Reflections on two decades of energy, climate policy in Australia

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