A Low Carbon Future: Unlocking Australia's Renewable Energy Potential

Fundamental changes in global energy production pose significant challenges for Australia. In particular, as the recent Paris climate agreement highlights there is now international consensus among nation states for dramatic reductions in carbon emissions. Combined with the technological disruption of low cost renewable energy technologies, it is clear a global transition towards a low-carbon economy is now underway. While Australia has some of the world’s best renewable energy resources, scientific research and know-how, and a skilled workforce, it currently lacks policies which can harness the full potential of a low carbon future. Mark Butler, MP has been currently conducting formal consultations across Australia with industry, employers, unions and community groups to determine an appropriate emissions reduction target. This aligns with the international commitment to keep global warming well below two degrees Celsius. With Climate Change touted as one of the key issues that could affect the outcome of the next Federal election, the Shadow Environment Minister dropped into the Sydney Environment Institute for a conversation about the future of climate policy in Australia and where the party stands on the issue for Australia’s future. SEI Respondents: Professor Tony Vassallo, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Sydney Lisette Collins PhD candidate, Department of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.