As Christians, we long to see a flourishing world, but our chance to pass on a clean energy future to our children is quickly slipping away.
Our government has been trying to decrease the modest Renewable Energy Target (RET) that’s been in place since the Howard era, resulting in a staggering 70% drop in investment into Australian renewables this year [1]. But the Government has just indicated they want to restart negotiations on the target, providing an opportunity to do something practical and influence the final decision before it’s too late[2].
But Australians aren’t uncertain about the future. Nearly 90% of Australians support the RET [3] – so it’s clear, Aussies love renewables like John the Baptist loved locusts. Now is the time for Christians to add their voice to the broad chorus already calling for a strong renewables industry.
Let’s crowd fund solar panels for Kirribilli House as a Christmas gift for the nation. The panels will be delivered to the current occupant, Prime Minister Abbott, on behalf of the nation by a diverse bunch of local church leaders as a gift to symbolise public support for a clean energy future.
We have one week to crowd fund these solar panels to give us a shot at influencing the future of Australian renewables. Chip in now and together, let’s send the message to the PM: give renewables a try.
$3000 will purchase 6 solar panels plus installation
$4500 will purchase 9 solar panels plus installation
$6000 will purchase 12 solar panels plus installation
References
[1] “Investment in renewable energy down 70 per cent: Climate Council report”, ABC News, updated 10 November 2014.
[2] “RET negotiations - On Again, Off Again?” Energy Matters, 1 December 2014.
[3] “Almost 90% of Australians support renewable energy target, says poll”, The Guardian, 2 December 2014.
What happens if the Panels are not accepted?
If the PM and the independent Trust that looks after Kirribilli House does not accept our Christmas gift, we will offer the solar panels to the Davidson Brigade of the Rural Fire Service, of which Mr Abbott is a long time member. Fire fighters are on the front line of climate change fighting increasingly frequent and intense bushfires. It’d be a small way we can say thank you for what they do.