Australia criticised for climate stance as ARENA warns of funding shortfall
A former White House advisor has raised criticism of the Australian government’s blackflip on climate policy according to a report from Renew Economy.
Heather Zichal is no stranger to governmental policy regarding climate change, being a key advisor to Barack Obama in his first term as President. Despite their attempts to sweep the issue under the carpet, Zichal expects the issue of climate change to be a key point on the agenda for the G20 summit that Australia is hosting later this year.
“Ignoring one of the biggest challenges we have ever faced is simply not an option …. sitting out climate change negotiations is not in Australia’s or any other nations’ interest,” said Zichal. “It is a huge mistake.”
Obama has encountered stiff opposition to his carbon emissions trading schemes, but has had some success in regulating large-scale polluters such as power plants and tightening standards in the areas of transport and buildings.
Meanwhile the progress of the former Australian government is now being unraveled, drawing criticism on a global scale.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency was established in 2012 to oversee and provide funding for renewable energy research projects, but has been starved of funding since Prime Minister Tony Abbott took office.
In January the agency revealed that only $103 million in funding remained until the end of 2016/17, following a $435 million funding cut.
ARENA have now contacted potential stakeholders to inform them of their limitations. “Given the fiscal outlook and media speculation concerning the forthcoming budget on 13 May, 2014, the future of ARENA’s funding is unclear,” wrote ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht.
ARENA combined with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation led the Gillard government’s charge into renewable energy research and funding. Prime Minister Abbott has already attempted, unsuccessfully, to dissolve the CEFC.
Support for CEFC and ARENA is guaranteed through legislation, the future of both is not as clear after the new Senate sits on July 1st.
