Bolivia is one of Latin America poorest countries and is looking for a way of improving its economy. Instead of dirty mining or cutting wood, a report written by Andrea Urioste states that Bolivia could sell oxygen. While this may sound like they'd need buyers who are also interested in oceanfront property in Kansas, what we're talking about here is selling the "protection and conservation" of its natural forests.

According to Ms. Urioste, Bolivia could be paid money to preserve forest environments. She proposes a scheme in which rich countries would pay money in exchange for the right to emit more carbon. It's like TerraPass for nations.

In a recent report by the World Bank, keeping 1 ha (2.47 acres) as forest rather than razing it could be worth something between $1,500 and $10,000. If you think it isn't such an important figure, bear in mind that the same report said that 1 ha of soy allows income of about $1,500, while 1 ha dedicated to cattle pays $500 pack and 1 ha of coca, from $250 to $400. I guess trees are the answer.

[Source: PNUMA via Agroinformación]

Australian Federal Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane has stated that converting existing energy supplies to clean and renewable sources will inevitably cost households up to 40 percent more on their power bill. He is concerned that few consumers are aware of the spikes in their power bills that will occur over the next ten years due to the cost of green technologies and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. A large part of this electricity cost increase will be due to coal-fired powered stations output jumping from AUD$35 / US$27 a megawatt-hour to more than AUD$60 / US$46 as gas emissions are cut.

Prime Minister John Howard, like President George W. Bush, has refused to ratify the Kyoto agreement for cutting greenhouse emissions, claiming that it would place too great a cost on the Australian economy. Despite this, Prime Minister Howard has stated that Australia is one of the few OECD countries currently on track to either meet, or go very close to meeting, its Kyoto target. He has also pledged to sign up to any international carbon-trading scheme and will consider any post-Kyoto pact. Global warming and the environment are expected to be important issues for voters in the 2007 Australian federal elections.

Related:

• Recent indications of global warming are alarming scientists
• REEEP reduces uncertainty in voluntary carbon offset market

[Source: Clinton Porteous / Courier Mail]