A renowned climate scientist Professor Tim Flannery has released a new book that lays emphasis on greater solar panel intake.
The book titled ‘Sunlight and Seaweed’, explores several technological breakthroughs in the country’s quest to harness natural resources. Professor Flannery, who currently sits on the Climate Council as a member, is an internationally recognized scientist, explorer, and environmental conservationist.
In this book, the scientist highlights the importance of solar power in a country that is busking in abundant sunlight. Professor Flannery notes that its endowment with the resource, Australia has taken years to find effective ways to convert this resource to a primary source of power.
The professor also talks about the challenges of generating solar energy on overcast days including winter. To address supply problems, he recommends investment in ‘intense heat energy’ and commercial energy storage as key solutions.
The effect of solar uptake on climate change
As a climate enthusiast, Professor Flannery boldly points to great advances as one of the best ways of fighting climate change. In his book, the Professor claims the uptake of rooftop solar panels by Australian households and businesses is making a significant difference.
Further, he cites concentrated solar thermal plants as having ‘great potential’ for Australia’s energy future.
In conclusion, he calls for more Government investment in renewables. He also applauds the planned $650 million solar plant to be set up in South Australia.
According to Prof Flannery, the Aurora Solar Energy Project near Port Augusta has the potential to supply 100% of the State Government’s energy needs by 2020.
A two-pronged strategy to solve climate change
In his book, Professor Flannery insists on the urgent need to cut carbon emissions and develop more creative ways to reverse the effects of global warming.
He strongly believes that Seaweed has a great role to play in cutting down carbon footprint from the environment. Planting seaweed off the coast causes the carbon in the seaweed to be sequestered for good.
Apparently, seaweed farming has flourished into a $10 billion industry and mainly works by drawing acidity out of the water and provide reliable food for fish.
On Wednesday this week, Professor Flannery hosted a climate change discussion at Northcote Town Hall, Melbourne. The meeting dubbed ‘Rays of Hope’, focused on solar power, energy storage batteries and removal or atmospheric carbon using seaweed in Australia.
