Sunny Australia A Land Made For Renewable Energy Production

The vast Australian interior is an environment shaped and dominated by the awe-inspiring power of the sun. In an age which is searching for sustainable energy sources, one might expect the heat of the Australian sun to be harnessed for the benefit of mankind.The other common renewable resource, wind power, is a less obvious choice for the Australian environment, but there are opportunities for wind farms too, in a country where so much of the land lies empty. Development of wind power in crowded European countries, and even in the US, is slowed by the hostility it provokes in people who want to protect the appearance of the countryside. That brake on developing wind technologies should be far less powerful in the open spaces of Australia.So how is Australia doing in the solar and wind power stakes?Australia isn't doing too well at developing green energy sources at the moment. In 2013, it was only 31st among the nations of the world in terms of the percentage of energy requirements produced by renewables. That fact was disappointing to a lot of Australians who took part in a survey carried out by AMR Research on behalf of 'Earth Day' and reported in March 2013. No less than 87% of Australians taking part in the survey said that they wanted to see action from government and other sectors to promote and develop renewables, bringing Australia up into the top 10 nations. Given its great natural resources, one might think that's where it should be.WHY ISN'T AUSTRALIA DOING BETTER NOW?In spite of Australia's natural assets, there are voices there, as elsewhere, raised against change. Throughout the world, people who do well out of the status quo or are merely comfortable, don't want to think in new ways. Bodies with entrenched financial interests in fossil fuel extraction fight hard to resist renewables and protect their profits.As against the vested interests, popular sentiment seems to back sustainable energy. An increasing number of Australians are thinking about putting in solar panels. Women in particular say they are swayed by the chance that now exists to install the panels without paying up-front, according to the AMR survey.People are also more likely to back renewables if they understand something about the technology they use. There is plenty of information on the internet, like this example of a great article showing how solar power works,and that can help. There are other forces pushing for positive change. For example, the Australian Solar Council has set up a fighting fund to oppose pressure to review the renewable energy target downwards.There are also popular movements like Earth Hour that seek to inform the public about the consequences of global warming.WHAT IS EARTH HOUR?Earth Hour was founded in Sydney in 2007 by the World Wide Fund for Nature, and since then the movement has spread across the world. For one hour each year at 8.30 pm local time, on the last Saturday in March, people turn off their electric lights and all their gadgets to experience the peace that brings. Some people will stay at home and enjoy a candle-lit evening, while many will attend or host gatherings to celebrate the event. On Saturday 29th March 2014, there will be gatherings all over the world to celebrate Earth Hour, with a particular focus on what the world stands to lose with the damage being done to the Great Barrier Reef by global warming.The struggle between climate change sceptics and environmentalists continues on many battlefields. People concerned about the future in Australia, as much as anywhere else, need to do whatever they can to help.Scott Coleman has a passion for green living and is dedicated to researching practical ways to go green at home and in industry. He believes the key to an eco-friendly world is renewable, sustainable energy production and consumption.Follow Dude, Sustainable! on Twitter or Pinterest, or subscribe to our newsletter.