Antinuclear

Clean Energy Council deplores Australia’s cutbacks in climate change projects

Gillard’s flood plan a renewable energy wash-out International Business Times, January 28, 2011 Slashing investment in climate change solutions to fund the clean-up of the worst floods in Australia’s history makes no sense, according to the peak renewable energy industry body.
Clean Energy Council said the Gillard government was in danger of losing its way on delivering an effective climate change strategy for Australia by assuming a carbon price, currently under negotiation, will be the “silver bullet” to address the problem.

“The reality is that climatic events like the recent floods are likely to become more severe and frequent with the impacts of climate change,” chief executive Matthew Warren said.

“Cutting funding for clean energy projects that will ultimately mitigate this impact is as bizarre as it is counterproductive.”

The cuts announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the National Press Club yesterday included reductions in funding to renewable energy initiatives such as the Solar Flagships Program, the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme which supports solar hot water systems, and the Solar Homes and Communities Plan.

“Solar hot water systems are among the most efficient and effective ways for Australian households to reduce their power bills. Rebuilding in flood affected areas is a perfect opportunity to use more clean energy like this to reduce greenhouse emissions.

“Australia has the potential to be a world leader in developing affordable large scale solar energy. We need more investment in its development, not less. Yet Labor’s own Solar
Flagships program to accelerate development of this technology has already been trimmed- twice – before the program has even started.”….

Gillard’s flood plan a renewable energy wash-out – International Business Times

January 28, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | General News