Australia announces Kyoto II commitment

By Tierney Smith

– The day’s top climate change stories as chosen by RTCC
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Friday 9 November

Last updated: 1700

Worldwide: Climate change is likely to be more severe than some model predict, warn scientists. Analysis from the US National Centre for Atmospheric Research found that climate model projections showing a greater rise in global temperatures were likely to more accurate than those showing a smaller rise. They warn we should expect more extreme weather too – including floods, drought and storms, as well as higher sea-level rises. (Guardian)

UK: A report from watchdog, Consumer Focus has called for the money raised from carbon taxes on energy bills should be spent helping consumers and to combat fuel poverty. The report said by investing the money from taxes into measures such as insulation and efficient boilers could lift nine out of ten households out of fuel poverty and cut bills by £200 a year. (Guardian)

Australia: Climate Minister Greg Combet has announced Australia will join the second phase of the Kyoto Protocol. He said the country was making the move because more action was being taken internationally to tackle climate change and replace the Kyoto deal. (BBC)

New Zealand: Shortly after Australia’s announcement, the government of New Zealand announced it would not be signing a second stage of the Protocol. Climate Change Minster, Tim Groser said while the country remains committed to emission reductions he believes the country will be better served in the future by joining other countries – including the US and China – in a nonbinding climate pledge under the UN climate convention. (WGME)

Mexico: The country’s incoming government will face challenges over the wide-reaching energy reform bill planned to go through Mexico’s divided Congress in the first half of 2013.

The President-elect Enrique Pena Nieto aims to open up state oil monopoly Pemex to more private investment, boosting production, but many are warning a watered-down version may have to be accepted – likely to deter investment from oil majors. (Reuters)

US/UK: A new study from a joint team of US and UK researcher has found that the words used when talking about climate change could impact the wider public discourse. The study found that while research on climate change did not fall in and out of fashion, the words used to describe the science have. (Red Orbit)

Qatar: Ahead of hosting this year’s UN climate conference, at the end of the month, Qatar has announced a target to quadruple its recycling rates within four years. As part of the National Development Plan, the country says it will increase its waste recycling to 38% by 2016. (Gulf Times)

 

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