17 October
2006 - Australia and China will undertake 11 new
joint projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
assist adaptation to climate change, improve coal
mine safety and enhance climate change expertise
in both countries, Minister for the Environment
and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, said today.
Speaking from Beijing, where
he is leading Australia's largest ever renewable
energy and energy efficiency business mission
to China, Senator Campbell said the projects,
valued at more than $4 million, would be worth
much more to the environment.
"Four of the projects aim
to reduce the methane escaping from coal mines
by capturing it and turning it into electricity.
These projects use new technology and techniques
to reduce greenhouse emissions from mining operations,
while also improving coal mine safety," Senator
Campbell said.
"Other projects will help
our agricultural industries adapt to climate change.
One project will research the performance of important
crops when there are higher levels of CO2 in the
atmosphere, while another will look at the link
between our monsoon systems in rainfall and drying
trends.
"These 11 projects build
on the good work already being done under the
Australia-China Climate Change Partnership in
areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency
and emissions monitoring.
"The partnership is focused
on practical actions that will make a real difference.
These projects will benefit both countries by
improving our knowledge of climate change and
helping us to develop and deploy new technologies
to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
Senator Campbell and the Vice
Chairman of China's National Development and Reform
Commission, Jiang Weixin, also signed a 'Statement
of Intent' today, which provides the framework
for future cooperation.
"Climate change is a global
challenge and requires global solutions - that's
one of the reasons why Australia and China have
been working together on climate change since
2003.
"In signing the Statement
of Intent, we are building on the strong spirit
of cooperation between our two countries on climate
change and are laying the foundation for future
cooperation.
Background on each of the projects
is attached. To check the Minister's latest media
schedule while in China, or to download the latest
photos, transcripts, and voice recordings, visit
www.greenhouse.gov.au/international/china.
Jahda Swanborough
Rob Broadfield
