We all have role to play in search for energy solution
A RECENT number of correspondents from both sides of the Climate Change argument appear to be focusing on the current rise in energy prices to plead their case.
Climate Change is unfortunately the wrong term and it was claimed by the environmental movement because it was seen to be easy for people to understand.
It simply opened the door to opponents who rightly claimed climate change has been happening since day one of Earth’s existence. It is a natural occurrence.
What is happening is “Human-influenced environmental impacts” which cannot be argued against.
Simply, the effects of human actions have an impact on just about everything on Earth.
For every action there is a reaction and realising this may help open the dialogue to find solutions. Concessions must be made.
In energy generation, coal is seen as the “bad apple”, but coalfired generation plants could be used if they were built using the latest techniques of high temperature generation and emissions capture.
Same for nuclear energy.
The use of uranium could, by itself, remove the need for coal.
But are governments and energy companies willing to bear the cost of building new plants?
Are communities willing to bear the increase in prices when these companies try to recoup those costs and remain profitable?
Are investors willing to accept reduced dividends?
Australian environmentalists must accept that doing away with our own coal generators is not going to clear our air or lessen the strength of storms and droughts.
So called “renewables” are useful and should be part of the whole solution.
But by themselves they cannot provide the on-demand energy required by today’s society.
In the end, governments must learn to resist populist actions based upon “just because” emotional beliefs.
Energy companies must realise that there must be limits on prices and profits.
The general population must understand and accept nothing stays the same and they too must make changes to habits. G.L. GERHARDT GOLD COAST