U.S. - Australia Climate Action Partnership: Meeting of Australian and U.S. Officials

Officials from the United States and Australia met July 25-26, 2005, in Canberra, to review progress and discuss future directions under the United States-Australia Climate Action Partnership (CAP).

Bilateral cooperation on climate change between the United States and Australia began in February 2002, with the twin objectives of enhancing understanding of climate change and implementing practical actions to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both countries.

Projects being implemented through the Partnership cover technology development (including renewable energy, carbon sequestration, hydrogen and fuel cells, methane capture and use, and clean coal technologies), energy efficiency research and policy, biological informatics, climate science, adaptation, agriculture, and, emissions measurement and accounting.

The talks focused on progress and achievements to date, and canvassed options for future cooperative action. The U.S. delegation included senior representatives from the Departments of State, Energy, and Agriculture, the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Kansas State University. The U.S. delegation met with a wide range of Australian scientists and officials. Key Australian industry associations also participated in discussions, exploring potential opportunities for industry to participate in the Partnership.

The Partnership opened with a first round of 19 projects under six themes – emissions measurement and accounting, climate change science, stationary energy technology, engagement with business to create economically efficient climate change solutions, agriculture and land management, and collaboration with developing countries to build capacity to deal with climate change.

These recent discussions represent an important step in advancing the Partnership and reinforce the commitment of both Governments to practical action on climate change.

Inquiries please contact: Nancy Szalwinski, (02) 6273-3051