Tuesday 15 December 2009

Government should change tack

Age
Saturday 12/12/2009 Page: 6

I HAVE worked in sustainability for more than 30 years. I have been a university lecturer and software developer, and introduced the 5-star energy efficient building regulations to Victoria as a public servant. And I'm mad as hell. All this coverage of climate issues and there are three issues that no one is talking about.
  • The Opposition's conversion to the wonders of energy efficiency rings hollow. In government, this party opposed 5-star energy efficient building regulations. It sat on the National Framework for Energy Efficiency study that found a comprehensive energy efficiency program could save 32 million tonnes of greenhouse gas, create 9000 jobs and add $10.5 billion to economic growth over 23 years.
  • Even if the most remarkable scientific consensus since Newton is wrong about climate change, a low-carbon economy makes sense. We are soon to reach peak oil and our population will grow to 9-11 billion people who all need or want more on a planet with finite fossil fuel resources. The environment is already under strain from pollution. Climate change or not, high levels of energy efficiency and renewable energy are our only choice.
  • An emissions trading scheme provides money for government to give to businesses and people to improve energy efficiency: fix buildings, install efficient heating, cooling, hot water and lighting, buy more efficient cars, invest in more efficient industrial processes. If we use 50% less energy and the price only goes up 30%, we are actually better off. But I haven't heard one government spokesperson point this out. When will the penny drop?

Tony Isaacs, Brunswick

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