MEFL Position on proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and Additional Action

March 31, 2009

Concerns around the impact of individuals acting to reduce their greenhouse pollution in light of the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) have been getting a lot of attention recently.

Specifically, there has been a strong focus in the media on the fact that, under the proposal, once the Government sets an emissions target, individuals undertaking voluntary action such as installing solar power, reducing their energy consumption and buying GreenPower will have no impact on the nation's overall emissions, as it will simply free up permits for other polluters to use - as a result, the same amount of gas will be going into the atmosphere as hence there will be no net reduction in greenhouse pollution. Whilst this may be partially correct, it is only part of the picture.

It is important to note that the proposed CPRS is just that - still only a proposal. At this stage any voluntary emissions abatement activity remains in addition to government requirements or renewable energy targets, so it definitely does make a difference. Additionally, there is a lot of pressure on the government to modify the scheme to take these things into account and allow voluntary action to be measured and recognised by reducing the number of permits available. If these changes to the scheme are adopted, any voluntary abatement activity will remain additional and continue to have an environmental benefit.

Further, if the scheme doesn't pass through parliament, which looks increasingly likely given the level of opposition from the Coalition, Greens and minor parties, then things will remain the same as they are now and individual action will again continue to lead to environmental benefits through reduced greenhouse emissions.

In the unlikely scenario that the scheme does pass through parliament unchanged, further changes may well happen down the track to see this additional action recognised, so again we wouldn't recommend undertaking abatement activity on that ground alone. Finally, even if nothing changes, although it may appear that you are just making it cheaper for polluters by freeing up permits, ultimately this is just making it cheaper for you and me, as whatever carbon costs the large industries pay ultimately flow on to consumers.

Also, activity which reduces demand on electricity or other dirty forms of energy, or moves you towards cleaner forms of energy, will ultimately help insulate you against future inevitable energy price increases, just as insulation and similar measures will make you more comfortable in an increasingly unpredictable and extreme climate resulting from climate change.

In summary, MEFL recommends that individuals continue to undertake actions which reduce their own greenhouse emissions in order to benefit the environment, help adapt to a changing environment and increasing energy prices, and also to send a clear message to the government that there is a willingness and capacity on the community level to address climate change.

For more information on MEFL advocacy, visit the advocacy page.

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