We arrived at this moment thanks to a series of policy decisions under previous governments – state and federal - that left Australia’s energy system unable to cope with the demands placed on it.
Peter Martin, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
Australia already imposes a super-profits tax of 40% on gas producers, but very little is paid. Yet we know how to simplify the system, so we’re not gifting billions to multinational companies.
Supporting new fossil fuel projects is completely inconsistent with the broader goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 - and will not improve energy security.
Plus, the Beijing Winter Olympics are using 100% artificial snow: what does that mean for the environment, and the athletes? Listen to The Conversation Weekly podcast.
Sam Jones, United Nations University and Finn Tarp, University of Copenhagen
The development strategy based on foreign investment in natural resources projects has not delivered economic growth or security. What’s needed is an inclusive vision based on local realities.
The opportunity won’t last forever. Countries that move first will gain an advantage in new industries, technologies and export markets. Those that wait may never catch up.
The conflict has put a temporary lid on plans that have been in the making for more than a decade since rich liquefied natural gas reserves were discovered in the Rovuma Basin.
Bill Hare, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Ursula Fuentes, Murdoch University
Every few years, the idea of using gas to transition to a zero-emissions economy seems to re-emerge. Woodside’s Burrup Hub proposal shows why it’s still a bad move.
The assassination of the Iranian general could have lasting effects on energy markets. Which countries could benefit from it and which could be negatively affected?
Carbon emissions will hit a record high for the second year in a row, but there is a small silver lining: the rate of emissions growth has slowed dramatically.
Fellow - Melbourne Law School; Senior Researcher - Climate Council; Associate - Australian-German Climate and Energy College, The University of Melbourne