The Australian - Barack Obama adds fuel to carbon debate

INTERNATIONAL momentum towards an agreement on climate change was boosted yesterday when US President Barack Obama urged Congress to draft legislation for a cap-and-trade emissions trading system.

Australian observers said the speech had "breathed life" into international talks for a climate change deal, even though White House officials said the US legislation might not pass Congress before negotiations in Copenhagen later this year.

National Business Review - NZ Oil & Gas deserves plaudits

The management of New Zealand Oil & Gas deserve to take a bow for the company's spectacular 30% rise in half year profit, even though much of this is attributable to the cost of oil being $US150 per barrel at the start of the reporting period.

Similar stories from other NZ sources:
New Zealand Oil And Gas Ltd Has 30% Increase In Profit
Profit up a third for New Zealand Oil and Gas
NZOG profit jumps

Stuff.co.nz - Driving into an electric future

I drove the future of motoring yesterday and it made virtually no noise. Meridian Energy and Mitsubishi have been showcasing the Mitsubishi iMiEV electric car in New Zealand's main cities over the last fortnight, and I was lucky enough to take it for a test drive. The overwhelming impression of the iMiEV? It's incredibly quiet so quiet, you barely know the motor is running.

Courier Mail - If you're young, transport's free - Greens

THE Greens have made a $40 million a year bid for the youth vote, promising free public transport for everyone aged under 21.

Indooroopilly MP Ronan Lee announced at the University of Queensland yesterday, that the Greens would insist on its introduction if they held the balance of power in the Queensland Parliament after March 21.

The Australian - Origin downgrades annual earnings guidance

ORIGIN Energy has downgraded its annual earnings guidance due to a recent steep fall in energy prices.

SMH - Arrow Energy enjoys steep jump in profit

Arrow Energy Ltd has achieved a steep rise in interim net profit and expects annual earnings of about $440 million, compared with $37.16 million in fiscal 2008.

The Queensland-focused gas producer and electricity generator posted a $241.19 million net profit for the six months to December 31, up from $14.25 million for the previous corresponding period.

The Australian - Pay attention, number nerds: this is important
Not a Peak Oil story, but as a numbers nerd I appreciated the sources that this KPMG partner cites:

If you are a numbers person, then don't you think non-numbers people are, you know, a little nerdy?

Now, where was I? That's right: riveting statistical bulletins produced by the ABS.

I have their website (www.abs.gov.au) bookmarked on my PC and I just know you do too. Most of this data can be downloaded from the net and it should form part of a dashboard of indicators that you consult throughout the year.

SMH - Emission impossible: the sad truth

Permit me to ask you a personal question (as long as you don't ask it back of me): how are you going reducing your carbon footprint?

The Australian - $27m to plug cow, sheep emissions

METHANE-emitting cows and sheep are the target of a new research project to cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change.

Livestock are the third largest source of carbon emissions in Australia, with a beef cow grazing in northern Australia believed to produce 1500 kilograms of carbon per year.

ABC - Australians prepared to pay for climate change, but not enough

A new survey has found Australians are willing to pay towards tackling climate change, but don't want to pay enough to match reduction targets.

The Australian National University report shows average households are willing to pay $135 a month towards the Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.

But an average of $300 a month is needed to reach the scheme's expected cost of $14.7 billion a year.