It is encouraging to see the effort underway in Australia. Laura Nelson of Sun Community Newspapers writes about an initiative to get students to provide their views on the future of federal renewable energy policies in Australia.
Youth comment on renewable energy
GRIFFITH University students are having their say on the Federal Government’s renewable energy policies.
Youth Decide, run by the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, gives the next generation the chance to vote on energy legislation.
The legislation stipulates that by 2020 Australia must derive 20 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources.
“This policy is being reviewed and it’s being opposed by businesses like Origin Energy who want it reduced or scrapped,” spokeswoman Brittany Laidlaw said.
“Our future is being decided, but the one voice that isn’t being heard is that of young people.”
The Australian Youth Climate Coalition is the largest youth-run organisation in the country, and has more than 80,000 members.
Youth Decide events were held at schools and universities last week and online voting has been extended until the end of the month.
Four Griffith University students have also headed to South Australia to take part in a 325km Walk For Solar from Port Augusta to Adelaide.
They will deliver thousands of votes to South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill and the Federal Government.
They will urge the country’s leaders to support renewable energy at Port Augusta, where two coal-fired power stations recently closed.
For more information, visit youthdecide.aycc.org.au.
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 