Beyond Zero Emissions challenges universities to go, research Zero : Melbourne Indymedia

Media Release

Beyond Zero Emissions challenges universities to go, research Zero

17 February 07 - For immediate Release

Beyond Zero Emissions is releasing it's updated plan outline for a fast transition to a Near Zero Emissions stationary energy sector 3PM today at the Think Tent, Sustainable Living Festival, Federation Square Melbourne.

Beyond Zero Emissions is calling for a major program of zero emissions research to be run out of Australia's universities. In launching the updated stationary energy sector near zero emissions scoping document and discussion starter, Matthew Wright, researcher at Beyond Zero Emissions said, "This is an opportunity for universities to take the lead and direct scientists, engineers, politicians and the public to work on major research into planning and implementing zero emissions reform across all sectors."

"This must be carried out as soon as possible and it will require coordination across multiple faculties at each university that takes up the challenge." "Universities must allocate funding and direct research." "ur universities have a moral responsibility to do this work as such a huge base of intellectual capacity is contained within the walls of Australia's universities." said Mr Wright.

We are at a stage, where we must do the finishing touches on managing a very fast transition to renewables, closing down all coal power stations as soon as possible and installing an electricity network based on large scale wind, solar, energy efficiency and demand side management and reduction."

Responding to climate change represents an opportunity to move Australia towards a modern knowledge economy and away from an exposed economy dependent on risky resource exports." said Mr Wright.

Researchers at Australia's universities are known for being world leaders in solar technology. "It's time to up the ante and look at how to integrate indigenous Australian solutions with the worlds best and convert our economy from a carbon economy to a clean zero emissions
economy." said Mr Wright.