Forbes says climate change is not an existential crisis, but its assumptions are demonstrably false. The doomer view says retreat; the optimistic view says innovate. Two slogans spell it out: stop burning rocks, and wires not pipes.
Renewable energy produced locally regains sovereignty when fossil fuel is gone. Countries regain sovereignty when they no longer have to buy their energy from fossil fuel rich countries. Fossil fuel exports provide luxury for about 24 countries – the rest of the 160 countries are dependent on importing oil gas and coal.
Rapid electrification is forcing gas network companies to seek higher fees by over $200m as they try to protect over $10 billion of stranded assets. As more households switch to electricity, the future of renewable gas remains uncertain. The energy transition challenges policymakers to protect both consumers and gas companies.
Japan has over contracted gas from countries such as Australia. With 20% of surplus gas, they are reselling globally. While they have clean energy plans, their greenwashing shows up as still wanting to have their gas.
Australia’s government subsidizes the fossil fuel industry, emphasizing gas fields in its strategy despite environmental concerns. Critics argue this undermines emissions targets and misses potential royalty revenues. The policy supports export-focused gas development, risking public funds for decommissioning costs while contradicting net-zero ambitions and favoring fossil fuel interests.
