Policy Approach

Environment – Domestic Policy Approach

The government has taken a very strong stance in regards to protecting our environment. They have adopted a three pronged approach. The domestic approach is based under the following headings (the third part will be discussed on the next page):

1. Mitigation

The Australian government is keen to ensure that we reduce the contribution of human beings to future climate change. To achieve this goal they have proposed a number of policies.

The most well known of these policies was the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The ETS was defeated in the Senate, and therefore the government has not been able to implement this policy so far. In theory, the policy was designed as a “cap and trade” system. This means that a “cap” would be put on the total level of emissions that could be created, and then permits would be offered. Those who were able to become more efficient (by reducing their emissions) would be able to sell their permits and make a profit, while those who continued to create pollution would be forced to charge their customers higher prices. In this way low pollution industries would be rewarded, while high pollution industries would be penalised. Over time we would see a shift in the allocation of resources towards more efficient industries. Although still very much a part of Australia’s policy landscape, the delay was officially announced on April 27^th 2010.

The government has also:

1. Invested over $5 billion to develop and commercialise clean energy technology.

2. Established a renewable energy target of 20% by 2020.

3. The $1.6 billion Green Car Initiative Fund, which aims to help producers move towards making more efficient cars.

4. The renewable energy bonus scheme, which offers households extra money to take up environmentally friendly options such as a solar hot water system.

You can read all about the most recent initiatives of the government by clicking here.

2. Adaptation

While we would like to think that global warming can be avoided, the truth is that a large percentage of carbon emissions remain in the atmosphere for up to 100 years. This means that events over the last century are building up, and some change to our climate is unavoidable. This means that we need strategies in place so that we can adapt to the changes that we will see in our climate. Scientists have suggested that we should prepare for longer (and more severe) droughts, and also other more extreme weather events.

The largest program in this regard is the $12.9 billion that the government has allocated for the Water For The Future program. If the overall level of rainfall is lower, then we will need to ensure that we use the water that we do receive in a way that is sustainable in the long term. This means we need to make our water supplies secure, and also make sure that existing rivers and wetlands are well maintained. Other policies that the government has introduced include:

1. The funding of a $126 million Climate Change Adaptation Program.

2. The creation of the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility.

3. $387 million to enhance the research that is completed into marine and climate science.

You can read more about the policies that the Australian government has implemented to help ensure that we adapt to our changing climate by clicking here.

Current Page: Environment - Domestic Policy Approach