In other words, we are called upon to be thrifty with all our God-given resources. As an aside, by doing so we will set a good example to people elsewhere in the world. Another spin-off from the general population demanding more energy-efficient appliances is that scientists and technologists are given an incentive to actually develop new and innovative designs and energy-production techniques.
The 'Climate Spectator' is a bulletin that has daily articles relating climate and economics. I have been following some of their reports which give hard facts and data about how Australians are reducing their energy consumption and thereby reducing polluting emissions, and I have summarised some of this data in this article. (You can search the original articles at www.climatespectator.com.au - registration is free – but note that they are often very technical in their tone).
Electricity consumption has been dropping
Despite the tendency of humans to report 'doom and gloom', the news from these articles is upbeat and positive, reporting reduced consumption of energy all around Australia. For whatever reason we, as a nation, are reducing our reliance on fuel and concomitantly reducing our pollution.
For example, an article on 18 June gives data to show how electricity demand is dropping in Australia and around the world – and that more of what is being used is now generated by renewable or 'green' resources. Many other articles from 'Climate Spectator' also mention this point as an aside.
More energy-efficient appliances available
A recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald quoted a survey from 'Choice' magazine, identifying that many new household appliances use less power, consume less fuel and cost less money to run than the equivalent old versions. (www.smh.com.au)
For example, Matt Levey, head of campaigns at Choice, said: "Television, fridge and air conditioner efficiency requirements have been tightened significantly over the past few years." As an example, an efficient TV could save you $100 per year to run, compared with an older, inefficient model.
In the same article, Mark Dreyfus, parliamentary secretary for climate change and energy efficiency, stated that Australia will become the first OECD country to regulate minimum energy performance standards for computers, pending agreement from the states.
Renewable and 'green' energy production is increasing
I can recall that ten years ago, the received wisdom was that electricity from solar and wind generation would be too expensive to be any more than a small part of our total energy production. However, 'necessity is the mother of invention', and both these technologies have developed in leaps and bounds to the extent that they are now almost competitive with fossil-fuel generation of electricity, and the costs keep coming down.
For example, there are new discoveries in the way solar panels are coated, making them both cheaper and more efficient. This has resulted in more solar and wind power being supplied to the national grid than was ever predicted a few years ago. For examples of ongoing research, see www.sciencedaily.com from the USA and www.energymatters.com.au from Queensland, Australia.
Nigel Morris, in the 'Climate Spectator' article of 8 November reports that Solar power in Australia has topped the 2GW (gigawatts) barrier. He puts this in context as "By our analysis, this equates to just under 4% of the 50GW of national capacity installed in the National Electricity Market and around 1% of Australia's annual energy demand; perhaps more if you consider that demand is falling and conventional generation is starting to come off line"
Despite some communities' objections with wind farms in their backyards, wind power is becoming more mainstream in Australia. John Boland, Professor of Environmental Mathematics at the University of South Australia, reported on September 25th that "in the year to June 2012, the electricity generated by wind farms in SA amounted to ... 26 per cent of the total supply. This was behind the 50 per cent supplied by natural gas and ahead of coal's 24 per cent."
There are still problems with storing this energy from solar and wind generation; as there are problems with efficient batteries for electric cars. But scientists and technologists are 'working on it', as evidenced from a report on September 19th about a new sodium-based battery being developed at Murdoch University, W.A.
In practice, everyone can do their bit
There are many small ways to conserve energy, and each can add a little to reducing pollution as well as reducing costs for the consumer. Australians are already doing what they can – 'acting locally, thinking globally'. They are insulating their houses and using 'block-out' curtains against both heat and cold; they are using solar hot-water systems and installing solar PV to sell electricity to the grid (particularly in country areas).
Many are reducing both heating and cooling bills enormously, even without 'smart meters' (which are not available in all states) by setting thermostats a little closer to the outside temperature and adjusting their clothing accordingly. My wife Delma and I use old fashioned nana-rugs on our laps in winter as we sit cosily and comfortably with old-fashioned when on our lounge. In addition, research has shown that we are healthier if we allow our bodies to adapt a little more to the outside climate.
'Choice' magazine reports that many families are managing with a slightly smaller fridge, or car; or a different style of hot-water heater. The innovations of science and technology in response to the public demand are enabling Australians to save themselves money while helping the environment.
Australians, treasure your gold star for the efforts you have made already and applaud Proverbs 21 verse 20.
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html
