Ian Lowe and Sustainable Energy

Last night I attended the Sustainable Energy Forum organised by Climate Action Newcastle and Newcastle University Students Association.

The forum was well attended, with many local environmentalists taking the opportunity to hear long term campaigner for the future, Professor Ian Lowe.

Some of the key points Professor Lowe raised in his presentation included

- there are many possible futures, and we shape the future by the choices we make
- we are very close to (if not already past) peak oil production - it is foolish to tie our transport futures to oil
- according to the Zwitskowski report into nuclear energy, 25 nuclear reactors would only reduce our greenhouse emissions by 18%
- 100% of our energy needs could come from a mix of renewable sources for a 50% increase in cost
- there are more jobs in renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency than there are in open-cut coal mining

Professor Lowe listed a number of policies he believes should be implemented if we are aiming for a sustainable future. These include

- phase out subsidies for fossil fuels
- no new coal fired power stations
- use of gas as a transistion fuel
- a commitment to a mix of renewable energy sources
- good urban planning which integrates public transport

The Greens locally, regionally and nationally will be working to implement policies such as these to ensure we do have a sustainable future.