1. Introduction

There is significant momentum building both in Australia and internationally on climate change action. Community awareness and scientific understanding is building a strong considered base for action.

Local, state and federal governments are developing initiatives and regulations to respond.

The business community is responding, aware of opportunities and acting to avoid risks.

2. International action

Global energy consumption is expected to double by 2050 if we don’t act.

Given existing emissions are already contributing to serious climate change, failure to act will have dramatic consequences. Climate change is an international problem and in part needs the international community to cooperate and each play their part.

A range of key international economies and corporations have made major commitments to reduce their greenhouse emissions:

• California committed to reducing by 80% by 2050
• Germany committed to reducing by 40% by 2020
• Sweden committed to eliminate oil dependency by 2020
• News Ltd & Virgin Airlines committed to carbon neutral
• General Electric to shift company to focus on energy efficiency products.