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The Corona Crucible – Thurs 3rd September

World 26.1 million    Saudi Arabia 310K+             Bangladesh 310K+

Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions have fallen to their lowest level since 1998, with a 22 per cent reduction. If the Federal Government has its way, after COVID we will get back to our polluting ways.

Natural gas is one of the most polluting of all greenhouse gases. A report by Nick O’Malley in the Saturday Age last weekend outlined the hidden methane leaks from hot water systems, wastewater treatment plants, landfill and other sources. Natural gas and coal seam gas are mostly methane which is 32 times more potent than carbon dioxide, and yet Sir Scott Moron wants to see a ‘gas led recovery’ as we come out of COVID-19. I despair at the short sighted ‘pocket thinking’ that continues to inform political decision making.

I put petrol in my car today for the first time in six months. If I could buy a hydrogen car tomorrow, I would, but there is nowhere in Australia to fill it up anyway. A hydrogen economy would solve a lot of environmental problems and help drive a range of new industries and investments. Of course electric vehicles are available, but hydrogen is a much better option for the environment. When the PM talks about ‘gas’ it’s the same old gas coming out of his mouth.

Today Daniel Andrews announced there were 113 new cases of coronavirus diagnosed overnight, an increase on recent days. Like many others in Melbourne, I’m holding my breath.