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The Low Down
"We already have the technologies to commence a rapid transition to an energy future based on renewable energy and efficient energy, with gas playing the role as an important transitional fuel. The barriers to this transition are not primarily technological or economic, but rather are the immense political power of vested interests."
Dr. Mark Diesendorf, energy expert at the University of NSW Institute of Environmental Studies.
ENERGY EFFICENCY: INSTANT SAVINGS FOR THE PLANET...
The cheapest and quickest way to reduce our greenhouse emissions is by being smarter and more efficient with the way we consume our energy.
Using energy smartly reduces the amount of energy we need and reduces greenhouse pollution. It also saves money. An American study found that a dollar invested in energy efficiency is seven times more effective at reducing greenhouse pollution than a dollar spent on nuclear power.
The Australian Ministerial Council on Energy found that efficiency measures could cut energy use in the manufacturing, residential and commercial sectors by up to 30%. And these efficiency measures would pay for themselves in just four years on average.
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Did you know what happens if you...
TURN OFF APPLIANCES: Up to 10% of electricity used in Australian houses is used to keep appliances on standby. Shutting down your computer when your not using it can save this energy and also save $100 to $400 a year in electricity.
CHANGE A LIGHTBULB: One compact fluorescent light lasts as long as 13 regular bulbs and uses 75% less energy
RENEWABLE ENERGY: READY AND WAITING...
"Be in no doubt: renewable energy works. Renewables now account for a quarter of the installed capacity of California, half of Norway's and three-quarters of Iceland's. It is time we joined the clean energy revolution sweeping the progressive parts of the world."
Professor Ian Lowe AO, ACF President
Economic opportunities:
Renewable energy is now the fastest growing of all energy industries and is worth $54 billion each year. Wind power has had an average annual growth of about 25% over the past 20 years, while grid-connected solar power has grown annually by 60% in recent years. The renewable energy industries now employ nearly two million people worldwide.
Australia is well placed to lead the world in the development of renewable energy but our potential to build a clean energy future - and Australian jobs - is being lost through government inaction. |