Massive budget boost for climate
This title of the post is a heading in Melbourne’s Sunday Age. It refers to the the first budget of Australia’s new government, one which is committed to actions addressing climate change.
Half a billion will be devoted to the development of “clean coal” technology. As a country we love coal because we export it and we have been indifferent to the amount of CO2 that results from its use. I am sceptical about the practicality of the proposed technology but reluctantly agree that we should invest some dollars so that research can be undertaken.
I am more enthusiastic about the proposed support of commercialisation of renewable programs.
I am most enthusiastic about funds to help businesses become more energy efficient, and of course would love to see a section of the budget providing a copy of the Home Energy Analysis System for every Australian small business. It would need a few changes to supply information required by business but this is a small challenge, certainly when compared with clean coal technology.