Warming up to renewable energy

The world is in the grip of a heatwave. Record temperatures in Algeria, drought in Australia and wildfires across the world all suggest that climate change is no longer a future threat – it’s here.

Action needs to be taken now. Which is why we’re happy to hear that Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has committed a record AU$2.3 billion to new energy efficiency projects and renewable energy farms. Ian Learmouth, Chief Executive of the CEFC, has indicated the company is looking into ‘new frontiers’ including smart grid technology, energy storage and even the concentrating of solar thermal power.

In Australia, currently gripped by drought and with its coral reefs facing an existential threat, the need for action is clear. But to affect real change, more countries need to be on board. And where better to start than here at home?

The UK has recently seen the launch of the Prince of Wales Global Sustainability Fellowship Programme, with an expected start date of early 2019. Its fellows will look into various aspects of a sustainable society, including the use of limited resources and the need to bring carbon emissions to net zero (particularly in the paper and pulp industry).

It’s early days. But as advocates for a more sustainable future we hope that, if nothing else, recent events will focus the minds of those with the power to create a better future – for all of us.