”Queensland can be at the forefront of the green economic revolution” said Tony Blair in a video message to the state’s climate summit, as Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and The Climate Group CEO Steve Howard hosted more than 100 business, scientist, government and think tank leaders for a focused discussion on how the state can lead in the low carbon economy. 

Ken Hickson and ABC Carbon attended and participated in the Queensland Climate Summit, along with 100 representatives of business, Government agencies, Universities and think tanks.

AAP reports (4 November 2009):

FORMER British prime minister Tony Blair says economic growth can co-exist with climate change strategies.

A video message from Mr Blair was played at a climate change summit in Brisbane, at which about 100 delegates discussed issues in the lead-up to the December Copenhagen climate talks.

“Queensland can be at the forefront of the green economic revolution, so I believe climate change is and will remain a defining issue for our generation,” Mr Blair said in the message.

“But I also believe that we can ensure that progress towards a new low-carbon future means economic growth and prosperity as well as a safer climate.”

Mr Blair is heading an initiative called Breaking the Climate Deadlock, in league with international non-profit body The Climate Group.

Premier Anna Bligh told the summit it was vital that her state tackled climate change, as Queensland was responsible for 30 per cent of national carbon emissions, despite having only 20 per cent of Australia’s population.

“Queensland is the Australian state that is most vulnerable to climate change – which also means we have the most to gain from international action,” Ms Bligh said.

“For a state that has so much to lose, we’re also one of the big climate sinners.”

Ms Bligh said Queensland was one of the world’s highest per capita polluters.

The Climate Group chief executive Steve Howard said there was growth potential in Queensland for renewable energy.

“If we can solve the problem in Queensland, then I believe we can solve it anywhere,” Mr Howard said.

Mr Howard said the will and technology was available, but mobilising people to reduce emissions was slow.

“(To) make sure there is good control over energy use … you have to reach out to every home and that can’t be done overnight,” Mr Howard said.

“You need to engage every single business. This requires real investment, long-term Government programs to deliver on this, and the business community to step up to the plate.”

Queensland Environment Minister Kate Jones used the summit to announce a new scheme to encourage motorists to offset their carbon emissions.

Under the Reverse the Effect program, motorists will receive a flyer with their car registration renewal notice giving them the option to also pay a fee to offset their carbon emissions.

They can also register online at www.reversetheeffect.com.au.

Ms Jones said the State Government has allocated $4.5 million over the next five years to match motorists’ contributions dollar for dollar.

She said every vehicle was weighted differently in the amount of carbon they emitted each year.

Offsets included $8 a year for a moped, $59 for an average sedan and $120 for a light commercial vehicle.

Motorists’ contributions will be tax-deductible.

Ms Jones was the first to register her hybrid Government car this morning.

“Our ultimate goal is to help offset about 290,000 tonnes of CO2 by the time the program is complete,” she said.

The program’s funds will go towards reforestation projects.

Source: www.news.com.au

Here’s how The Cimate Group reported the Queensland summit:

BRISBANE – Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and The Climate Group CEO Steve Howard hosted more than 100 business, scientist, government and think tank leaders for a focused discussion on how the state can lead in the low carbon economy. 

The Queensland Climate Summit focused on how the policies that will ensure continued economic competitiveness and growth as it strives to make long-term cuts in its greenhouse emission.  Topics covered inlcuded: how the state can make investment in the low carbon economy more attractive; planning for new low carbon cities and infrastructure; maximising green jobs growth; and exploring opportunities for mitigation and adaption in rural Queensland. 

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, in a video message, urged attendees to look at the economic opportunities in tackling climate change. 

Mr Blair said, “By focusing on practical solutions, Queensland can be at the forefront of the green economic revolution.

“We can ensure that progress towards a new low carbon future means economic growth and prosperity as well as a safer climate.”

The Climate Group’s CEO Steve Howard pointed to the state’s natural advantages in the low carbon economy: “Queensland has huge potential in areas such as renewable and solar energy and as these sectors develop, they will stimulate the creation of new jobs and economic growth.”

Speakers also emphasied the crucial importance of business and government working together to develop low carbon opportunities. Tim Flannery, former Australian of the Year and Australian Deputy Chair of The Climate Group, spoke of the ‘critical importance’ of public-private dialogue and partnerships on climate change. 

Premier Anna Bligh, who opened the conference, said that Queensland would continue to lead on the low carbon economy and called for private-public sector partnerships and collaborations. 

Premier Bligh said “If we are to get the best result for this state, government cannot just act on its own.  We need the help and support of businesses.“

At the end of the Summit, Rupert Posner, Australia Director of The Climate Group said the Summit offered a strong foundation for future such collaborations.

“The enthusiasm and support from so many government ministers and business leaders means that there are some exciting opportunities for Queensland.  And we look forward to working with them to help make them a reality.”

The Business Guide to the Low Carbon Economy: Queensland

Earlier in the day, the Queensland Government and The Climate Group launched the The Business Guide to the Low Carbon Economy: Queensland.

Commissioned by the Queensland Government, and prepared by The Climate Group in partnership with Arup, the new guide provides practical steps for businesses to get on top of measuring and curbing their emissions. It also provides an overview of Queensland’s climate change policies and programs, with a view to helping companies develop strategies that suit their individual situations.

In doing so, it will help businesses reduce costs and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Source: www.theclimategroup.org