Show me the Money!

Al Gore’s confronting environmental documentary, titled ‘An Inconvenient Truth,’ had people all around the world shaking their heads, stomping their feet and clenching their fists with rage at the globes projected environmental future. However, it would seem that these horrific scientific truths have now been conveniently placed at the back of the minds of many, including the Australian Governments.

Mr Hollis, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Lloyd Energy Systems, addressed the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry and Resources on the 9th of August 2007. Having not visited the corridors of Parliament House since a school excursion in 1997, I found the ambiance of the public hearing a rather different experience, however, not dissimilar from those images depicted on television. That aside, during my visit to the nations capital, I became very aware of the governments absolute preoccupation and fascination with money, money, money!

During the hearing, Mr Hollis and Mr Higgs gave a presentation to the House about the benefits associated with solar energy. The presentation consisted of a lot of scientific and political jargon, but their key message was simple, solar energy should be the way of the future in Australia if we want a green environment for generations to come. In summary, their main argument was that solar energy is

‘simple. It is scalable. It is very agricultural. It is environmentally friendly: there are no nasties whatsoever; there are no emissions or anything like that, and graphite, the storage medium, is environmentally benign. It suits remote areas. It suits developing countries. And it is very cost competitive in those sorts of applications ...You are looking at a much lower impact on the countryside.’

Surprisingly, it wasn’t Mr Hollis’ and Mr Higgs use of scientific jargon and their somewhat inarticulate presentation that puzzled me the most. Rather, it was the representative’s fixation on money that really got me worried. Australia’s economy must remain strong, but solar energy is a clean, renewable and relatively cost effective source of energy and an environmental and economic avenue, which should be given more attention. The Australian government should consider the use of solar power as a major source of renewable energy more seriously. By increasing the use of solar power through stations such located in Lake Cargellico and Mt Isa, eventually production costs will ease considerably, further endorsing its viability within the Australian market.

With the election looming and the politicians waving around millions of dollars to various social groups, which carry the highest number of potential associated voters, they should consider;

The point of investing millions into creating a great tourism industry in Australia if there will no be longer a pristine environment to view, due the use of present day non-renewable energy resources?

The point of investing millions into the education system, if the government won’t practice the ‘green’ ways, which they pay teachers millions of dollars to preach to vulnerable students.

Finally, what is the point of resurrecting Australia’s health care system if the number of patients will continue to increase due to poor environmental standards that have resulted from irreversible climate damage?
Viewing a hearing made me hear and see with my own eyes the ludicrous nature of the governments political stance on matters of significant importance and made me ponder why I should be made vote at the next election if politicians won’t listen to the needs of a country on the verge of environmental self destruction!