Australian PM asks industry experts to examine carbon trading scheme

SYDNEY (AFP) – Australian Prime Minister John Howard asked a panel of industry experts to examine how to set up an international carbon emissions trading scheme to help address global warming.

Howard said he had established a panel of public servants and business leaders to examine the issue, including Qantas chairwoman Margaret Jackson, BHP Billiton executive director Chris Lynch and National Australia Bank chief John Steward.

Howard, who has faced international criticism for his refusal to sign the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions, said he wanted the panel to devise a system that would not harm the Australian economy.

“Its sole remit will be to tell us what the shape of a global emissions trading system might take, and it will be looked at against the background of preserving the natural advantages Australia has in areas like fossil fuels and uranium,” Howard told ABC television.

AFP