Aussies Tackle Global Warming

Amidst rising energy demand and a growing concern about environmental degradation, Australia is emerging as the new leader in the effort to combat global warming in the Asia-Pacific. At a meeting in Sydney last week, Australia along with India, China, South Korea, Japan and the US mapped out practical solutions to eliminate deficiencies of the Kyoto Protocol. The participants – who together consume more than half the world’s energy - agreed to devise a regional mechanism for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving a better use of renewable energy. Australia, the world’s top exporter of coal and home to 40 percent of the world’s known uranium deposits, depends heavily on resource exports and has a strong incentive to cooperate with its trading partners. Like the US, Australia did not sign the Kyoto treaty. Although some business representatives are skeptical, Australia expresses optimism about the opportunity to provide energy resources for the world, control some of the end uses, while leading an effort to develop innovative technology and clean up the environment. –YaleGlobal