ENERGY
Energy has revolutionised our way of living, however, the current system is one rooted in exploitation and inefficiency. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the energy sector is responsible for around 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. With our large global reliance on fossil fuels, and the rise in energy consumption and consequential emissions over the past century, it’s undeniable our energy systems require reformation. Information on the state of our current system, cleaner energy sources such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and groups working in this space aiding in this work can be found below.
Image: Rachel Mounsey, Regenerousity, 2021. Photograph of Tony Wolfe, Energy Activist.
WHERE YOUR ENERGY COMES FROM
With the ease of flicking a switch to turn on a light or to regulate our indoor temperature, besides the monthly cost involved, we are largely detached from the source of power generating much of our everyday comforts and appliances. The resources below aid in bridging that gap by outlining where this energy is from both in Australia and abroad.
The Global Energy Institute – provides information on global energy production and consumption, including information on both renewable energy and fossil fuels.
The International Energy Agency – an international organization that provides data and analysis on energy markets and policies, including information on energy production and consumption by country.
The Australian Energy Regulator – a government agency that regulates the energy industry in Australia, providing information on energy production and consumption in the country, as well as on energy market trends and policies.
The Clean Energy Council – an industry association representing the clean energy sector in Australia, providing information on renewable energy production and consumption in Australia.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics – a government agency that provides data and statistics on various topics, including energy production and consumption in Australia.
FOSSIL FUELS
Better understand the fossil fuels through the resources below providing information on the types and location of fossil fuels in Australia, the industry and the extraction process. They also provide resources on the economic and environmental impact of fossil fuel extraction and use.
Client Earth – non-profit environmental law organization with resources dedicated to fossil fuels and climate change, providing information and facts on the relationship between the use of fossil fuels and the impact it has on the climate. The website also highlights the legal and policy frameworks that are in place to combat the impacts of fossil fuels and climate change.
The Australian government’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources – provides information on Australia’s energy resources, including fossil fuels. The website includes information on the types of fossil fuels found in Australia, where they are located and extracted, and how they are used.
Geoscience Australia – the national agency for geoscience research and information which provides information on the geology of Australia, including fossil fuels resources, their location and extraction.
The Sierra Club – is an American environmental organization that works to protect communities and the planet from the impacts of fossil fuel extraction and burning, as well as promote clean energy solutions.
The Union of Concerned Scientists – a nonprofit organization that works to promote science-based solutions to environmental and safety problems, including those related to fossil fuels and the fossil fuel system.
The Climate Reality Project – is an organization founded by former Vice President Al Gore that works to educate the public about the causes and impacts of climate change, including the role of fossil fuels.
The National Greenhouse Accounts – is an Australian government website that provides information on Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, including emissions from the use of fossil fuels. The website also provides a greenhouse gas reporting tool that can be used to calculate emissions from individual activities such as transportation, electricity use, and waste disposal.
The Carbon Trust – an independent body that helps organizations measure, manage and reduce their carbon footprint.
The Australian National University’s (ANU) Carbon Calculator – is an online tool that allows individuals and organizations to calculate their carbon footprint, including emissions from the use of fossil fuels. The calculator provides detailed information on emissions from different sources, such as electricity use, transportation, and waste, and offers suggestions for reducing emissions.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Renewable energy is key in reducing our dependance on fossil feuls and offers a myriad of positive benefits socially, economically and environementally. The resources below provide information, statistics and data on the renewable energy sector in Australia, including the different types, the companies involved, and the economic and environmental impact of renewable energy.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency – a government agency that provides funding and support for renewable energy projects in Australia, including those that aim to reduce the use of fossil fuels.
The ClimateWorks Australia – is a research organization that works to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy in Australia, including by reducing the use of fossil fuels.
The Australian Sustainable Energy Association – is an industry association that represents the sustainable energy sector in Australia, including the renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy storage sectors, and works to reduce the use of fossil fuels.
The Climate Group – is an international organization that works to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, including by reducing the use of fossil fuels.
Beyond Zero Emissions – is an Australian non-profit organization that promotes and accelerates the transition to a sustainable energy system, conducts research and advocacy on renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable transport. The website provides a variety of resources and also a platform for discussion, networking and collaboration between individuals, organizations and governments that share the same goal of creating a sustainable energy future.
Renew Economy – is an Australian news website that provides news, analysis, and opinion pieces on a wide range of topics related to renewable energy, sustainable technology and environmental issues, it also provides a platform for community engagement and discussion on these topics.
EVERYDAY ENERGY SAVING
There are numerous ways to better understand your energy useage and make easy adjustments to save energy. These resources provide valuable information and tips on energy saving and efficiency for individuals, households, and organizations. They cover different aspects of energy consumption and offer practical advice on how to reduce energy consumption and costs.
The Australian Government’s Your Home – provides detailed information and tips on energy saving and efficiency for individuals, households, and organizations. The website includes information on how to reduce energy consumption in different areas of the home, such as heating and cooling, lighting, and appliances.
The Australian Government’s Energy Rating website – provides a tool to calculate the energy consumption of household appliances and suggests ways to reduce energy consumption and emissions
The Sustainable Energy Authority Victoria – provides a range of resources and tips on energy efficiency and conservation for households and organizations in Victoria, Australia. The website includes information on how to reduce energy consumption in different areas of the home, such as heating and cooling, lighting, and appliances.
The Australian Youth Climate Coalition – is a youth-led organization that works to build a movement of young people in Australia to address climate change, including by reducing the use of fossil fuels. Tips and educational resources can be found directed at youth on their website.
The Climate Council – is an independent, crowd-funded organization that provides information and resources on climate change and energy efficiency for individuals, households, and organizations. The website includes information on how to reduce energy consumption and tips on how to save energy.
The Energy Rating website – provides information on energy efficiency ratings for appliances, as well as tips on how to reduce energy consumption in the home.
The Australian Conservation Foundation – is a non-profit organization that provides information and resources on energy efficiency and conservation for individuals, households, and organizations. The website includes information on how to reduce energy consumption and tips on how to save energy.