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SINGAPORE: The year 2009 had been dubbed "The Year of Climate Change" by the United Nations. But moving into 2010, governments seem to be trying to keep up momentum.
Many were disappointed by the outcome of the Copenhagen talks in December 2009.
A total of US$30 billion was pledged to help poor countries combat climate change between 2010 and 2012. And a deal was reached to limit climate increase to two degrees Celsius, but no binding targets were set.
However, individual countries are pushing ahead with their own efforts.
A new carbon tax legislation in France will take effect from July. It is expected to impose penalties on 1,000 of the heaviest polluters in the country. And the money collected will go to families that reduce consumption of energy.
In the UK, the government is planning to cut carbon emissions and save consumers' fuel bills by upgrading heating systems in households.
The scheme plans to replace inefficient boilers, which could cut household energy bills by as much as 235 British pounds per year - the equivalent of cutting 140,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide.
The scheme is also expected to secure 250,000 jobs and boost small and medium businesses in the boiler industry.
Syria has plans to build self-sufficient green housing. A developer has been granted permission to build entirely self-sufficient buildings in terms of food, water and energy needs.
The project will be directed at low-income families, and targeted to ensure that monthly expenditure does not exceed a third of the family's income. This includes cancelling out all electricity and fuel bills from appliances such as air conditioners.
- CNA/sc
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