The average price of a solar power system went down in the month of December 2015 in all Australian capital cities, demand for solar is increasing Australia wide with the total monthly installed system increasing by 2.7%. 2016 is shaping up to be the biggest year for solar power system sales on record.
As we approach 2016, we look back at the big – even world-changing – stories of The Conversation’s environment and energy coverage this year. The biggest story of 2105 from the environment and energy desk is a clear choice but, paradoxically, its impact is still murky. The COP21 United Nations climate summit in December yielded the Paris Agreement, which includes pledges from nearly 200 countries to dramatically lower greenhouse gas emissions in the years ahead.
Our impact on the environment might not be at the forefront of our minds during the rush of the Christmas festive season. We might be far more worried about our light wallets from the expected pile of presents and massive food feast. Many of us are concerned about just getting through it.
Historic! Landmark! Monumental! These are the words being used to describe the Paris climate accord, recently negotiated under the auspices of the United Nations. As an agreement, the words are apt. But, as hard as this deal was to reach, now the real work begins of turning a negotiated set of aspirations into reality. And that task falls to the market. Without changes in multiple aspects of the market and the behavior of businesses in particular, no solutions will be found, no progress can be made, climate change will continue unabated.