The devastating effects of climate change are already a reality for many communities across the globe. Climate change has been called the greatest long-term threat that humanity faces. Left unabated, it will impact on everyone, and most significantly on the worlds poor who are least responsible for the problem.
There is growing international support for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The question is whether the introduction of carbon trading schemes is part of the solution. Australia is developing an emissions trading scheme. Schemes are already operating in 27 European countries. Twenty-eight states and provinces in the US and Canada are introducing emissions trading, as is New Zealand. Japan is considering introducing a scheme. (less info)