Media Release
October 31 2006
Call for Australian action plan on climate change
UniSA’s sustainable energy and climate change researchers are calling
for a localised plan of action to combat climate change and support for
the development of new technologies that will contribute to the
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Head of UniSA’s Institute for Sustainable Systems and Technologies, Professor Wasim Saman says the Stern Report at last lends a plausible economic framework to the scientific warnings on climate change.
“It is good to see that economists are lending their support to climate change scientists and researchers by contrasting the low economic cost of immediate action to reduce emissions with the huge economic as well as social and environmental consequences of inaction,” Prof Saman said.
“The Stern report is particularly timely as its release coincides with the latest report from the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which clearly demonstrates the escalation of the greenhouse gas emissions of industrialised countries.
“What we need is a similar study focussing on Australia.”
Professor Saman said an integrated assessment in an Australian context would be invaluable as a vital part of any local action plan.
“UniSA is well positioned to work with others in developing the integrated assessment approach employed in the Stern study to evaluate economic, social and environmental impacts of climate change, building on the work already carried out by the CSIRO.
“We are also developing a number of practical technological solutions for reducing emissions through energy efficiency and alternative energy use particularly in the building and transport sectors.
“This is not something we should be dallying about – Australia has a wealth of expertise able to develop a range of technological solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Professor Saman said.
“It is this kind of research that needs the support that will make
rapid commercialisation possible adding to economic development as well
as reducing damaging emissions.”
Contact for interview
-
Professor Wasim Saman office (08) 830 23008 email wasim.saman@unisa.edu.au
Media contact
- Michèle Nardelli office (08) 8302 0966 mobile 0418 823 673 email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au