Earth Systems - Environmental Research and Consulting

CONSULTING SERVICES

CLIMATE CHANGE AND EMISSIONS TRADING

Earth Systems has in-house expertise on climate change, carbon accounting and emissions trading. Coupled with extensive project experience in the environmental sectors, and an international presence in Asia and the Pacific, Earth System is well placed to help companies address the issues associated with climate change.

In the Climate Change Sector, Earth Systems offers services in the following areas [link these to the sections below, see first 2 examples]:
• Climate Risk Assessment and Management
• Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Program
• Emissions Reductions Program
• Climate Change Information Services
• Relevant Experience and Expertise

For further information on Climate Change and Emissions Trading, see the Links below or contact Earth Systems.

Climate Risk Assessment and Management

By its very nature, climate change is a complex issue, and the potential impacts of climate change can manifest themselves in a number of different ways, so it can be difficult to know where to begin when considering management strategies. Risk management offers a decision-making framework – it does not provide answers, however, by using a systematic process, it ensures that decision-makers are equipped with all the information required to make an informed decision. By using a risk-based approach, Earth Systems can identify priority areas for adaptation activities.

Earth Systems has expertise in the development of risk assessment frameworks to facilitate the identification and prioritisation of climate risk management strategies.

Our services include:
• Using a risk-based approach to identify climate change vulnerabilities and develop a prioritised list of corresponding adaptation responses.
• Development of risk assessment tools that can be regularly updated to ensure continuous review of climate-related vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies.

Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Program

Earth Systems has extensive project management experience and in-house expertise on climate change and CDM issues. We have strong regional and local presence in Southeast Asia with offices based in Lao PDR (Vientiane) and China (Shanghai).

Earth Systems can facilitate CDM project development for companies in the environment and energy sector in developing countries, by positioning ourselves mainly as a Project Development Design (PDD) Consultant. Earth Systems has the necessary local and international expertise to assist the registration of CDM projects and facilitate the sale of Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) in the international carbon credit markets.

CDM services include:
• Identifying potential CDM projects.
• Identifying CER buyers and coordinating Project Idea Notes (PINs) and Emission Reduction Purchase Agreements (ERPAs).
• Providing technical and organisational expertise to facilitate the completion of the CDM Project Design Documents (PDDs).
• Identifying and liaising with a relevant Designated Operational Entities (DOEs) for CDM validation, verification and registration.
• Coordinating and liaising with relevant government and other agencies in obtaining approvals.
• Providing overall project guidance and management throughout the CDM Project Cycle.
• Capacity building and institutional strengthening as needed.

Other Related Services Include:
• Conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).
• Preparing Environmental Management and Monitoring Plans.
• Organising CDM training and stakeholder consultations.

Emission Reductions Program

Earth Systems has the necessary expertise to help companies meet their future emission targets and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) requirements. The services can be through energy and water efficiency strategies, carbon accounting and the development of marketing and awareness raising materials. We can also facilitate the purchase and sale of Emission Reductions (ERs) in the national and the international carbon credit markets.

Services available from this program include:
• GHG offset accounting and ER calculations.
• Development of strategies to improve water and energy efficiency.
• Emission trading services including providing access to emission trading schemes and markets.
• Identifying and liaising with potential ER sellers and project developers.
• Coordinating Emission Reduction Purchase Agreements (ERPAs).
• Using our environmental management expertise to help companies be proactive about climate change (refer to Climate Risk Assessment and Management).
• Assist companies to meet internationally recognised criteria and CSR standards.
• Preparation of awareness raising materials and programs to incite behavioural change.
• Identification of activities that can be undertaken by a council/organisation to support behavioural change.

In addition, Earth Systems can use our extensive natural resource management expertise to help clients mitigate climate change.

Climate Change Information Services

The effective integration, analysis and presentation of climate change data are important Earth Systems capabilities. Earth Systems manages and interprets climate change data using the latest research, technology and management tools. By providing analytical and presentation excellence, Earth Systems ensures complete satisfaction with our environmental information services. The result is superior decision making and communication, delivered effectively and efficiently to the intended audience.

Our services include:
• Development of climate change information products and presentations through research, data collation, analysis and interpretation.
• Remote sensing and spatial data analysis of climate change risk impacts.
• Hardcopy and digital map design and production.
• Database design, compilation and management.
• Web-based interactive presentation of environmental data.
• Training – in house information sessions.

In addition, Earth Systems can use our extensive natural resource management expertise to help clients mitigate climate change.

Relevant Experience and Expertise

Earth Systems has in-house expertise and project experience in the areas of climate change, greenhouse accounting, and general environmental and natural resource management.

Our experience and expertise includes:
• Use of risk assessment as a decision-support tool for a number of projects.
• Development of risk assessment tools specifically to support the review of climate-related vulnerabilities and the development of adaptation strategies.
• Expertise on United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) requirements and on Kyoto mechanisms, modalities and procedures.
• In-house knowledge and experience in carbon accounting.
• Expertise in GIS software, visualisation, analysis and application.
• National and International experience working with recognised agencies on climate change issues, including developing policy and planning measures.
• Development of materials to raise awareness of climate change and other environmental issues.
• General environmental and natural resource management expertise.

Kate Figueiredo
Environmental Scientist
Email: kate.figueiredo@earthsystems.com.au

Azain Raban
Climate Change Consultant
Email: azain.raban@earthsystems.com.au

LINKS

UNFCCC
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
http://unfccc.int/2860.php

UNFCCC CDM
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Clean Development Mechanism
http://unfccc.int/cdm

UNDP
United Nations Development Program
http://www.undp.org/energy/climate.htm

IPCC
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
http://www.ipcc.ch/

CSIRO
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
http://www.dar.csiro.au/information/climatechange.html

AETS
Australasian Emission Trading Forum
http://www.aetf.emcc.net.au/

OECD
Organisation for Economic Co-orporation and Development Climate Change
http://www.oecd.org/topic/0,2686,en_2649_34361_1_1_1_1_37465,00.html