Climate in the Pub

Australia's emissions put it in the top 10 per cent of countries and that excludes Australia’s bronze medal as the third largest exporter of fossil fuels. Australia’s oversized carbon footprint contrasts to its modest climate targets.

Richie Merzian introduced the Australia Institute's latest Climate of the Nation report, showing the surge in concern that Australians are feeling over climate change, and their demand for more action. He noted the recent Murdoch publication "Green and Gold", and shared some insights into the shifts in News Limited's position, and probably those of the Morrison Government.

David Mills surveyed the history and future of Green (mostly electric) transport, from early (c1910) electric cars to futuristic commuter aircraft powered by ducted electric fans.

Modern humans need transport.

At this time, we use Fossil-fuelled Cars, Trucks, Trains, Boats and Planes.

They are all deeply destructive.

We are on the cusp of switching to Electric Vehicles, a move which is deeply disruptive.

How did we get where we are, and what might rational transport look like as we approach 2050?

Watch the talk and discussion

Brad Smith, Campaigns Director with the NSW Nature Conservation Council explained how NCC's new report Meeting the climate challenge spells out what's needed to reach 100% clean energy by 2030 and to create a safe, liveable climate for people and communities.

Key factors are a lower cost than business-as-usual, and better reliability. The report finds that both are achievable, but the fact that coal is actually going out quicker than anyone expected is among the risks that need to be managed.

Hydrogen is the earth's commonest element. When it is produced using renewable energy or processes, it can be compressed and stored or converted to ammonia, and shipped to where it's needed, for use when it's needed. When it's burnt, it produces just energy and water vapour. No carbon dioxide. But it requires energy to make it in the first place. Nicky Ison, Energy Transition Manager at WWF, and formerly from the Institute for Sustainable Futures, will explain the role of hydrogen in making the fullest use of renewable energy – and the things to watch for.

The grid wasn't designed for input from millions of domestic solar panels. What needs to change so it can take advantage of this source of electricity?

Guest speaker Hugh Saddler is the author of a book on Australian energy policy, Energy in Australia and over 50 scientific papers, monographs and articles on energy technology and environmental policy. He is recognised as one of Australia's leading experts in this field. Hugh's talk showed the contribution of the various methods of electricity generation in Australia, both at present and in the options modelled in AEMO's latest Integrated System Plan. The graphs shown in this video may be viewed here.