Protect high-paying jobs
Like the US, Australia is moving towards emissions trading. Paul Howes, national secretary of the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) was in the US earlier this year. His Union says carbon trading will push high-emissions industries to developing countries. Where few emissions controls let factories emit more greenhouse gases. Aluminum, for example, is made in China with TWICE as high emissions as in Australia. So the environment is worse off! Howes wants US help for global emissions standards. To keep coal, steel, cement and aluminum jobs within the developed countries.
Reduce carbon consumption
Australian Geoff Carmody also thinks that greenhouse gas controls on imports—rather than exports—can stop manufacturers moving to developing countries. Let those that consume carbon-based products pay for controlling emissions. Instead of those that mine or manufacture them.
This sounds like a way to make us change our low-cost, high-carbon lifestyle. And it might make global standards acceptable to developing countries. On the other hand, the world trade talks prove that finding agreement takes YEARS. And smokey, high-emissions industries have their own agenda.
Cover of “The Colliery Engineer”, 1913.
Take years to set up
On October 1st, Shell Oil’s Jeroen van der Veer said the 2009 UN climate change conference should set WORLDWIDE energy efficiency standards. He’s concerned that “all sorts of fragmented standards” slow progress and waste capital. In 2006 Shell’s John Hofmeister said they couldn’t deal with “fifty different policies” and wanted a national approach in the US. Why this push for ONE set of standards? It’s the best way to delay emissions standards! Big Oil used similar tactics when we reduced lead in gasoline.
New York’s Lead Experience
In the 1960s New York and California planned to cut lead in gasoline. But industry appealed to Congress. When they passed the Clean Air Act in 1970—States lost the right to cut lead in gasoline!
Children playing on city streets had blood lead levels DOUBLE what was “lead poisoning”. But for FIFTEEN MORE YEARS our law makers played footsie with Big Oil and the automakers. And all that time thousands of New York children had poisoned blood. In 1985 Washington banned lead in gasoline.
Both John McCain and Barack Obama have low-carbon plans. We, little people, MUST participate and shape a carbon policy that works for us.
Reference
1. Christian Kerr, “Global approach would go well with Shell boss”, 2008.
2. Paul Kelly, “Rudd’s carbon scheme chokes”, 2008.
3. The Australian Workers’ Union , “the national emissions trading scheme”, 2008.
4. David Schoenbrod, “Saving Our City From D.C.”, 2006.
