Tapping into the carbon economy

The impact of the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and the role of regional wind and bioenergy projects will be among the topics discussed at a free seminar in Lismore next Thursday, September 24.

Hosted by Southern Cross University’s Centre for Regional Climate Changes Studies, the talk ‘Australian energy and climate policy: challenges and opportunities for regional Australia’, will be held at Invercauld House, Invercauld Rd, Goonellabah,from 3.30pm to 5pm.

The guest speaker is Dr Iain MacGill, from the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications at the University of NSW and joint director of that University’s Centre for Energy and Environmental Markets.

Associate Professor Graham Jones, director of the Centre for Regional Climate Change Studies, said government policies on climate change would impact on all members of the community.

“The government’s response to our changing climate is going to impact on how we do business and on our daily living. This seminar will provide some insights into the challenges and opportunities for regional Australia,” Professor Jones said.

Dr MacGill, who specialises in sustainable energy technologies, energy policy and carbon markets, said highly wealthy and greenhouse intensive countries such as Australia had to take a leadership role.

“The climate science suggests that near immediate, major and sustained global emissions reductions are required to reduce the risks of dangerous climate change,” Dr MacGill said.

“Australia now has a growing number of energy and climate policies in place or under development. I will be looking at some of the key challenges and opportunities for regional Australia amidst the current policy efforts.”

His talk will also cover the possible role of regional wind and bioenergy projects within the Australian electricity industry and the potential inclusion of land-use activities within national emissions trading.

The free seminar is open to all members of the public. To reserve a place please email graham.jones@scu.edu.au or phone 66203009 or 0421 281257.

Photo: Associate Professor Graham Jones, director of SCU's Centre for Regional Climate Change Studies.