had written to Dr Finkel, voicing their concern that his support for the use of gas was not supported by scientific evidence about the need for the rapid abandonment of fossil fuels to tackle climate change.
He wrote that greenhouse gas emissions caused by burning coal gas to generate electricity were lower than that created by burning coal, "even when upstream fugitive emissions of methane are included in the analysis". He also wrote that because gas-fired power stations could ramp up faster than coal-fired power stations they did not need to operate for as long to meet shortfalls in renewable power in the grid.
One of the signatories to the letter, Professor Will Steffen, said Dr Finkel had not addressed its key points. "'Fuel switching' from coal to gas is policy based on factors that were at play around the turn of the century or before, not in today’s world and beyond," she said. "The last thing we need is to increase fossil fuel production at a time when coal, gas and oil must all decline starting now in order to stay well below 2°C of global heating.
AndyOz2 npomalley We've got it. Don't need to invent it. Low emissions. What are they complaining about?
npomalley Is he basically a public servant just like the CMO is?
npomalley So per his letter, he believes gas should continue to be available (ie maintain current system), and then states he is not commenting on expanding the gas industry. If he's an expert, he should give his opinion on need vs risks of expansion, if not, defer to AEMO and others.
npomalley How strange: 'Dr Finkel wrote that he has not commented on an expanded role of gas for industry'. The govt is about to embark on increasing fossil fuel use, while ignoring the Paris Agreement, and Dr Finkel has nothing to say? We need evidence and expertise not silence.
npomalley What we are witnessing is the Trumpification of Australia. We see it with Brendon Nelson all the time & senior public servants in senate estimates. If the media believes in democracy (and we really can’t be sure anymore) it needs to be change the way it covers politics. Quickly.
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