In recent years, universities have been at the centre of a vigorous debate about the role of higher education in society. In particular, concerns have been raised about the effects of commercialisation of Australian universities on academic freedom and the quality of teaching. This paper explores the increasingly close relationships between Australian universities and the

The Climate Institute has commissioned both qualitative and quantitative market research on the attitudes of the Australian community to climate change and climate change solutions over the past year. This paper summarises research by the Australian Research Group (ARG) and draws on broader market research on public opinion on climate change. This report is the

This paper considers whether the unconstrained growth of the aviation industry in Australia is compatible with reducing the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions to levels that are required to avoid dangerous climate change. To do this, the paper projects aviation emissions over the period 2005 to 2050, compares the projections to likely emission reduction targets in

In recent times, concerns have been raised about the growing number of wind farms and their impacts on communities and the environment. Many of these concerns have been fuelled by well-organised anti-wind groups attempting to persuade many people, including several prominent politicians, that wind energy does not have a legitimate role to play in addressing

This paper outlines a radical new proposal to pay rebates to export industries adversely affected by greenhouse gas emission taxes thereby preserving the international competitiveness of energy-intensive exporters whilst maintaining the carbon price signal with the domestic economy. Implementation of the proposal would thus effectively remove the main argument used against the ratification of the

Compares commuting times by city, occupation and socio-economic group and considers the effects of long commuting times on family relationships and social life.

Proposes a new global plan for international action on climate change which would enable all countries to work together to achieve deep cuts in global greenhouse gas emissions over the next decades.

The tsunamis in the Indian Ocean reflect the issues States are going to face as sea levels rise. 80% of the Maldives are less than one meter above sea level, and if the sea rises 1.5 meters in Bangladesh 17 million people will be affected. The tsunamis that hit these places offer an opportunity’ for

A speeding fine of $125 represent one third of the weekly pay for those who make $20,000 per annum, while it only makes up 6% for someone making $100,000 per annum. This applies to the cost of a parking ticket or any other flat fine. The recommendation of this piece is to make the fine

Examines how much emissions abatement geosequestration may be able to deliver, how soon it may be able to do so, what the cost of such abatement may be and how it compares with other energy policy options to reduce emissions. Geosequestration: Supporting on-line material

Reports calculations showing per capita greenhouse gas emission on a comprehensive basis for all industrialised countries which show that Australians have the highest emissions per person of all industrial countries.

Analyses the current levels of spending on greenhouse programs by the Australian Government with a view to relating this spending to the task of meeting the Kyoto Protocol target; comparing the levels of spending in Australia with that of other developed countries; discussing the role of spending on renewable energy technology and drawing conclusions on