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In this episode, two parts:
Jenny Chase, a solar market analyst at BNF, about the dramatic rise of solar power in Pakistan. Despite scant government support, Pakistan has rapidly adopted solar energy, moving from importing a few gigawatts of solar modules in 2022 to becoming one of the largest markets. This development has led to economic and infrastructural challenges, such as grid reliability and pricing issues, and raises important questions about the future of energy systems globally.
The episode also features a conversation with Australia-based climate journalist Royce Kurmelovs, who writes for Drilled and Reneweconomy as well as many others, about a recent significant legal ruling in Australia where indigenous Torres Strait Islanders sued the government over climate change threats to their homeland. While the court recognized climate change as an existential threat, it ruled against the plaintiffs due to current legal limitations, highlighting the ongoing legal and moral challenges in climate responsibility.
00:00 Introduction to Pakistan's Solar Energy Surge
00:09 Global Perspectives and Future Trends
00:33 Australia's Energy Ambitions vs. Reality
02:24 Unreported Solar Installations in Pakistan
03:37 Economic Implications of Solar Adoption
04:49 Government Contracts and Energy Prices
16:07 Global Perspectives and Future Trends
19:39 Discussion on Pakistan's Progress
19:44 Jenny Chase's Upcoming Leave
20:41 Introduction to Climate Cases in Australia
21:42 Details of the Torres Strait Case
23:29 Impacts on Torres Strait Islands
25:14 Legal and Cultural Implications
28:37 Global Context and Comparisons
40:42 Australia's Climate Policy and Politics
Follow Jenny:
🌐 Follow Royce:
“Court agrees climate change is real, but throws out Torres Strait Islanders’ claim anyway” (RenewEconomy)
Also check out his most recent book: Slick: Australia’s Toxic Relationship with Big Oil
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