Description

We dive into a detailed run-down of the Morrison government's new Low Emissions Technology Statement, and why it actually is worse than doing nothing.

Ghost of climate past

• Scott Morrison brought a piece of coal into parliament in 2017.
• The piece of coal was lacquered, and given to him by a Minerals Council lobbyist.
• Scott Morrison came to power after rolling Scott Morrison over the National Energy Guarantee.
• The Morrison government pushed for using “roll-over credits” to avoid action on climate change.
• 100 countries challenged Australia on this approach, and the UN accused us of cheating.
• Angus Taylor and the Morrison government have been trying to use the Clean Energy Corporation to fund gas projects, by re-classifying gas as green energy.
• The “Covid Recovery Commission” is packed with gas lobbyists, and keep recommending gas projects as a path to recovery.

Ghost of climate present

• The Morrison government’s new Climate technology roadmap is bad.
• Australia exports a lot of coal, but it doesn’t actually make us that much money.
• Hydrogen isn’t an energy source. It’s way to store and transport energy — eg. coal and gas.
• The best way to produce low-carbon aluminium or steel is to use renewable energy.
• Carbon capture and storage is grift. We’ve talked about the failed Gorgon Gas plant before in episode 25.
• Kiss the Ground, a documentary about regenerative agriculture.
• Nothing in the climate roadmap explains why these technologies were chosen.
• The roadmap isn’t based on any independent studies — it’s departmental and industry group guesses.
• The government has threatened to build new gas plants with public money, if the free market won’t fund it.
• Malcolm Turnbull kept money in Cayman Island accounts.

Ghost of climate future

• After last year’s disastrous bushfire season, Australia is still woefully underprepared for another one.
• Mitch on The Drum in 2019.
• Sydney’s gas network is constantly leaking methane. You can’t lie to the atmosphere.

Actions

• Divest your bank and superannuation.
• Support blockades of Adani.