...Political Rights Official Complaint of the Government of Algoria Alleging Violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by Australia 31 December 2008 By Keely Boom LLB B Com GDLP PhD Candidate, University of Wollongong Legal Officer, Australian Climate Justice Program CONTENTS Contents I. Summary of Complaint 3 II. Complainant 3 III. Defendant 3 IV. Basis of Complaint 4 V. Jurisdiction 4 VI. Exhaustion of all available domestic remedies 7 VII. Facts submitted by the Government of Algoria 8 VIII. Alleged Violations of the ICCPR by Australia 12 A. The Right of Self-Determination 13 B. The Right to Life 14 C. The Right to Liberty of Movement and Freedom to Choose One’s Residence 15 D. Freedom from Arbitrary or Unlawful Interference with Privacy and Family 16 E. The Right to Culture 17 IX. Causation 17 X. Remedies sought 20 Explanatory Note 22 Summary of Complaint 1. The State of Algoria complains that Australia is failing to fulfil its existing obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights[1] (“ICCPR”) due to its historical and continuing contribution to anthropogenic climate change and its associated impacts upon the human rights and fundamental freedoms recognised in ICCPR as held by the citizens of the State of Algoria. 2. The State of Algoria makes this Complaint in accordance with interstate provisions provided through Article 41 of the ICCPR. 3. The relevant...
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...MKT01760 Tourism Planning Environments Assignment 2 – Proposal for preparation of a tourism plan or policy Due Date: Week 8 Position Statement “Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing tourism today. Australia’s tourism industry, like all sectors, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The industry is also susceptible to climate change impacts, with some of Australia’s most iconic natural attractions and World Heritage Areas particularly sensitive to changes in climate conditions” (Australian Government website, 2010). “Tourism is fundamental to Australia’s economy. The direct GDP contribution of the tourism industry was $38.9 billion in 2006-07. However, many of these tourism-related goods and services contribute to significant GHG emissions. (Tourism Australia, 2008). As stated by Tourism Queensland, 2009, “internationally and domestically our competitors are gearing up so they can promote themselves as climate friendly destinations. Queensland must act if we are to be competitive”. They have also stated ways to make this a reality. Some actions include: Promote environmentally responsible and safe use of your product/service to visitors; monitor the sustainability performances of main competitors; pursue a carbon neutral option for your product or service. Tourism Queensland was established in 1979 (Tourism Queensland, 2009), Tourism Queensland is a statutory body under the...
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...Pressure on government to respond to concern over climate change has increased, how should governments be responding and what will this imply for economic growth? BY: NILUSHA DE SILVA (Msc – Australian National University) Specialized in Environmental Management & Development Introduction It is universally accepted that climate change is unavoidable; it can not be stopped but it is manageable and could be slowdown if carefully and wisely handled. However, the pressure on governments to act on the issue is immensely increasing; evidence is obvious and rather comprehensive. Globally as well as locally governments responded and responding in different ways, presents different arguments and logics, bears different perspectives and struggles to deal with the issue which concerns the effects on the economic growth. Kyoto Protocol is one of the global attempts that spell out the increasing concern of climate change. The urgency to act on climate change issues can not be ignored or denied. Past few decades have evidenced and strengthen its immense impact on every arena of sustainable issues of humanity (Climate trends 2007): ecological, economic, social /culture (‘sustainability’ is meeting the triple bottom line). Action should be taken by the governments to address this issue both on local and global levels. This paper identifies governments should focus on policy reforms in order to address climate change efficiently and effectively. These policy reforms should gear towards...
