Critical Times

By Sarah Clarke

A new report commissioned by green groups has found that a 25 per cent renewable energy target by 2020 could create 16,000 new jobs.

The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), Greenpeace and the Climate Action Network (CAN) commissioned the report.

It found that the introduction of the target would help flight climate change and deliver at least 16,000 new jobs.

It also found that renewable power like solar and wind could create enough electricity to power every home in Australia.

ACF spokeswoman Monica Richter says it is an affordable option and will help fight climate change.

“If we don’t take action and reduce our emissions then the average household bill could increase by several hundred dollars a year,” she said.

“Whereas if we do implement a 25 per cent target by 2020 and modest efficiency measures, we would see household bills on average increase by something like $84 a year.

“It’s economically feasible, it’s do-able – the renewable energy industry is ready”.

Australia’s current renewable energy target is 10 per cent by 2020, in comparison to the European Union which is double that.