Pope Francis demands investment in renewable energy
Solar Citizens today welcomes Pope Francis’ call for stronger investment in renewable energy in his challenging Encyclical released last night in London.
The Pontiff wrote:
“There is an urgent need to develop policies so that, in the next few years, the emission of carbon dioxide and other highly polluting gases can be drastically reduced, for example, substituting for fossil fuels and developing sources of renewable energy.”1
National Director Claire O’Rourke said the declaration by the head of the Catholic Church was an opportune moment for Prime Minister Tony Abbott to end his attacks on renewables and shift to clean energy sources such as wind and solar.
“Pope Francis warns that countries wealthy enough to make a real difference mostly use their power to prevent real progress, rather than taking the immediate action needed.
“Recent polling shows 71% of Australians believe solar power should be Australia’s number one form of energy.
“Yet Prime Minister Tony Abbott has put jobs, lower power bills and investment in the renewable energy sector at risk by undermining the Renewable Energy Target (RET).”
“A poll conducted by The Australian Institute found 64% of Liberal voters support an increased Target, while 43% of Liberal voters would support a more ambitious Target of 50% or more renewables by 2030.
“In recent weeks we’ve seen thousands of people from all walks of life sign up to our ‘Stand up for Solar’ pledge calling for a national goal of at least 50% renewable energy including solar by 2030.
“Our Federal Government is clearly out of touch with what Australians and the rest of the world on supporting the growth of solar power. The overwhelming consensus is that Australians are demanding investment in clean energy,” said Ms O’Rourke.
Claire O’Rourke is available for comment
Media Contact: Amy Gordon 0410 631 404