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...Most of the scientists agree that this climate change is threatening our earth; human beings can be extinct probably in the near future. The cause and effects of this phenomenon has been studied which is greenhouse effect. The whole world is getting involved in this issue and looking for solutions. Greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that increases temperature of the earth’s surface (Australian government). However, according to the investigations, human activities enhanced the greenhouse activities, making it worse. So our climate change is due to the increasing human activities, global industrialization which ejects huge amount of carbon emissions. Human activities enhance greenhouse effect that causes widespread heave rainfalls in the northern Hemisphere during the last 50 years (Minetal, as cited in Allan, 2011).The rising temperature is disrupting every aspect in our life and the whole ecosystem. This climate change affects atmospheric and ocean circulations and brings many hazards to the earth, such as widespread drought, flood and tsunami. As we considered climate change, we need consider the common good for all the humans on the earth. The common good refers to the total living conditions which can enable individuals to get the achievement which enables people to achieve humanity (google), whereas climate change is a serious issue that is eliminating human living resouces in many aspects. As we mentioned above, climate change can cause many negative effects, such...
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...Most of the scientists agree that this climate change is threatening our earth; human beings can be extinct probably in the near future. The cause and effects of this phenomenon has been studied which is greenhouse effect. The whole world is getting involved in this issue and looking for solutions. Greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that increases temperature of the earth’s surface (Australian government). However, according to the investigations, human activities enhanced the greenhouse activities, making it worse. So our climate change is due to the increasing human activities, global industrialization which ejects huge amount of carbon emissions. Human activities enhance greenhouse effect that causes widespread heave rainfalls in the northern Hemisphere during the last 50 years (Minetal, as cited in Allan, 2011).The rising temperature is disrupting every aspect in our life and the whole ecosystem. This climate change affects atmospheric and ocean circulations and brings many hazards to the earth, such as widespread drought, flood and tsunami. As we considered climate change, we need consider the common good for all the humans on the earth. The common good refers to the total living conditions which can enable individuals to get the achievement which enables people to achieve humanity (google), whereas climate change is a serious issue that is eliminating human living resouces in many aspects. As we mentioned above, climate change can cause many negative effects, such...
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...one of the most controversial environmental issue climate change along with some of the facts including how people first discover that climate change does existed; as well as legitimation in climate change globally; public debate; and the way in which government response to this issue. Furthermore this paper will discuss the role of science to identify the existence of climate change. Identification and legitimation of the issue Climate change is one of the biggest environmental challenges that the world encounters. It has obvious impact on our planet causing higher temperature, shifting seasons, sea levels rising. These phenomenon are closely tide up with world’s economic as it affect businesses around the world. The British government report warned if no action is taken to control carbon emissions climate change would cost 5 to 20 percent of the annual global gross domestic product. (Climate change impacts, 2011). The United Nation’s intergovernmental Panel on Climate change published a report in 2007 regarding the discovery of Global Warming since the 20th Century. (IPCC, 2011). The possible reason for this phenomenon may be caused by human activity. The appropriate definition is explained by the IPCC, which states that climate change is “a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods...
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...Abstract: This dissertation examines the Australian ‘Emissions Trading Scheme’ (ETS) and why it is such a fiercely debated topic in politics, industry, community groups and the general public alike. It explores the ways in which the topic of global warming and climate change has significantly altered Australia in numerous aspects and particularly investigates the Rudd Governments’ decision to introduce an emissions trading scheme. The emissions trading scheme came on the back of The Garnaut Climate Change Review which presented its draft report on 4 July 2008 (with the final report submitted in September 2008). Upon receiving the draft report, Climate Change Minister, Penny Wong, issued the Government discussion paper on emissions trading, titled Carbon Pollution Reduction Green Paper. Since this paper was released, and the recommendations stated, turbulent times for all involved has ensued. With the ETS to be made effective sometime in 2010, the government has had to fight tooth and nail in the Senate to get it (the ETS) passed in time for the scheduled deployment. In this piece, both sides of the case will be looked at and a decision on whether the proposed ETS is an effective measure to combat global warming and climate change will be presented. Is an emission trading scheme the right path to alleviate global warming for Australia? Global warming and climate change. Two terms that are constantly thrown around in the Australian media but what do they actually mean? Simply...
