Bill Hare, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Ursula Fuentes, Murdoch University
Every few years, the idea of using gas to transition to a zero-emissions economy seems to re-emerge. Woodside’s Burrup Hub proposal shows why it’s still a bad move.
Carbon emissions will hit a record high for the second year in a row, but there is a small silver lining: the rate of emissions growth has slowed dramatically.
If Australia is the biggest gas exporter in the world, why are we shipping it back in? Because the gas market is dysfunctional - and it means consumers are suffering.
Twelve power projects are in the running for federal government dollars: six pumped hydro, five gas and one coal. It’s clear which one shouldn’t be on the list, for economic and environmental reasons.
Gas mining is expanding across Australia, and has been touted as part of the answer to cutting emissions. But there is evidence that this rollout will pose significant health and environmental risks.
By embracing natural gas made from renewable sources, we can still use gas for heating, cooking and industry, while slashing greenhouse emissions and even keeping much of the same infrastructure.
Professor of Health, Safety and Environment, Queensland University of Technology and Professor of Practice in Environmental Wellbeing, Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services) and Honorary Professor (School of Geosciences), University of Sydney
Fellow - Melbourne Law School; Senior Researcher - Climate Council; Associate - Australian-German Climate and Energy College, The University of Melbourne