Renewable energy transition
It seems ironic that the action needed to reduce emissions is happening right here on Tamworth's doorstep (Third solar farm in the works 2/2).
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A rapid and planned transition to renewable energy is the first and most crucial step in decarbonising our society as called for by the science.
Our Prime Minister, however, seems to think regional Australians will be burdened by the transition (Morrison defines Agenda for 2021).
The 25 million dollar investment is indeed a welcome investment to our community not to mention the energy produced and work for 30 people.
There are numerous reports suggesting that regional Australia will benefit from this transition with upwards of 80 000 direct jobs that will be created as a result.
The only burden that regional Australia is feeling is that of our elected representatives holding us back when it's never been more critical to move forward.
Eliza Weekes, Tamworth
Emission reduction target absolutely necessary
Unfortunately we don't have the luxury of 'preferences' when it comes to emission reduction (Morrison defines his 2021 Agenda).
To decarbonise our society, business needs a clear target to have vision, infrastructure and investment in place for a successful transition from fossil fuels.
Technology alone is not enough as much as the Prime Minister wants us to believe.
The burden of climate change has cost us $35 billion in the last decade with it expected to rise to $100 billion annually by 2038.
The science has been clear. We need to half our emissions by 2030 and be net zero by 2040 now. To avoid doing so means we are toast.
Helen Cameron, Tamworth
Health concerns
I find it interesting that after ten years of his Government's tenure, the Deputy Premier John Barilaro is now calling for an investigation into 'horrific' hospital allegations throughout regional NSW.
We frequently see that he and his MP's easily pat themselves on the back when they deliver shiny new taxpayer funded health infrastructure, but they have failed to invest in adequate staff or indeed look after the current staff, nor address the deficit that has caused terminal medical patient delays and in a first World affluent nation like ours is a disgrace.
The people of rural NSW deserve a healthy future.
Mark Rodda
Gas projects encroaching
It is puzzling to read that more gas companies are now looking to reopen gas exploration licences in the northwest of NSW ("Third gas company makes PEL moves" 19/1). While gas helps stabilise the electricity supply within Australia's grid, its role in electricity generation has declined, and will continue to decline, due to its relatively higher cost compared to cheaper and cleaner alternatives. International gas markets are also in crisis mode. As the global demand for gas declines and global gas prices plummet, gas fields are at high risk of becoming stranded assets. As it is, major gas corporations such as Origin Energy and Santos have reported hefty losses following months of low gas prices.
Gas is no longer a lucrative industry. It is best that these gas companies diversify to other business avenues, and leave their expired exploration licences be. Especially in our local food bowls.
Alice Milson, Calala
Climate reality
What is John Hewson (no relation) talking about ("Morrison needs to face reality on climate" Jan 28 2021) from "our 2030 target is consistent with global warming of about 3 degrees and much more in Australia"? and ".. us on track to warm by a catastrophic 4.4 degrees by the end of the century?"
Is this member of the Climate Targets Panel suggesting Australia is going to warm more than other places because our emission reduction targets are lower, contrary to the science that "greenhouse gas emissions anywhere contribute to climate change everywhere"? (P 146 Dessler and Parson Global Climate Change) This confusion of global and Australian targets and effects isn't because John's pieces are the same length however complex the subject. I think it's a political lie that temperatures will rise more in Australia because of Morrison's low targets.
So, Mr Morrison's "overtone" announcement, "Politics of carbon has ended", where you say something decisive-sounding enough to get an Australian p 1 headline, though what you say means nothing, wasn't bad enough.
The Australian (Jan 23-4) tells us Morrison says "it is now about the how, not the if...That is what I'm saying in G20, that is what I'm saying in G7". This to people who accepted net zero emission targets years ago.
There's no way of stopping him. He's the PM. "..we will have to wait and see.. technology will be the biggest determinant..". Why didn't he end the politics a year ago? 10 years ago? Technology would have been the solution then. Wait and see. If sea levels have risen a few metres in 40 years and inundated half the world's cities, no prob. Technology. Inundation reversal technology. IRT.
And Hewson's quoting John Kerry talking storm damage in the US. Sure, Hewson and Kerry are on the right side of the issue. Unless misrepresenting the science "to make it simple for the people" is the wrong side. But stick to your guns, boys. The debate's been going so well.
Wonder why people have mental health problems when there's all that time they're asleep that they aren't bombarded with half-truth by their leaders? Hey, it's not the society that's sick, it's those damn people!
Stan Heuston, Oxley Vale