Submission to Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Inquiry

The Australian Senate invited submissions on a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. In my submission I plan to say the aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to between 5% and 15% below 2000 levels by 2020 is inadequate. The legislation's aim should be changed to 25% to 50% per cent, as advised by IPCC scientists. A reduction of 15% can be delivered just by the use of more effective ICT. Better use of computers and telecommunications can reduced use of energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and at the same time lowering costs. An example the Australian Government is planning to replace interstate travel for some meetings with high-definition video teleconferencing. As well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions from air travel, the use of teleconference will reduce the cost of airfares. This process of "dematerialisation" is one technique I teach to Green ICT students.