According to the MIT Technology Review, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced the establishment of a $1 billion clean-energy innovation fund ($760 million in American dollars) that will invest money into businesses and technologies that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Now, if you just read that and though “Uh…okay? So?” Here’s why it’s a big deal. First of all, Australia is one the most vulnerable developed countries to effects of climate change. In recent decades, the country has experienced devastating wildfires and extreme degradation to coral reef systems due to rising temperatures and shifting, volatile weather patterns. Australia also heavily relies on coal to power two-thirds of its electricity, so a new fund that supports climate-friendly initiatives is being celebrated as a positive move by many. Another reason why this is a big deal is because of Australia’s political history of dealing with climate change. Before Turnbull, Prime Minister Tony Abbott was known for his skepticism of global warming and strong support of the coal industry and staunch opposition to a carbon taxing system.
Ultimately, it’s strange to see such abrupt differences in political action on climate change within a few years in Australia, but maybe this can be seen as a glimmer of hope on the horizon. For those in positions of power still standing in the way of climate change action, perhaps support for common sense changes to reduce green house emissions is just around the corner.
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