Cement maker Holcim is investigating the ability of concrete, particularly crushed concrete, to soak up carbon dioxide. In its latest newsletter, the company reports on Scandinavian research, which shows a process called re-carbonation occurs when concrete is crushed down to small sizes for recycling. This ability to bind CO2 and remove it from the atmosphere […]
An Otago University environmental scientist believes the earth could be heading for a mini Ice Age during the next few decades, rather than global warming. Professor Geoff Kearsley notes there is an increasing body of science that says the sun may have a greater role in changing the climate than man-made greenhouse gases. Kearsley points […]
Chris Mole, Associate Editor
• Environment Court reconvenes.
• Climate change sceptics take stand.
• Could be “landmark case.”
Opponents of Meridian Energy’s Project Hayes in Central Otago are this week focusing on climate change science, bringing in experts to challenge the theory of man-made warming. The Environment Court has reconvened to wrap up the Project Hayes hearing over […]
Genesis Energy is to acquire a 50% stake in CRL Energy, a company researching low-emission coal technologies. CRL’s projects include high-efficiency coal gasification, carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen manufacture. The partnership with Genesis, which runs the coal-fired Huntly power station, offers potential opportunities to advance some of this research to commercial application. Genesis has […]
Aust has unveiled plans for an emissions trading scheme, which environmental critics say is too soft, and business lobbies warn will kill investment in key industries. The scheme will include 1000 of Aust’s biggest-emitting companies and will come into effect in July 2010. It is expected to generate up to $A20bn a year for the […]
Chris Mole, Associate Editor
• Emitters to face full costs.
• Schemes cover all industries.
• Free allocations included.
The Govt is trying to highlight similarities between the proposed Aust and NZ emissions trading schemes, while National and business lobbies are focusing on the differences. What is clear, though, is both schemes will essentially result in more paper shuffling […]
The number of consultants’ reports and surveys on emissions trading is reaching farcical proportions. How can any of these reports can be taken seriously, when they are paid for by groups with a vested interest, and appear to reach contradictory conclusions? The latest survey, by DigiPoll and Auckland PR firm Exceltium, was released last Friday. […]
The Ministry for the Environment is about to begin interviewing applicants for the job of Manager to implement the Emissions Trading Scheme, a move that seems presumptuous, given the legislation has not been passed by Parliament. Applications closed last Friday, and the five-month contract is due to run from July 28 to the end of […]
Chris Mole, Associate Editor
• Company seeks growers for salix.
• Bio-fuel refinery planned for 2009.
• Big economic opportunity for NZ.
NZ farmers have an opportunity to be at the forefront of the next generation of bio-fuels, with a Singapore-based company looking for growers of salix (a variety of willow) around Taupo. Pure Power says it will have […]
The draft report of the Garnaut Climate Change Review in Aust recommends up to 30% of revenue raised from emissions trading should be returned to businesses to compensate for increased costs. The report warns emissions trading could start an exodus of businesses from Aust unless the scheme is carefully planned. The report, by Kevin Rudd’s […]
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