Energy and the environment Howard Government

malcolm turnbull became minister environment in 2007.

the howard government negotiated favourable kyoto protocol targets australia (8% growth on 1990 levels) , australia estimated have matched target in 2007 @ close of howard government s term. nevertheless, elected not sign treaty following withdrawal of united states support process. howard argued without involvement of united states , without binding emission reduction targets other large emitters in developing world, in particular china , india, treaty not viable , harm australia s coal industry without reducing global emissions.

[ratifying kyoto] have damaged comparative advantage country enjoyed result of our abundance of fossil fuels , importance of abundance australia s export , general performance. [...] not intend preside on policy changes in area going rob australia of competitive advantage in industries important us.

on 6 june 2006, howard announced task force conduct uranium mining, processing, , nuclear energy review , terms of reference of include extent nuclear energy make contribution reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions .

howard announced on 10 december 2006 formation of prime ministerial task group on emissions trading. on 3 february 2007, australian government announced not have significant effect on mitigation of global warming, though continue make efforts cut greenhouse gases; necessary australia find means of adaptation. on 4 june 2007, howard reversed decision , announced new carbon trading scheme in place in australia 2012. lengthy timeline welcomed investors, asking 3 years plan scheme s introduction.

in july 2007, howard announced in video message on website, government plan introduce new cap , trade emissions trading system , $627 million increase spending on measures tackle climate change. scheme planned enter operation 2011, policy not implemented following coalition s loss @ 2007 election.

at apec 2007, howard , other leaders signed sydney declaration saw developing countries officially agree, first time, on need set goals cutting greenhouse gas emissions.