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...MPF53 FINANCE “Review the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) in Australia and critique its impact on financial management decisions” BY Xiao Nie Yang Song Date: 20th April 2010 Introduction In today’s society, all countries in the world will experience climate change in coming decades because of increasing carbon pollution (climate change 2007). In order to reduce the carbon pollution, ETS and CPRS will be proposed in the world wide and Australia. This essay is to focus on revising the proposed carbon pollution reduction scheme and point out its impact on financial management decision. In the first place, there is a brief summary about the CPRS scheme in detail. In the second place, there is an analysis about major and minor financial management decisions. In the final place, the impacts of CPRS on its financial management decision will be raised. All in all, the conclusion is a summary of the aim of the essay and how to achieve this aim. The CPRS scheme The emissions trading scheme (ETS) in Australia is called Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). Australia is very vulnerable to the effects of climate change. They recognize that human activity is causing the climate change and also Australia is one of the biggest polluters on a per capita basis. The CPRS will help reduce Australia’s carbon pollution by putting a price on carbon for the first time in Australia’s history. The carbon price means that goods that...
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...their support, the fewer votes are needed to win. Ultimately there will always be a mismatch between votes cast and seats won unless every voter supports one candidate, since there is only one seat to win. Each candidate must consent to nomination and must be supported by at least ten registered electors who live in the constituency. There are few prohibitions on candidacy but a potential Roles and responsibilities for climate change in Australia Paper released at the second meeting of the Select Council on Climate Change. Introduction Governments at all levels, businesses, households and the community each have important, complementary and differentiated roles in adapting to the impacts of climate change. As with current risk management in Australia, local initiative and private responsibility will be at the forefront of climate change adaptation in Australia, with the most significant benefits flowing directly to those who plan well to adapt to anticipated changes. This document sets out the principles for the management of climate-change risks,...
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...cut pollution on 24th February 2011 in order to tackle climate change and deliver the economic reform[1]. Australia needs to move to a clean energy in the future. As per the announcement, the carbon price commences on 1 July 2012, subject to the ability to negotiate agreement with a majority in both houses of Parliament and pass legislation in 2011[2]. The corporations with the highest levels of pollution will have a very strong motivation to reduce their pollution. As a result, it will incur additional expenses a lot for the corporations. However, it seems that currently, carbon tax is the only assessable way to control the pollution and to protect our environment. An initial fixed carbon price will provide businesses with a stable and predictable platform to transition to a ‘cap and trade’ emissions trading scheme that will be linked to international carbon markets[3]. This will give businesses time to understand their carbon liability and begin the transformation in a prospectus way. The following sections of this report will review some significant strategies and effects of carbon tax on Stockland. In addition, the study also examines about the impact of ETS on the company’s income statement and financial statement position (also known as B/S). The final part of the report will focus on the necessity of the carbon tax in respect of the government. 1.1Company overview Stockland is one of the largest Australian property development groups, which was founded in 1952...
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...emission trading there is a limit set on the emissions that can released into the atmosphere while carbon tax just focuses on adding burden to the industries by making them pay more for emissions. Carbon tax was enforced in Australia by the previous federal government on 1st July 2012. On a rough estimate it is applicable to around 500 Australia’s largest emitters which emit more than 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide or supply or use natural gas (SBS, 2013). Implementation of this carbon tax came to the consideration of federal government due to the report suggested by Climate Change Authority which aims at targeting in reducing carbon emissions by 15 percent by year 2020. Based on the suggestion federal government made a decision to impose carbon tax as an effective measure to discourage industries in emitting carbon dioxide which has a direct impact on climate change. Figure 1: Climate change actions in major emitting economies Australia’s major trading partners China, United States of America, Japan, The republic of Korea, Singapore, New Zealand, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Holland, Switzerland and Canada have already implemented or making efforts to implement the carbon taxing methods to curb the pollution level in city, state and national level. Australia is rated...
