March 27th 2006

Australians produce the highest proportion of greenhouse gases per person in the world, mainly by burning fossil fuels. Yet with little community consultation the Howard Government still refuses to ratify the Kyoto Protocol for greenhouse gas reduction and has thrown its support and taxpayer dollars behind fossil fuel companies.

This free public lecture examines the politics and opportunities associated with Australia’s energy debate, exploring the potential of renewable energy and energy efficiency as well as the dangers of CO2 geosequestration and nuclear power. You’ll also discover how you can reduce your contribution to climate change.

Dr Chris Riedy
Dr Riedy is a Research Principal with the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures. He has more than ten years experience in environmental policy with a focus on the economic, environmental and social sustainability of energy use. His PhD thesis examined the behaviours, systems, psychology and culture underpinning Australia’s response to climate change. Dr Riedy managed the Community Empowerment project for Moreland Energy Foundation in 2004, has co-authored an Australia Institute discussion paper on geosequestration, written papers on public subsidies for fossil fuel consumption and presented at public forums on the Kyoto Protocol.

Resources

• flyer (PDF 56k)
• presentation slides (PDF 504k)

UTSPEAKS: is a free public lecture series presented by UTS experts discussing a range of important issues confronting contemporary Australia