In the November issue of Sustainable Energy Matters … the eyes and ears of the world will be watching and listening as Government representatives from 170 countries gather in Copenhagen next month (7 -18 December) to shape a new and workable agreement to address the two-fold challenges of global warming and climate change.

The Government of Denmark are hosts of the pivotal conference that has attracted global attention and a total 8000 delegates including NGO's, journalists and representatives from many organisations and agencies.

The organisers have set up a windmill near the conference centre at the Copenhagen Airport to generate climate friendly electricity to satisfy the energy needs of delegates using a myriad of internet, communication and other technology equipment.

As the Danish Minister for Climate and Energy Connie Hedegaard says “if the whole world comes to Copenhagen and leaves without making the needed political agreement, then it’s a failure that is not just about climate. It is the whole global democratic system not being able to deliver results and it’s not an option.”

Locally, Western Power signs a $13.9 million agreement with the Federal Government to lead the Perth Solar City program in six local councils to trial the use of solar technologies and use energy wisely.

In Israel, a technology company has developed solar panels that are highly effective in absorbing dispersed light and as a result the panels no longer need to face the direct sunlight.

A major Australian utility to install a breakthrough small-scale gas-to-electricity generator in a sustainability home which is capable of producing twice its domestic electricity needs and sending surplus electricity back into the grid.

The foremost Royal Society believes our planet’s future could rest on harnessing potentially dangerous and unproven geo-engineering technologies, unless greatly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

The Australian Stock Exchange lists new renewable energy futures and options contracts based on Renewable Energy Certificates earned by installing solar panels, wind turbines and micro-hydro plants to support the Federal Government''s Renewable Energy Target scheme.

As the year gathers pace, our thoughts start to turn to the coming festive season and all the joy it brings – so best wishes for another sustainable read.

Executive Director
Michael Kerr

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