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...According to the CSIRO and Garnaut Climate Change result, climate alteration is expected to have numerous effect on many species, regions, activities and much base and areas of the saving and public wellness in Commonwealth of Australia. The Stern Report and Garnaut Review on balance expect these to outweigh the cost of mitigation. Sustained climate change could have drastic effects on the ecosystem of Australia. For example, rising sea temperatures and continual eroding of the coasts from higher water levels will cause further bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef. Beyond that, Australia’s climate will become even harsher, with more powerful tropical cyclones and longer droughts. The impacts of climate change will vary significantly across Australia. Not only that but the Australian Government released a detailed report on the impacts of climate change on coastal field of Australia, finding that up to 247,600 houses are at risk from flooding from a sea-level advance of 1.1 meters. There were 39,000 building located within 110 meters of 'soft' erodible shoreline, at risk from accelerated erosion due to sea -level...
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...References Australian Government of Climate Commission (2013). The impacts of climate change and common good. Retrieved from http://www.climatecommission.gov.au Acquinas, T. (2013). Building a new culture: central themes in recent church teaching on the environment. Canada: St. Joseph communications Boom, K. (2011). See you in the court: the rising tide of international climate litigation. Retrieved from http://www.theconversation.com/see-yo-in-the -court/ Collins, P. (2012). Climate view from the nation doomed to drown. Eureka street, 22(24). Retrieved from http://eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx Department of Environment (2013). Climate change: greenhouse effect. Retrieved from http://www. Climatechange.gov/greenhouse-effect Hervey, A. F., & Held, D> (2009). Democracy, climate change and global governance. Retrieved from http://www.policy-network.net/publications_download.aspx Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (2013). Fifth assessment report. Retrieved from Http://www.climate-change/climate-science/intergovernmental-panel-climate-change Lambeck, K. (2010). The science of climate change: questions and answers. Australian Academy of Science. Retrieved from http://www.science.org.au/reports/climatechange2010.pdf Mulherin, C. (2013). Climate science and Christian faith share much in common: part two. Retrieved from htpp://www.melbourne.anglican.com.au/NewsAnd Views/pages/climate-change U.S. Department of Commerce (2013). Trends in Atmospheric...
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...Australia (New Zealand) Developmental changes Australia has changed over the years with family structure, climate, economic, land mass, and social changes. Australia has changed because they are no longer having a growth of traditional family structures. The parents are no longer stay married to their children’s biological parent like they did in the old days. Many of the families have an exceptional amount of parents because either both of the parents have remarried or have been divorced. In Australia in the past days they didn’t normally divorce or remarry after they became widowed or divorced. In many of the families 30% are single parent homes because they never marry. In addition, the economic and social changes are due to the changes within their families. Young people are delaying marriage and relationships due the prolonging of their education. They feel as though being educated and financially stable is more important than their social lives. Women who have children are now working harder and using child care instead of raising their children full-time. Being that women and young adults are increasing their education all socioeconomic levels and economic independence has shifted attitudes about intimate and appropriate family roles and responsibility. Additionally, climate change is has drastically changed because the warming of the climate has become unequivocal. There are thoughts that humans are very likely the...
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...Climate Change Impacts & Risk Management A Guide for Business and Government Published by the Australian Greenhouse Office, in the Department of the Environment and Heritage. ISBN: 1 921120 56 8 © Commonwealth of Australia 2006 This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth, available from the Department of the Environment and Heritage. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to: The Communications Director Australian Greenhouse Office Department of the Environment and Heritage GPO Box 787 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Email: communications@greenhouse.gov.au This publication is available electronically at www.greenhouse.gov.au IMPORTANT NOTICE - PLEASE READ While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are factually correct, the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or reliance on, the contents of this publication. Climate Change Impacts & Risk Management A Guide for Business and Government Prepared for the Australian Greenhouse Office, Department of Environment and Heritage by: Broadleaf Capital International Marsden Jacob Associates CONTENTS A What This Guide Is About 1 Introduction 1.1 Purpose...
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