I read a great opinion piece on The Conversation yesterday. First to the article. It had a real go at the Australian debate on climate change. Essentially arguing that the discussion in political circles and the media is polarized between those proclaiming an impending apocalypse and others either in complete denial or committed to some idea that technology or the market will simply save us from any major impacts (but without any policy or strategy to steer such developments). This leaves no room for constructive consideration of the science, forming responsible and innovative policy, and taking swift action to respond to climate change both in terms of mitigation and adaptation as well as developing new jobs, technologies and industries for a post-carbon world. The article also points out that many other countries are busy innovating and building new industries around renewable energy and environmental technologies. I know one these places very well – Sweden. The piece finishes with the suggestion that perhaps the lucky country better start focusing on being clever! Too right. And a second point. The Conversation is an impressive medium that brings together the academic world with journalistic flair (as it puts it). It has analysis, commentary and news from the university and research sector viewed by some 350,000 readers each month, based on work from more than 3,000 registered academics and researchers from 200 institutions. Perhaps a better debate might emerge here?
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