In the Climate of the Nation Report 2020 recently published by The Australian Institute, it states that the majority of respondents (59%) support Australia’s economic recovery being primarily powered by investment in renewables, compared to 12% who would prefer it were powered by investment in gas. It also stated that solar is consistently Australia’s most preferred energy source.
More than half (54%) of Australians rank solar as their number one energy source and 79% rank it amongst their top three with coast and gas becoming increasingly unpopular. Other key findings stated that 80% of Australians believe we are already experiencing the impacts of climate change and that b68% of Australians support the national target of net zero emissions by 2050.
Electricity remains the most polluting sector in Australia. A transition away from carbon-based electricity generation is necessary under any credible climate strategy.
The year 2020 has seen coal generation fall to below 70% of the National Energy Market generation (excluding rooftop solar) for the first time,12 and renewable generation reach a record high annual penetration of 25% in April.
A strong commitment from government to decarbonise the electricity sector and coordinate the transition away from carbon-based electricity generation is supported by most Australians, and it is only getting more popular.
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The Australia Institute is an independent public policy think tank based in Canberra who conduct original research contributing to a more sustainable society. Since its launch in 1994, the Institute has carried out highly influential research on a broad range of economic, social and environmental issues. To read the report click here.