Howard in carbon trading shift

Australian Prime Minister John Howard says he is to propose a new strategy to tackle global warming at the Asia Pacific Economic Council (Apec) forum.
In an apparent major change in policy, Mr Howard said he would propose a new international carbon trading scheme - an idea he has rejected in the past.
Australia, the world's largest coal exporter, refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol, along with the US.
Mr Howard now says he is setting up a task force to look at carbon trading.
He is set to hold talks with coal producers on Wednesday to discuss ways of cleaning up the industry.
Those who are genuinely interested in moving forward on climate change have already ratified the Kyoto Protocol
Christine MilneGreens party spokeswoman
But critics say he is responding to electoral pressures rather than genuine concern for the environment.
'Australian interests'
Mr Howard said he wanted a carbon trading system that takes into account the "legitimate interests" of energy-rich countries such as Australia.
"It's in Australia's national interest to play a part in reducing greenhouse emissions, but in a way that doesn't damage our vital industries," he told reporters in Sydney.
Mr Howard said the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation meeting of 21 leaders, including US President George W Bush, in Hanoi this weekend "is an excellent forum" to put forward his plan.
Australia along with the US refused to sign the 1997 Kyoto protocol, fearing it would damage their economies while not requiring developing countries such as China and India to reduce emissions.
Carbon trading is at the heart of Kyoto, and requires countries to set limits on their greenhouse gas emissions. Those who are under target can sell their carbon allowance to countries who have exceeded their limits.
Mr Howard's comments appear to signal a major policy shift towards carbon trading.
Only in August, he dismissed a proposal by state governments for a national greenhouse gas trading scheme initially targeting the electricity generating sector, which he said would have a "devastating impact" on resource-exporting states.
Australia's Greens party accused Mr Howard of political manoeuvring and delaying tactics to win support from voters ahead of next year's election.
"Anyone can have a taskforce, anyone can have discussions that go on for years but those who are genuinely interested in moving forward on climate change have already ratified the Kyoto Protocol," Greens party spokeswoman Christine Milne said.
In a separate announcement last month, Mr Howard outlined plans to reduce fossil fuel emissions by spending A$500m (US$379m) in clean technology, much of which will look at reducing carbon emissions from coal.