Denton chairs APEC Advisory Council with emissions trading focus

18 February 2009

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The challenge of developing a consistent regional approach to an emissions trading scheme is a key focus of the Sustainable Development Working Group of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC).

Chaired by Corrs CEO, John Denton, one of the major tasks for the Group at its meeting in Wellington (NZ) last week was to consider ways to review the development of emissions trading schemes (ETS) across the Asia-Pacific region from a business viewpoint. A key aim is to foster greater regional consistency in the approach to ETS and generate potential frameworks for a successful scheme that would facilitate the required investment and support from business throughout the region.

John Denton was appointed Chairman of the Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG) of ABAC at the APEC meeting in Lima Peru last year. The Group's focus includes climate change, energy security, environmental goods and services trade liberalisation and the APEC Food System.

John is one of Prime Minister Rudd's three personal representatives to ABAC, along with AGL Chairman Mark Johnson and Lindsay Fox, Founder and Director, Linfox. Regular forums, such as those in Lima and Wellington, provide the opportunity for representatives to engage and share ideas with world leaders on major issues impacting on the region.

"ABAC is committed to fighting protectionist moves and is using its influence with APEC leaders to push this issue hard at the G20 meeting in London in April," said John.

Chinese President Hu Jintao with Corrs CEO John Denton