Ian wrote the article for a general science and research audience, but it is important to note the comments regarding sustainablility in the last paragraph. Australia and the world is not living sustainably at the moment, and is really not showing any desire to. When the issue of the future, in light of increasing population and demands on resources is brought up, the answer is usually "technology will save us." Some new breakthrough will provide cheap energy, reduce pollution and provide safe drinking water.

Is that kind of research being done? Do the coal companies want a cheap renewable energy source? Isn't "commercially viable" research inherently short term? Will corporate executives pay for research that will show benefits in 30 or 40 years?

If the plan is for "technology to save us," then we better start investing in the kind of research that will save us.