CO2 : L'Australie envisage un système de permis d'émission[en] 

The Australian government has so far been vague over the details of its plan, announced on 5 June, saying only that it would put forward an emissions-reduction target next year and that the scheme "would be more comprehensive, more rigorously grounded in economics and with better governance than similar schemes in Europe".   

Howard said:"Australia should not pay higher energy costs than necessary to achieve emissions reductions," adding, "governments need to let the market sort out the most efficient means of lowering emissions," including nuclear power.

In respect of international commitments to tackle climate change, a government press release stated that the scheme will be "national in scope and as comprehensive as practicable, designed to take account of global developments and to preserve the competitiveness of Australia’s  trade-exposed emissions intensive industries". 

The Commission signalled that it is "keen" to share its own experience on emissions trading with Australia, while reaffirming that such a plan should include strict limits and adherence to international commitments: "Binding, measurable, enforceable commitments are needed as the basis for international action in the context of the UN framework." 

The new proposal represents a potential shift in Australia's traditional stance on tackling climate change - Australia did not ratify the Kyoto protocol, stating that it would not do so unless the US also ratified it. But it is not clear if the new emissions- trading plan signals the country's intention to sign up to and ratify a post-Kyoto agreement, which will be discussed at the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali in December.

The Australian plan comes shortly after the US and China announced, on the eve of the 6-8 June G8 summit, their own plans to tackle climate change (EurActiv 01/06/07 and 05/09/07). Australia has welcomed the US plan, saying that it "better recognises the need to tailor responses to each country's national circumstances".

Because of its relatively small population of a little more than 20 million, Australia accounts for less than 1.5% of global CO2 emissions. On a per-capita basis, however, it is one of the highest greenhouse-gas producers in the world, relying on coal-fired power stations for nearly 90% of its energy needs.