Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Climate Change and what we should do about it

By Guy Hallowes - posted Thursday, 4 February 2021


The following is what needs to be done and can be done. We cannot expect the rest of the world to do all the heavy lifting while we sit back and do as little as possible.

The biggest single issue that will have a significant effect on Australia's emission is coal which needs to be phased out a source of electricity generation. No one is suggesting that we just abandon the industry. There needs to be a clear government policy, with a timetable plus compensation for mines and power stations closing down and a retraining programme for the employees affected.

Electricity will be generated by renewables, which release no emissions and which already generates electricity at a lower cost than coal with the improvements in generation technology as well as storage (batteries).

Advertisement

Other issues that will reduce Australia's Carbon emissions:

  • Transport. Convert trucks to the already available electric and fuel cell technology. Most new cars will be electric by 2030.
  • Buildings. Set minimum standards for new buildings. Retrofit older buildings.
  • Low carbon factories. New technology will allow for near zero emissions from steel making, ammonia, cement, petrochemicals and ammonia.
  • Minimise land clearing/ or replant areas that have already been cleared. Land clearing increases carbon emissions. Australia already has cleared a greater percentage of natural vegetation than any other country in the world. This needs to be redressed. Will require Government policy and probably a subsidy to landowners to encourage them to comply.

It should be noted that Prime minister Morrison was snubbed at a recent International Climate Change conference by the British Prime Minister in that he was denied an opportunity to speak. All because of what the international community regards as Australian tokenism on the issue.

BIPARTISAN APPROACH

The only way of actually creating, implementing and maintaining a coherent policy to combat Climate Change in Australia is by having a bi-partisan approach to the issue.

Consequences of not doing enough

The consequences of not doing enough will be catastrophic for both Australia and the World at large.

Advertisement

Australia

  • An increase in droughts, heatwaves, devastating bushfires and Cyclones. This is already happening.
  • A rise in sea levels, which has and will result in coastal erosion. For example many Sydney suburbs will be prone to flooding, including Sydney Airport and suburbs surrounding Paramatta river . All Australian Capital cities will be similarly affected.
  • The Pacific Island States will be devastated. Many will become unliveable, resulting in large numbers of people feeling they have no option but to migrate to Australia.

The world at large.

  • Similar trends to Australia.

Australia has an opportunity to become a world leader in renewable technology. Instead we seem to be clinging onto what is rapidly becoming dated technology.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

27 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Sydney-based Guy Hallowes is the author of Icefall, a thriller dealing with the consequences of climate change. He has also written several novels on the change from Colonial to Majority rule in Africa. To buy browse and buy his books click here.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Guy Hallowes

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Article Tools
Comment 27 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy