The Sydney Morning Herald: national, world, business, entertainment, sport and technology news from Australia's leading newspaper.

Global Warming

Australia baulks at tougher greenhouse target

Australia has no plans to follow the US and Britain in adopting a tougher target to slash greenhouse gas emissions.

Carr signs up to join the global carbon market

Former premier Bob Carr has plunged into the global carbon market.

Climate disaster awaits aged, poor

Lower socio-economic groups and the ageing will bear the brunt of climate change in coastal areas.

Marches send message against global warming

Thousands of protesters took part in Walk Against Warming, demanding the Federal Government set strict emission targets.

'Jelly balls' may slow global warming

Vast numbers of "jelly balls" appearing off the Australian east coast could be part of the planet's way to combat global warming.

Rural lab for carbon capture to close

The State Government is to shut a research station that measures soil carbon.

5000th fridge collected in buyback scheme

The 5000th fridge has been collected as part of the NSW Government-backed Fridge Buyback program.

Time to focus on climate change

As world leaders gather in Washington, they would do well to remember that we face two crises, write Ban Ki-moon, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Donald Tusk and Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

Energy revolution vital

Without an energy revolution to create cleaner power, global greenhouse gas emissions will rise to a level that could increase temperatures by six degrees by the end of the century.

Emissions saving Earth from freeze: study

Scheduled shifts in Earth's orbit should plunge the planet into an Ice Age thousands of years from now but the event will probably be averted because of man-made greenhouse gases.

Terminal diagnosis for ocean creatures

Rising acid levels in the Southern Ocean will start destroying sea life within 30 years, climate change researchers warn.

Maldives to buy new homeland as sea levels rise

The Maldives will begin to divert a portion of the country's billion-dollar annual tourist revenue into buying a new homeland - possibly in Australia.

Pastor says eco-friendliness is next to godliness

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will hold private talks with an American evangelical leader and lobbyist who preaches that inaction on climate change is an offence against God.

Power, water, roads at risk: climate report

The country's electricity and water supplies are at high risk from climate change, and immediate action is needed to prepare for the threat, a report presented to the Federal Government has warned.

Climate change pushing lemmings over the edge

Once famous for their numbers, Norwegian lemmings are disappearing, say scientists, who point an accusing finger at global warming.

Climate talks: Obama victory offers hope

One of Barack Obama's first tasks will be to lead the United States back into the heart of the global debate on climate change, ending the country's years of isolation and scepticism.

Full steam ahead on emissions

The Federal Government resolved yesterday to push ahead with its emissions trading scheme in 2010 based on Treasury modelling.

Tough target not indicated by report

Australia's climate scientists will not be comforted by the much-heralded report Australia's Low Pollution Future.

Green-collar army recruits for the solar boom

Modelling done by Treasury on the cost of climate change found there would be an explosion in "green-collar" work.

Households shielded from rising energy costs

Fighting climate change will cost households about $1 a day but many will be protected from rising energy prices.

Emissions cuts: 'little economic impact'

But households will pay up to $7 more more under emissions trading, report says.

Business, green groups give contrasting reactions

Business has reacted cautiously to Treasury modelling on the economic impact of an emissions trading scheme.

Green collar jobs could boost Australian economy

So-called green collar work could create up to 1 million Australian jobs by 2030, a new report says.

Consider financial crisis in ETS modelling: Turnbull

The global financial crisis should have been considered in the Treasury's emissions trading modelling, Opposition Leader says.

Treasury model backs climate plan

The Treasurer, Wayne Swan, will insist today that the global financial crisis makes tackling climate change a priority, while Treasury will warn that nations that delay will pay more in the long run to tackle the problem.

Sea-level rise threat to coast

Sydney's beaches, coastal houses, commercial property and roads will be threatened by rising sea levels by 2050, a study says.

Beaches will wash away

It's a cruel dilemma: Sydney will get hotter but you can't escape to the beach.

Climate crisis trumps financial crisis: Prince Charles

Britain's Prince Charles says the financial crisis should not distract from the larger issue of global warming.

Polluters cry wolf: Treasury

The federal Treasury has disputed claims that many of the nation's biggest polluting industries would be forced to move offshore because of price rises caused by the Government's proposed emissions trading scheme.

TVs and old trees pose threat to climate

Carbon dioxide is not the only gas that worries climate scientists.

It's not too late to save planet: UN climate chief

The head of the UN's peak scientific body on climate change believes it is still possible for the world to reach an agreement that will avoid the risk of catastrophic global warming.

Rich polluters stand to rake in $3 billion

A new report says the Government could hand almost $3 billion to some of the richest companies in Australia in free carbon pollution permits.

EU sticks to greenhouse goals

Leaders of the European Union pledge to stick to a plan for deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.

Britain to cut carbon emissions by 80 per cent

Britain will introduce a legally binding pledge to cut carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, minister says.

Silver lining in financial crisis

The world economic crisis could have a silver lining - it might reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the short-term.

Arctic on thin ice

Autumn temperatures in the Arctic are at record levels, researchers say.

Bob Carr attacks 'filthy' coal

Former NSW premier Bob Carr has launched a savage attack on "filthy" coal-fired power plants, saying the world's reliance on coal must end.

Wong's 'moral' crusade on climate

Australia has a "moral" duty to tackle climate change and won't delay action because of the world economic meltdown, the federal government says.

Threat to veto EU climate change plans

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has threatened to torpedo the European Union's climate change plans, branding them too big a burden for business amid the global financial crisis.

Roo could be off the menu

The kangaroo population could be devastated by climate change, putting a cloud over suggestions roo should replace beef and lamb as the nation's favourite meat.