THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Innovation
MEDIA RELEASE
AUSTRALIA’S CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE DISCUSSED IN EUROPEAN TALKS
Australia’s move to a clean energy economy was discussed at the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate in Rome today, by federal Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus.
These are the first ministerial level talks to be held since the 2011 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban where countries agreed to negotiate a new legally binding agreement covering all major economies.
“The MEF will help shape the agenda for international climate change negotiations as we head toward a legally binding agreement in 2015,” said Mr Dreyfus.
“Today we heard German, US, and Brazilian investment banks report on their investments in clean energy across the world. Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation will similarly help open up opportunities for clean energy investors to commercialise Australian technology,” Mr Dreyfus said.
Mr Dreyfus highlighted Australia’s carefully planned transition to a low pollution, cleaner energy economy through the carbon price and Clean Energy Future package, to MEF members.
“There is little doubt now is the right time to act. A report to the MEF by the International Energy Agency warns that delaying action on climate change will come at great expense to the global economy – every dollar not spent now will cost $4.30 in another 10 years.”
“The Australian Government is making good progress in its discussions with the EU on the development of international carbon markets and the possibility of linking the EU Emissions Trading System and Australia's Carbon Pricing Mechanism,” said Mr Dreyfus.
“The EU has had an emissions trading scheme since 2005 which now covers 27 countries, plus three non-EU members. With Australia poised to put a price on pollution from July 1 there’s much to learn from their experience.”
Mr Dreyfus also heard from Ministers on actions in other countries to ensure sustainable low pollution economic growth. While in Europe, Mr Dreyfus will also meet with senior representatives from the OECD, International Energy Agency and carbon market think tanks.
WEDNESDAY, 18 APRIL 2012
