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Newsroom edition: do voters still care about the climate during a cost-of-living crisis?
Nov 28, 2024
Mike Tischer, Head of Newsroom at Guardian Australia, and Patrick Keneally, Deputy editor at Guardian Australia, delve into the pressing climate challenges amid a cost-of-living crisis. They discuss the effects of extreme heat on Sydney's power grid and public concerns over transitioning to renewable energy. The conversation highlights shifting voter priorities as young people grapple with rising costs, affecting political support for climate initiatives. They also touch on the government's communication strategies and the implications of recent political decisions.
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Quick takeaways
- As extreme weather strains the electricity grid, the public's perception of renewable energy suffers amidst rising power bills during a cost-of-living crisis.
- Younger voters increasingly prioritize economic concerns over climate change, complicating government efforts to communicate their climate initiatives effectively.
Deep dives
Impending Blackouts Amidst a Heat Wave
Eastern Australia is facing extreme temperatures and the potential for blackouts as the electricity grid strains under high demand. Three out of four coal-fired power stations are offline for various reasons, prompting Premier Chris Minns to urge residents to conserve energy by avoiding the use of appliances during peak hours. This situation highlights the vulnerabilities of the aging energy system, leading to discussions about whether the transition to renewable energy is proceeding too quickly. Although no major blackouts occurred, fears about grid reliability and the overall energy transition have resurfaced as climate conditions worsen.
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