Seminar to look at carbon trading in Australia

USQ research fellow Tek Maraseni will look at the effects of carbon trading when he presents a seminar at the University tomorrow (Wednesday October 8 2007).

Mr Maraseni, who is based at the Australian Centre for Sustainable Catchments (ACSC) at USQ, said his talk will cover carbon trading in theory and practice and focus on Australia's current position in relation to the issue.

'Carbon trading is really a buzz word for emission trading, of which the major area is carbon dioxide,' Mr Maraseni said.

'My presentation will look at the theory behind it and also the Australian national emission trading system.

'This is something that is to be implemented by 2012 and I will explore whether it will work and what sector it will cover.'

Mr Maraseni's presentation will also look at the reasons behind Australia's refusal to rectify the Kyoto Protocol, which was established in 1997 to ensure that countries would adhere to binding constraints on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

'Why Australia didn't ratify the Kyoto Protocol will be covered and also what it will cost Australia because of this.

'Also the issues of Joint Implementation, Clean Development Mechanism and the climate change policy of Australia will be discussed.'

With climate change a hot topic, the presentation will provide an insight into a range of issues that have ignited debate across the globe.

'Climate change caused by anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is a major environmental issue around the world.

'Since the Kyoto Protocol the carbon market has been steadily increasing – an estimated US$30 billion in 2006, at three times greater than the previous year, which was itself 12 times greater than 2004.'

The presentation will begin at 12pm and will be held in L206 at USQ, with media welcome to attend.

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1628