Aust Conserv

Environmental groups are urging countries to accelerate action on a new international deal on carbon emission reductions in the first climate change talks since the Copenhagen summit last year.

Indonesia will place a two-year moratorium on new concessions to clear natural forests and peatlands under a deal signed with Norway aimed at reducing greenhouse gases.

Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono says he's bringing in a two-year moratorium on deforestation, to start immediately.

The Cooma-Monaro Shire Council in South East New South Wales has attended a workshop with the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water on how Local Governments can handle the impacts of climate change.

A recent study showing climate change is unlikely to cause an increase in the spread of malaria has been criticised by one of Australia's leading experts.

Former environment minister and Liberal Party stalwart Robert Hill says the Government's emissions trading scheme would have become a reality if his party had not "imploded" at the finish line.