Proceed with caution to a greener future

www.news.com.au/adelaidenow
May 25, 2009

THERE is strong evidence today that, properly managed, dealing with climate change does not necessarily mean the one-sided loss of thousands of jobs.

A Climate Institute Australia study shows the potential for 26,000 jobs to be created in renewable energy such as wind energy, solar energy, hot-rocks, wave power and bioenergy. Interestingly, this number is similar to the potential job losses suggested by the Minerals Council of Australia, which said 24,000 mining jobs could be lost over the next 10 years. This shows that the debate can look to the future from an assertive point of view, not simply focusing at the "half empty" glass.

Green energy already makes a significant contribution to local communities in SA, including Snowtown, which hopes to enjoy a windfarm-led recovery. Across the state, alternative energy projects are proliferating, such as the 100-job windfarm project to be created near Jamestown later this year.

Green cars are another case in point, providing many opportunities for the manufacturing sector as consumers demand a product which saves them money but is also good for the environment.

This does not mean we stumble blindly into a carbon neutral future for the sake of it. The opening of the Prominent Hill mine yesterday is further evidence that South Australia's economy, in the short term at least, is reliant upon industries which are not necessarily considered friendly to the environment.

What is needed is a planned, cautious, yet optimistic approach to take advantage of the opportunities as they present themselves, while accepting that some carbon polluting industries need to continue in the nation's economic interest.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has learnt this lesson, as evidenced by the Federal Government's pragmatic approach to delaying the national emissions trading scheme. The new approach is yet to pass the Parliament. But even if the Opposition and minor parties go ahead with threats to delay their position - and therefore Senate approval on the scheme - until after the global climate change negotiations in Copenhagen in December, little may have been lost.

There is much to be lost by rushing into decisions which could put all our proverbial eggs into one future option.