Conferences

The Melbourne Climate Policy Forum (MCPF) hosted six briefing seminars. These covered key policy issues facing Australia, set in the context of the global decision making process.

Each briefing assessed current knowledge and its implications for the different policy issues, based in part on the ongoing research activities of MCPF partners.

1.  Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change: The Dynamics of Global Action
   
   This briefing (PDF, 3 MB) explored potential emissions paths for various countries, consistent with avoiding dangerous climate change.
   
   Presenters: Professors Roger Jones and Peter Sheehan (CSESCentre for Strategic Economic Studies).
    
2. Making Adjustment Payments to Electricity Generators Effective
   
   The current Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) legislation before the Australian Parliament provides over $4 billion in assistance to companies involved in coal-fired power generation. This is on the condition that they retain their current production capability.
   
   This briefing (PDF, 90 KB) examined how these funds could be provided to generating companies in a framework which provides greater incentives for pro-active structural change and emissions reductions.
   
   Presenter: Mr Bruce Mountain (CME).
    
3. Australia’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme: Can Carbon Markets Deliver?
   
   This briefing (PDF, 140 KB) asked the questions: "If Australia adopts stringent emissions reduction targets after the Copenhagen conference, could these be achieved by an emissions trading scheme as currently proposed? Do the limitations of emissions trading mean that it will be unable to achieve large scale reductions in emissions? Should the CPRS be supplemented or amended in some way, either now or after Copenhagen?"
   
   Presenters: Professor Peter Sheehan (CSES) and Mr Rob Jolly (CME).
    
4. Australia’s Approach to Renewable Electricity Generation
   
   The Australian Government has set a renewable electricity generation target of 20% for 2020. This briefing (PDF, 295 KB) asked whether this was likely to be achieved. What impact will the expanded renewable energy target (RET) have on renewable electricity generation in the future? How significant are other federal and state government policies on increasing renewable electricity generation?
   
   Presenters: Mr Rob Jolly and Mr Bruce Mountain (CME).
    
5. The Challenge of Adaptation: Victoria as a Case Study
   
   The climate of south east Australia shifted sharply in 1996-1998. This briefing (PDF, 799 KB) reviewed the facts, and raised key questions about the scale and strategy of adaptation activity in Victoria.
   
   It also examined how the science on climate change, impacts and adaptation can be integrated to guide an effective strategic response.
   
   Presenter: Prof. Roger Jones (CSES).
    
6. The New Industrial Revolution: Implications for Australia and Victoria
   
   If the major developed countries commit to reducing emissions by 80% by 2050, this will signal a fundamental reshaping of economic and technology structures around the world. This session asked how this was likely to play out, and how would Australia respond in comparison with countries such as China and the USA.
   
   Presenters: Professor Peter Sheehan, Dr Kim Sweeny and Dr Alex English (CSES)
   
   Innovation and the Low Carbon Economy: The Growth Implications (PDF, 162 KB) - Professor Peter Sheehan.
   Reducing Emissions from Motor Vehicles (PDF, 335 KB) - Dr Kim Sweeny.
   Realising Opportunity from Crisis: China’s Response to the Challenge of Climate Change (PDF, 427 KB) - Dr Alex English.