SMH - The Lleyton Hewitt lesson in solving Australia's population issues

It is no accident that the limits to this model created the housing and car industries crises. Many large American cities have finally adopted a public transport strategy and are painfully, expensively building metro systems. In Australia we continue in our state of denial. Just last week it was reported that NSW was considering another $23 billion freeway expansion scheme yet cancelled metros. It is an inescapable physical law that more roads create more traffic, more congestion and more pollution. And higher oil import bills, which reached $26 billion in 2007-08 at the time of peak oil prices. Add to that congestion costs — possibly $30 billion by the end of this decade. Then there is traffic accidents, where the largest cost is long-term disability.

Proactive Investors - Global supply of rare earth elements could be wiped out by 2012

And yet virtually no one has heard of this problem! People are familiar with peak oil, global warming, ocean acidification, the national debt and the depletion of fossil water, but very few are aware of the looming crisis in rare metals... upon which much of western civilization rests.

Online Opinion - The electric car revolution will soon take to the streets

Other factors behind the push to manufacture electric vehicles are a federal mandate to improve fuel efficiency to an average of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, concerns about global warming and peak oil, and sheer technological progress building better batteries.

Scoop.co.nz - Copenhagen accord recycles old climate commitments

With the passing of the Copenhagen Accord’s 31 January deadline for its supporters to submit their pledges to curb greenhouse gas emissions, the absence of strengthened commitments has failed to meet the Accord’s stated objective of taking action to …Copenhagen Accord Recycles Old Climate Commitments, Leaving The World Heading For Catastrophic Climate Change.

Top News NZ - 27% Plunge in 2009 Revenue for Woodside

According to Peter Kropetz, an industry analyst with State One Stockbroking, the decline in oil production was an expected consequence of the maturing of oil business. "You could see a decline in traditional oil production as a negative but if you have the view that LNG is the energy supply of the next 10-20 years, it's brilliant".

Northcote Leader - Darebin group shifts houses by bicycle

MOVING house by bicycle might take a little longer than using a man with a van but it’s a lot more fun, says Preston resident Jos Tait.

Ms Tait is a member of the Transition Darebin group, formed late last year as part of the global Transition Towns movement, which prepares the community for peak oil and climate change through practical, low energy alternatives.

ABC - Abbott to reveal climate policy cost

Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says the Coalition will include costings when it announces details of its climate change policy tomorrow.

ABC - Feedback sought on wave plant impact

A $5 million wave-energy plant off South Australia's Eyre Peninsula is a step closer, with public comment being invited on its environmental impact.

The Australian - Global body can't improve climate

EVERYONE is blaming everyone else for the failure of the Copenhagen climate conference but British Prime Minister Gordon Brown blames something else: "The lack of a global body with the sole responsibility for environmental stewardship."

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No global bureaucracy will overcome the basic problem haunting UNEP, Copenhagen and international co-operation today: political hostility to top-down, one-size-fits-all solutions. As US delegate to Copenhagen Jonathan Pershing said: "The UN didn't manage the conference that well," adding diplomatically, "I am not sure that any of us are particularly confident that the UN managing the near-term financing is the right way to go."

Stuff.co.nz - Wind farm opponents may challenge court's consent

Rangitikei Guardians opposed the project because of the visual effect the 135-metre-high turbines would have on a natural landscape.

"It's going to be built in close proximity to a world heritage area - Tongariro National Park - and will degrade views of Mt Ruapehu for landowners, and tourists travelling on State Highway 1.

Hastings Leader - Frankston in the running for $100 million energy test

Electric cars, solar-powered neighbourhoods and home appliances controlled via mobile phone could soon be a reality in Frankston.

If Victoria wins its bid to host an Australian-first trial of advanced power technologies, more than 10,000 Frankston residents will take part in trials reshaping the way power is used and delivered in the community.

Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor said the Brumby Government had thrown its support behind Victoria’s bid to take part in Smart Grid, Smart City, the Federal Government’s National Energy Efficiency Initiative.

Sunshine Coast Daily - MPs queue for greenhouse sceptic

THE visit to Noosa by climate change sceptic Lord Monckton on Saturday was so popular that not even local MPs could get a seat.

He got a similar reception in Brisbane:
Courier Mail - Climate sceptic warmly received during debate

LORD Christopher Monckton, imperious and articulate, won yesterday's climate change debate in straight sets.

Forget facts and fictions, numbers and statistics, this British high priest of climate change sceptics is a polished performer, even against the most committed of scientists.

Aided by Adelaide's Professor Ian Plimer, Lord Monckton cruised to victory before a partisan crowd of suits and ties, movers and shakers.