Mavis Price, Castlemaine
In my early days when an issue came up, the pros and cons of each side were presented. I looked carefully at the report of the Council meeting (‘Big polluters foot the bill’, Mail March 20); only one speaker was mentioned, an activist, and ‘several councillors who spoke in support’.
‘In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.’ (Proverbs 18:17)
Was there discussion of the large amount of toxic waste left when the solar panels and turbines reach the end of their productive life every 20 to 25 years? About the damage done while mining for the rare earth minerals? About the removal of toxic waste and damaged land left after these companies leave? Is that covered by the National Compensation Fund and Climate Pollution Levy? Oh that’s right, rules for fossil fuel companies are different from those for “green” energy companies, even though both damage the environment. A lot of fossil fuels could be saved if less solar panels and turbines and transmission wires were made!
How things have changed! There used to be concern for workers in foreign countries being exploited. Now, Australians are very happy to import solar panels, EVs, turbines, electronic appliances and building materials, etc from China in the name of Net Zero. Environmental standards are much lower in China. Water systems, the land and the air are being contaminated by processing of rare earth minerals and industrial waste from production of cheap products, leading to wide-spread major health issues, not to mention children in Mozambique dying in mines. But that’s OK, Australia can boast of reducing its emissions!
Actually, I believe that both the fossil fuel and the ‘renewable’ companies are equally at fault. Most of them are greedy, seeking to make maximum amount money and are not concerned with the environment or the welfare of people. But neither are we, most consumers, willing to give up our energy intensive lifestyle. We want to restrict the use of fossil fuels everywhere, meaning that other countries will never enjoy the comforts we enjoy. Meanwhile enjoy a taste of Net Zero during the engineered fuel crisis.