PM turns up heat on solar power
Mr Murdoch’s The Australian newspaper is running a story PM turns up heat on solar power.
A PROPOSED $400 million solar plant that could deliver 154 megawatts of power will be the cornerstone of the Howard Government’s fight against climate change.
In a political shift that steals an approach trumpeted by federal Labor, the federal and Victorian governments will contribute $125 million towards the plant, to be built in northern Victoria using technology developed by Melbourne firm Solar Systems.The announcement today, part of a $230 million package, is the first in a series that will see an eventual $2 billion invested in new technology aimed at cutting greenhouse emissions.
One wonders what has caused this sudden about-face in policy. Not that I am complaing mind you - I think it’s a great start that the Australian federal government has finally woken up to some of the realities of climate change.
The Howard Government’s announcements come before the release next week of a British review, which will radically change the attitude to the economic effect of climate change with long-term predictions of economic costs if it’s not addressed quickly.
Before heading to Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum, where climate change and rising sea levels are major concerns, John Howard said climate change had to be addressed.
Congratulations John and welcome to the 21st century. — DS
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