The report “Our Renewable Future: A Plan For People And Nature” by WWF summarises that Australia needs a renewable energy transition that benefits people, climate and nature. To power the country’s energy needs with renewables it’s estimated that it would only require 1,200km2 – 2,000km2 or 0.0002% of Australia’s bountiful landmass (Blakers 2023). Already, renewables account for 40 per cent of the main power supply. Right now, there are legitimate concerns surrounding individual renewables projects, some of which have led to habitat destruction and impacts on threatened wildlife.
This undermines Australia’s ability to meet its targets to halt biodiversity loss and restore degraded ecosystems, erodes trust in the energy transition and increases community opposition to renewable energy. Those concerns have led to action and a plan to get this right for nature. Because renewables are the only energy option that can turbo charge the restoration and protection of our natural world.
A transition to renewables and storage that is good for nature and people is a win-win-win. Australia can power everything with clean and affordable renewables and protect and restore nature-while driving benefits for First Nations, farmers, communities, and businesses. This transition is possible with urgent, sustained and collaborative action from governments, industry across all sectors and communities.
Access the report here
