Dear Ben Morton:
I am writing to you to express my concerns concerning the issues with climate change and the lack of renewable energy used in Australia. Recently, I have noticed the issues with the disappointing amount of renewable energy that is being used, when the difficulties of climate change are so obvious and potentially harmful to people.
To know how to fix these issues within Australia, we first must know what climate change is. Climate change is a significant problem worldwide but especially within Australia. Increased greenhouse gas emissions and usage of fossil fuels further lead to this change in the climate. The rising temperatures create devastating circumstances everywhere and these non-renewable energy sources are the issue. Some effects include more acidic oceans, frequent and risky bushfires and increased sea levels just to name a few.
To me, it is astounding that a mere 7% of energy consumption in Australia consists of renewable energies. Also, the fact that this percentage has doubled, in past years makes this seem even worse. While the temperatures increase, droughts occur, and floods happen. Australia has only twiddled its thumbs and watched because it is still reliant on fossil fuels and greenhouse gases, which are all non-renewable energy sources. I’m sure that it is already common knowledge around the world that emissions can be held accountable for this disaster we call climate change. Especially as two-thirds of worldwide CO2 emissions are from the use of fossil fuels. Although the Australian Government has worked on ways to lower emissions, perhaps another way of tackling the issue is to pick up some smarter practices, by this, I mean more use of renewable energies.
Renewable energies have a range of benefits, unlike their non-renewable counterparts. For example, they are infinite or easily replenished. With power from the Sun, we can have an unlimited amount of energy. Non-renewable resources do not have the benefit of this, they either take too many years or are just too difficult to make more of. Another benefit is that there are no harmful emissions or effects unlike the use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. This is great for handling the climate change issue that has gone on since the mid-20th century. Finally, the last reason is that it reduces our dependence on imported fuels while also creating a variety of energy supply options. Once again, limiting our need to use non-renewable energies will be beneficial for climate change. To make matters better, more ways to supply our energy will just make everyone’s lives easier.
Sweden is a good example of a country and its renewable energy usage. Sweden has an ambitious goal to reach 100% renewable energy. They are trying to eliminate fossil fuels in their country. Currently, 56% of Sweden’s energy consumption is renewable energies, which is extensively better than the pathetic 7% in Australia. What’s more, is that Sweden has surpassed the European Union when it comes to renewable energy usage.
To summarise, Australia’s dependence on imported fuels and lack of renewable energy is a worry that should be changed. For long enough have we ignored the convenience of renewable energy, the advantages it brings to the table are just far too important to ignore. I believe more action should be taken to enforce renewable energy. I hope that you do consider this and reply with potential measures that can be taken to clear up this obstacle.

Kind regards:
Ashton Yu