Clean energy targets essential to avoid an overheated world
16 Jan 2004
WWF urges the federal government to use the 2003 Review of the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target as an opportunity to set an achievable target of 10 per cent new renewable energy generation in Australia by 2010.
The government today tabled its review of the renewable energy initiative stated the Prime Mnister's 1997 Safeguarding the Future package. The report recommends maintaining the 2 per cent renewable energy target by 2010.
Setting a 10 per cent target will help steer Australia some way from the expensive and overheated future the continued reliance on dirty coal energy sources ensures we will endure.
"A 10 per cent MRET will slow fossil fuel growth but alone will not reverse the trend," WWF climate change campaign manager Anna Reynolds said.
"It is critical that Federal, State and local governments co-ordinate their energy policies to assist the
transition.
"Failing to diversify Australia's energy supply will harm our economy by missing out on opportunities to develop clean energy technology and increase the costs of climate change impacts like devastating droughts and storms.
"There would be significant environmental benefits from meeting a 10 per cent MRET. More than 26 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions would be avoided, the equivalent of taking 6 million cars off Australian roads."
WWF believes Australia should match European and American State renewable energy targets - California has a target of 20 per cent by 2020 while the European Union target is 22 per cent by the year 2010.
WWF is part of 10x10 Alliance which includes the Australian Medical Association, the Electrical Trades Union, various tourism councils, the Council of National Trusts and the Ethical investments Association among others.
For media enquiries call:
* Andy Ridley, WWF Senior Manager Communications. Ph: +61 2 8202 1237,
0415 865 992 or aridley@wwf.org.au
* Jacqueline McArthur, WWF Communications Officer. Ph: +61 2 8202 1242,
0408 626 780 or jmcarthur@wwf.org.au
