Sweden takes lead and it's one to follow

Fraser Coast Chronicle
Tuesday 6/3/2007 Page: 4

The proposition that Australia should move to a sustainable economy based on renewable energy is often derided as being destructive to the economy and jobs. This is not unexpected in a country whose economy is currently underpinned by the mining and export of raw materials. But if we are to have a prosperous long-term future in the brave new world of climate change mitigation, we must make the transition.

A host of European countries have embraced renewable energy without their economies suffering. In countries such as Spain and Denmark, wind power alone is approaching 20% of electricity power. Even some countries that have relied on nuclear power are now phasing out their reactors in the face of growing concerns about radioactive waste storage and the fact that wind power is now cheaper than nuclear.

The most advanced on the path to sustainability is Sweden which has vowed to phase out its nuclear plants and to replace all petroleum fuels with biofuels by 2020. Unlike Australia, Sweden is fortunate to derive about half its electricity from hydro power. But in contrast with Sweden, Australia has a temperate climate and massive direct solar energy. Yet the astute Swedes have had an informed public debate and have recognised the critical need to head towards a sustainable future.

Sweden's journey towards sustainability began in the late 1980s when a little-known cancer researcher. Dr Karl-Henrik Robert, decided to develop a sustainability framework based on irrefutable scientific principles. Robert initially involved his scientific colleagues, then brought in business leaders, politicians and other community leaders in order to develop a consensus document.

With the support of the King of Sweden the resulting framework, known as The Natural Step (TNS), was delivered to every household in Sweden and was supported by a television special. Numerous multinational corporations, and some entire countries such as Sweden, have since used TNS to develop strategic plans for a transition to a sustainable future.

Australia can be part of the sustainability revolution that has already taken root in Europe and is sweeping across much of the world. The public debate here must shift from the interests of the mining industry that wants to ensure that coal and uranium continue to be the mainstay of our energy supply. Australia can be a world leader in solar energy technology and our long-term prosperity can only be assured by a concerted uptake of renewable energy.

Ian Richards is a lecturer in sustainability at the Fraser Coast campus of the University of Southern Queensland.