Dr Alan Finkel took over as Australia’s Chief Scientist in January this year. In this exclusive interview, he describes his approach to science, and to issues such as renewable energy and STEM jobs.
A carbon tax could help South Africa increase research and development in more renewable projects.
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The U.S. could dramatically increase solar and wind power without expensive energy storage. The key is to overlay high-voltage direct current power lines on our system of regional grids.
A raft of logs in the Lagos lagoon where wood, a form of biomass, is the sole source of energy for many who don’t have access to power.
Akintunde Akinleye/Reuters
Tristan R. Brown, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
The wind and solar industries scored a huge win by getting extended tax credits, but research shows this isn’t the best policy for lowering emissions through renewable energy.
To decarbonise the electricity sector, Australia could increase the volume of renewables while closing old fossil fuel power stations.
Wind turbine image from www.shutterstock.com
Under the Paris climate agreement, Australia has stated that it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. How will we achieve this?
While low emissions technology might help coal, there are plenty of other energy sources competing in the post-Paris climate race.
Coal image from www.shutterstock.com
Pedalling our televisions could save us a fortune in electricity – and keep us in great shape, too.
While the technology exists for zero emissions energy, we won’t achieve full sustainability without limiting growth and consumption.
Wind turbine image from www.shutterstock.com
South Africa has been slow to adopt renewable energy sources. One option, which has proved successful elsewhere, would be to install solar photovoltaic panels on rooftops in low-income areas.
By 2030 large-scale solar cost about the same as fossils fuels.
Solar image from www.shutterstock.com
By 2030 renewable energy sources such as solar and wind will cost a similar amount to fossils fuels such as coal and gas, thanks to falling technology costs
Ben Parr, The University of Melbourne and Don Henry, The University of Melbourne
Much of India’s huge population is still without electricity, perhaps making climate action a tough sell. But India’s vision for green development chimes well with the world’s climate agenda.
Gas is the solution to some but not all our problems.
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