Antinuclear

IPCC report shows that Australia must do more to develop renewable energy

IPCC report points to ‘renewables solution’ http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/latest/ipcc-report-points-to-renewables-solution/story-e6frg90f-1226883956621 STAFF REPORTER APRIL 14, 2014 
The Climate Council says a new international report released yesterday and signed off by governments from around the world, including Australia, has found a need to lift investment in renewable energy to combat climate change.

“Renewable energy is critical to tackling climate change,” says Amanda McKenzie, Climate Council CEO.

“Australians have already taken steps to increase renewable energy and this report shows we need to do more.”

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report focuses on mitigation strategies for climate change and indicates that globally the world needs to at least triple the use of zero and low carbon energy sources by 2050.The think-tank says key players, like the United States and China, are quickly moving ahead. For example, the United States doubled renewable capacity between 2008 and 2012, and China increased its capacity in wind energy by 36% in 2012.

Australia currently has a national renewable energy target to generate 20% of the power mix from renewables by 2020. Over 130 other countries have similar targets to bolster renewable energy.

“It’s clear that the renewables race has begun,” says McKenzie.

“Shifting away from fossil fuels to renewable energy is a key part of tackling climate change and has other benefits, for instance growing new jobs, industries and investment,” says McKenzie.

“Australians know that solar power is just common sense here, so there is a lot of community support for greater investment in renewables.

“On the other side of the ledger, Australia is also home to some very inefficient and aging coal fired power plants. That means our current electricity supply is one of the most emissions intensive and least efficient in the world.”

April 15, 2014 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, climate change - global warming, energy