For more than 20 years Alan Pears AM has been teasing out the complexities and absurdities of government energy and climate policy in a regular column in ReNew Magazine, published by the not-for-profit Alternative Technology Association (ATA).
A champion of clean energy and critic of government twists and turns on renewables, energy efficiency and a safe climate, Mr Pears’ insightful columns have helped people understand difficult policy issues and clarified rational policy for an environmentally sustainable Australia.
Now his columns have been compiled in a new e-book, The Pears Report eCollection, which will be launched at the All-Energy Conference in Melbourne tomorrow, October 4 (www.all-energy.com.au).
Mr Pears, a Senior Industry Fellow at RMIT University and long-time adviser to governments, business and community, said progress towards good energy policy over the years had been “glacial”, but positive trends were happening.
“We’ve seen a cranking up of activity at state levels with leadership from the ACT Government, the Victorian Government and others. ARENA is still functioning and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation is doing a great job,” he said.
“We’re starting to see more integrated clean energy and smart energy frameworks beginning to drive the agenda, and there have been positive transformations as a result of the Paris Climate Conference and all the weird weather we’ve been having.”
Donna Luckman, chief executive of the ATA, said The Pears Report eCollection provided a historical and insider perspective on energy policy that was unique.
“This is a great resource for anyone interested in sustainability from a person who could not be better qualified on the subjects he addresses.”
The e-book will be officially launched by Professor Ralph Horne, RMIT Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor. RMIT’s Sustainability Committee provided funding for the project.
Mr Pears was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2009 for contribution to climate and environmental policy.
ReNew has been covering technology for an environmentally sustainable future since 1980. The ATA is a not-for-profit organisation promoting sustainable living.
Donna Luckman, ATA chief executive
