garnaut draft report friday, page-6

Niel,

I think I would put you in the realist camp. Most contributors here know what politics is about and are appropriately sceptical. What many do not realise is that many things can be made to happen. Politicians have some remarkably softs spots (Achilles heels) which can be pressed for effects. Sitting back and waiting for things to happen by themselves is not a solution. I confess that I have been an activist with others to some remarkable effects. However for change to occur does require some careful, persistent and coordinated effort.

Despite my own scepticism, Rudd has made a big deal of Climate Change and the Garnaut Review. For him to dilute the recommendtions of that Report to insignificance would have dramatic electoral effects. Rudd understands that well. He has laid 20% reduction in emissions by 2020 on the line. How can he do that with some ease? Fixed energy generation produced 50% of emissions in Australia and 2/3 of that is from coal fired power stations. This means 35% of emissions comes from coal. Since the Cooper Basin geothermal fields alone could supply all of Australia's power needs if required, achieving a 20% reduction in emissions should be a cince by gradual phasing in of clean geothermal power. Rudd, Wong and Ferguson just need to be convinced that that is viable at this time. GDY could effectively hand Rudd an election win on a plate. Our writing to Rudd should alert him to that effect. Of course our erudite letters will more subtly explain the positive aspects of geothermal energy.

Thanks Dr Wood, I need to do some more study of the Draft Report. I am not in my usual haunts at the moment and my time is not my own.

Juke