Climate change and energy

Alternative energy options

Australian concern about climate change has ebbed and flowed over the past decade. In 2020, the majority of Australians (59%) continue to view climate change as a critical threat to Australia’s vital interests in the coming decade. However, some concern about climate change may have been overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic uncertainty. In 2020, 56% of Australians say ‘global warming is a serious and pressing problem. We should begin taking steps now even if this involves significant costs.’ This is five points lower than in 2019, and 12 points below the peak of concern in 2006 when 68% expressed this view. Eight in ten Australians say that the Australian government should focus on renewables, even if we need to invest more in infrastructure to make the system more reliable.

Climate change and energy
Alternative energy options

Question

On the issue of climate change ... Thinking about the next 25 years in Australia, please say how convincing you find the case for each of the following methods.

This question was asked in 2007.

0%
25%
50%
75%
100%

Renewable energy like wind, solar and geothermal

More efficient power-plants, machinery and vehicles

Biofuels made from agricultural products

Hydroelectric power as a product of new dams

Nuclear energy

Clean coal energy where emissions are stored underground

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Question

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