Is Australia Really Destroying Life On Earth

Below: Morwell Power Station in Latrobe Valley, near Melbourne (Reuters)

According to Professor James Hansen, head of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, Australia’s use of coal and carbon emissions policies are guaranteeing the “destruction of much of the life on the planet”.

In a letter to President Elect Barak Obama, Professor Hansen said that “Australia exports coal and sets atmospheric carbon dioxide goals so large as to guarantee destruction of much of the life on the planet.”

News.com.au January 06, 2009: Australia ‘destroying life on Earth’

A rather eye catching and dramatic headline that is designed to catch the eye and cause a bit of a stir in a slow news period when Australians are more interested in the cricket and staying cool than the environment.

Of course prof Hansen has a point about carbon emissions and pollution.

The question is, what can the average person do about it? So many stories seem to be designed to stir controversy and fear, but present no real answers.

Below: a cooling tower at Wallerawang power station, near Lithgow.

Of course there are alternative power sources of electricity, such as hydro electricity, wind turbines and solar power.

Solar power rebates and feed in tariffs from state and federal governments have made solar power more affordable for many home owners in recent years.

Presently, Australian householders with a combined annual income of less than $100,000.00 are eligible for an $8,000.00 rebate. Changes to the scheme will take place from July 1, 2009!

Rather than wringing their hands and worrying about doom sayers, home owners can take advantage of the rebates and do something positive for the environment, as well as their budget, by installing solar power systems.