Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC November 16, 2006 Joint Press Statement From U.S. and Australia Delegations in Nairobi Climate Action Partnership: Announcement of New ProjectsUnited States Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky and Australia 's Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell met in Nairobi on November 15 2006 to review progress and discuss future directions under the United States -- Australia Climate Action Partnership (CAP). Both parties are pleased with the progress of the CAP in achieving practical results on climate change through the more than 27 current and completed projects previously agreed. For instance, a collaborative CAP project to enhance very-high efficiency solar cells has now resulted in a US$7.7 million (A$10 million) contract between U.S. firm Spectrolab and Australian firm Solar Systems to deploy new ultra-high efficiency cells in solar energy installations, including the world's largest solar power generation facility, to be built in Australia. Under Secretary Dobriansky and Minister Campbell also announced that the United States and Australia would commence activity on five new projects under the CAP: to improve understanding of potential climate change impacts in the Pacific and build the capacity of Pacific Island countries to respond to climate change; reduce emissions from agriculture and improve farm productivity; enhance scientific understanding of biodiversity-climate linkages; and facilitate effective and environmentally sound implementation of carbon-storage in both countries. The CAP was established in 2002 and, with today's announcement, includes over 30 collaborative projects and activities. These projects relate to measuring and accounting for emissions, improving scientific understanding, supporting low-emission technology, engaging business, and improving forestry and agriculture practices. The agreement in Nairobi on these new projects, and the ongoing successful implementation of existing activities, reinforce the commitment of both Governments to practical action on climate change. Media inquiries: Australia - Rob Broadfield +61-409-493902 United States - Susan Povenmire +254-726-089320 2006/1046 |