Mikko2,

I will be happy to address your points while including citations to back up my arguments.

While renewable energy projects need significant land, careful site selection and environmental impact assessments help minimise harm. The overall environmental footprint of renewables is smaller than fossil fuels when considering the entire lifecycle (http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy13osti/56487.pdf). The NREL found that shifting to renewables significantly reduces air and water pollution, leading to better public health outcomes and lower healthcare costs (http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy13osti/56487.pdf).

Advances in energy storage and grid management are making renewable energy more reliable. For example, the Hornsdale Power Reserve in South Australia has proven effective at stabilising the grid and providing backup power during peak demand (http://hornsdalepowerreserve.com.au).

Regarding Australia’s emissions, while our contribution is relatively small (about 1.3%), the cumulative impact of all countries taking action is significant. Climate change is a global issue that needs collective action, and even small contributors play a role in setting examples and driving global policy (http://www.industry.gov.au/data-and-publications/national-greenhouse-gas-inventory-quarterly-update-december-2021). The idea that increased CO2 levels are beneficial due to the "greening" effect is incorrect. While some plants may benefit short-term, the overall impact of climate change, including extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss, far outweighs these temporary benefits (http://climate.nasa.gov/effects).

The cost of renewable energy technologies has been dropping quickly. The IREA reports that the cost of electricity from utility-scale solar photovoltaics fell by around 82% between 2010 and 2020, and onshore wind costs dropped by about 40% (http://www.irena.org/publications/2021/Jun/Renewable-Power-Costs-in-2020). Over their lifetimes, renewables tend to be more cost-effective due to lower operational and maintenance costs compared to fossil fuels and nuclear energy (http://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2020).

As for Alan Finkel’s comments, he did say that Australia’s emissions reductions alone would have minimal impact, but his point was about the need for global action (http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id:%22committees/commsen/9fedeaff-9ab2-4a80-a14d-29cdb8f23b2b/0000%22). By adopting strong renewable energy policies, Australia can lead in clean energy, drive technological innovation, and influence global standards (http://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au).

Transitioning to renewable energy is complex and comes with challenges, but the long-term benefits for the environment, public health, and the economy are significant. I’m happy to continue this discussion with any further data or questions you have.

Better tell China and India to play ball. Renewables ain't going to cut the mustard, let alone temps and climate.

Hi John Daysh

Your knowledge of nuclear and broader energy issues is impressive.

What's your educational background?

Cheers Mavs

Tell us how safe unreliable renewables are what with an unprecedented number of house fires caused by electric bikes, scooters or cars, a recall on a major brand of storage batteries "that may cause fires" ships sunk or disabled with EV car fires and now 22 people killed in a lithium battery factory fire explosion. Safer than modern nuclear? yeah right ...
https://www.westernjournal.com/22-workers-killed-single-malfunctioning-lithium-battery-sets-off-disastrous-chain-reaction/?

Fester,

Thanks for your kind words. Your means of engagement (such as asking questions of others) demonstrates that this is not about tribalism to you, and is indicative of sincerity and intellectual honesty.

Maverick,

I'm not qualified in this area. I consider myself a lifelong learner, and the areas in which I do have formal qualifications (law and the social sciences) have equipped me with the tools to nurture this (i.e. information literacy, media literacy, and an awareness of cognitive biases).

Mikko2,

It’s important to address safety concerns, but the points about renewable energy and lithium batteries need context. While incidents involving lithium batteries are serious, they are relatively rare compared to the widespread health and environmental impacts of fossil fuels and nuclear accidents.

Renewable energy technology, including battery safety, continues to improve rapidly. Safety standards and innovations are being developed to mitigate risks. Although modern nuclear energy has strong safety measures, the potential for catastrophic failures and the challenges of managing radioactive waste should not be ignored.

Overall, the environmental and health benefits of renewables, such as reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, far outweigh the risks when managed properly. Spreading misinformation undermines informed discourse. Let’s focus on facts and a balanced discussion about energy solutions.

John D re " Spreading misinformation undermines informed discourse. Let’s focus on facts and a balanced discussion about energy" ... Yes! That's exactly what is happening in the anti-nuclear campaign.
Oh and BTW the US has just reached bipartisan approval to encourage more nuclear energy which highlights again how out of step Australia is with other major world economies.
Can anyone relate any recent direct nuclear energy fatalities to rival what is happening with EVs and batteries... No? https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/19/climate/nuclear-energy-bill/index.html

CNN
—
Democrats and Republicans in a bitterly divided Congress can agree on one thing: the US needs more nuclear to power America’s rapidly growing energy appetite — and fast.

The Senate overwhelmingly approved a major bill Tuesday night to make it easier, cheaper and faster to permit and build new nuclear reactors. The ADVANCE Act, which passed with just two senators voting no, now heads to Biden’s desk for signing, which he is expected to do.

The bill represents one of the most significant actions Congress has taken to advance clean energy since Democrats narrowly passed the Inflation Reduction Act almost two years ago. And it comes as the US tries to revive an aging nuclear energy industry at home and bolster cutting-edge technologies abroad...