greenkeeper
Renewable
RETurns
Australia's clean energy gains are
finally being recognised with a review
of the renewable energy target, but
there are proponents on both sides
of the fence, writes Mitch Brook.
Climate change policy remains a contentious
topic in Australia. It's a policy area with delayed gratification:
act now to preserve the future. Without immediate gains, and
with sceptics doubting the reality and seriousness of climate
change, spending money on acting against climate change
can be an unpopular political move, even though scientists
predict global temperatures will rise by up to eight degrees
Celcius by the end of the century.
Despite political resistance, movements around the world
have made progress on the issue. Many claim that not enough
is being done, while others suggest that Australia is doing
more than it should, to the detriment of industry.
In 2001 Australia took its first steps in this area, setting a
renewable energy target that aims for 20 per cent of Australia's
electricity to be generated by renewable sources by 2020.
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