Misinformation helps no one in power debate

MUCH has been written, spoken and argued around why the electricity price is high.

It is only recently that some sense has bubbled through the froth of misinformation.

Not long ago a virtual summit was held to talk about energy, many opinions were aired, and it seems that in Australia, the elephant in the room, was again Government regulation and Government subsidies which are now running at $7bn plus a year.

Some speakers pointed out that the cost of renewables is dropping fast but failed to mention that the quoted 26 gigawatts of wind and solar power would not be available without a substantial subsidy from the government. Remember when renewables forced the Northern and Hazelwood power stations to shut, the result a doubling of wholesale prices.

It is sad to say part of this problem lies at the government’s door rather than looking at workable alternatives. They seem to want put taxpayer funds into highly speculative new technologies which may or may not replace fossil fuels, if you think back a few years when we had a national electricity market where there was no intervention.

We had a supply system the envy of the world and although we have a growing number of MPs who will be thinking hard over the Christmas break, there is a strong lobby of minority groups all affected by the FOMO Syndrome – or fear of missing out.

PETER Condon asks “if the Global Carbon Project team (whoever they are) says carbon emissions declined by 2.4 billion tonnes this year, why has the CO2 level recorded at Cape Grim in Tasmania increased from 408ppm to 410ppm?” (GC Bulletin, December 17).

Good question Peter, and I hope I can answer it clearly enough for you.

Carbon dioxide stays in our atmosphere for centuries, possibly more than 1000 years. By reducing carbon emissions we are trying to limit the increased rise in temperature to below two degrees celsius, from pre-industrial levels, a battle we are currently losing. The Earth’s temperature will increase by at least 0.6 degrees celsius by carbon dioxide already emitted.

Peter’s other comment: “The scientists cannot explain why except to call the reduction just ’noise’ and not detectable”

This is simply not true. All scientists understand that all present and future carbon dioxide will be present for centuries, unless new technologies are created. What scientists does Peter refer to?

Peter’s opinion on investors forking out cash to clever and dishonest investors, is the complete opposite of all four big banks and financial institutions worldwide.

Deloitte, one of the most trusted financial strategists in the world, has cautioned the government about inaction on climate change. They warn, a lack of action on climate change, will cost $3.4 trillion and 880,000 lost jobs in Australia by 2070. They also state, Australia could benefit to the tune of $680 billion and 250,000 added jobs with small investments on climate change.

What path has Scott Morrison decided to take? A gas-led recovery and to hell with the future.

Peter claims that Australia is only responsible for 1.5 per cent of global emissions. We are the highest emitters per capita in the world, why should other countries act, if we don’t?

The 1.5 per cent is another myth used by the LNP. The correct figure is over 4 per cent once our mining is included in the equation. We do mine don’t we?

When Peter says don’t worry, and continue as business as usual, then what he is also saying is, accept up to a 300 per cent

increase in the severity of bushfires from 1990 levels.

Accept that a vast majority of animal and marine life will become extinct which is already occurring, accept longer droughts in some parts of Australia and flooding, hurricanes and heat waves in other parts.

Accept a sea level rise of up to two meters by 2100, famine to many countries with mass migration. Climate change is a manifest problem, turning a blind eye just won’t work. SHAUN CUNNEEN, MOUNT NATHAN

WHILE the nation is in shock over the Sydney COVID breakout, tourists are left to wonder what next?

Just when it was safe to go into the water and the economy was picking up, here we are at March 2020 levels of quarantine and border closures.

International imported virus strains are now spreading fear and COVID into our communities. Christmas is now where you are in isolation with whomever, not by choice. Doing it tough are tourists, families and businesses. The outrage is palpable!

The oil industry is again

exploiting with impunity, profiteering not only from the resurgence of interstate movement, but the season where travel and spending are more generous. ELOISE ROWE, TANNUM SANDS

PRIME Minister, close the border.

Your greatest obligation is to protect the medical, financial and economic welfare of the resident Australian population.

Yet you are allowing the coronavirus to sneak back in time and time again with each batch of overseas arrivals.

The United States cannot be trusted to do your job for you. You are negligent in expecting them to do so.

If you insist on allowing overseas travellers into the country, do so via a quarantine stay at an offshore facility such as Christmas Island for example.

We will never see the end of the current outbreaks whilst you sit on your hands and expect others to do your job.

Talk does not stop the virus. Bite the bullet and do what is expected of you.

IAN TIMMINS MERMAID BEACH