TJ Ryan Foundation Research Associate, John Quiggin, writes in The Conversation (9.9.21) explaining how Australia is capable of phasing out coal-fired electricity by 2030 and replacing it with a combination of solar and wind, backed by storage. The author claims it would be easy and relatively cheap to do, just requiring ‘a modest amount of political will’.
‘Australia has received seemingly contradictory messages about coal this week.
‘In a UK study published today in Nature, scientists found Australia must keep 95% of coal in the ground if we have any hope of stopping the planet warming beyond the crucial limit of 1.5℃.
‘These findings echo the message of senior United Nations official Selwin Hart, who earlier this week urged Australia to end the use of coal by 2030. He warned if the world doesn’t boost climate action urgently, Australia can expect more frequent and severe climate disasters such as droughts, heatwaves, fires and floods.
‘Meanwhile, markets for coal seem to be sending the opposite message.
‘… It’s entirely feasible for Australia to phase out thermal coal by 2030 – we just need political will.’
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