Electricity and greenhouse in Australia - an overview

Despite the diversity of interests, it is claimed that the Australian electricity industry recognises the importance of the greenhouse debate and particularly that in Australian electricity generation is responsible for proportionally more CO2 emissions than world-wide. It is, however, concerned to ensure that inappropriate decisions are not taken because of undue haste, expediency or ignorance of their ramifications. However, it is estimated that the implications of the CO2 emissions reduction proposed by the Toronto Conference go far beyond the now well-known 20% target. Of immediate importance is the concern that the effects will be unnecessarily harsh, especially in relation to the actual environmental benefits achieved globally, because of gross imperfections in international and national political processes and consequent shortfalls and shortcomings in emission reduction action and strategies. In particular, although the industry is not committed to coal per se, it is emphasised that it would be no choice but to continue to base the energy economy on coal. 3 refs., 1 tab