The winter session of the 2008 Parliament opened on Budget night and draws to a close tomorrow.  For climate politics there have been some long dark nights and plenty of chills for those who recognise the urgency of the challenge of climate change.

The Climate Institute today released a discussion paper from economists at CSIRO and the Australian National University on the impact of emissions trading on household energy budgets. This first of its kind analysis finds that for most households wage growth will outstrip increases in energy prices, improving energy affordability over coming years.  Energy efficiency policies and some targeted payments can ensure this happens for all families.

Click here for full briefing paper

Click here for full report

Climate talks in Bonn have ended with Australia and many other countries needing to demonstrate much greater urgency and detail, for example the percentage of emissions trading revenue to be dedicated to global climate investments, to help achieve next years deadline, according to the independent Climate Institute.