed that permits for the CPRS move, over time to 100 percent auctioning, but this will be subject to the provision of assistance to strongly-affected industries. |
“The Uniting Church regards climate change as a serious threat to the future and integrity of life on earth…
The Uniting Church in Australia believes that it is important for the Australian Government to set and commit to meeting serious targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions primarily through the promotion of renewable energy sources, measures to reduce energy demand and promotion of energy efficient measures.”
For the Sake of the Planet and All its People: A Uniting Church Statement on Climate Change
Resolution of the Assembly Standing Committee, November 2006
Want more information?
For more UnitingJustice work on climate change and environmental sustainability go to:
http://www.unitingjustice.org.au/index.php/issues/living-sustainably.html
You can find the Australian Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme at:
Christmas Island chaplaincy: a light in the darkness
Christmas Island is a tiny speck in the Indian Ocean, yet it will seem vast compared to some of the tight spaces Rev Christine Senini worked in. And she won’t have to sleep in a bunk bed.
The President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev. Alistair Macrae has added his name to the list of prominent Australians calling for reform to our asylum seeker policies. UnitingJustice has continually advocated for a more compassionate approach to these vulnerable members of our society.
UnitingJustice and the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly has joined the chorus of voices calling for Constitutional recognition of the unique contribution that First Peoples have made to this country. Amendments to the Australian Constitution should also include removal of racist and discriminatory language and clauses. The open letter was accompanied by a submission to the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition made by UnitingJustice.
UJA Reference Committee member, Professor John Langmore, discusses the political momentum behind and the public benefits of introducing a financial transactions tax.
Rethink Refugees - watch UJA National Director, Rev. Elenie Poulos, reflecting on her work in refugee advocacy as part of Amnesty's information campaign
Preamble posters and Covenanting resources
Download or print your own here.
Position Vacant: Senior Media Officer
The Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia seeks to appoint an experienced media professional to the role of Senior Media Officer. Read more...
Churches solid on poker machine reform
The major Christian churches in Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to the Government’s proposed poker machine reform this morning in the face of Catholic priest Father Chris Riley’s apparent support for the inaccurate, well-funded industry campaign. Read more...