Renewable energy: Why the world should look to Australia

The continent is considered one of the greatest hopes in the race against the climate crisis. The sun blazes down on its vast deserts, and the wind roars along its coasts. But the expansion of solar and wind farms is progressing much slower than hoped.

Wollongong is one of those Australian seaside towns where a battle for the horizon is raging over climate protection. Stephen Lardner, who moved here 30 years ago because he likes the local beaches and nearby hinterland hills, can confirm this. He wouldn't say, however, that the area has lost its tranquility due to the dispute over the planned offshore wind farm. The Australian government has designated an area of ​​1,022 square kilometers for this purpose off the Illawarra coast. "It may divide the community," says Lardner, but the online petitions and demonstrations by opponents don't bother him. Lardner is 60 years old and the manager of a non-profit organization. He is one of those who peacefully accepts that something must change. He reads what scientists say. He knows that greenhouse gases from the combustion of fossil fuels cause global warming. He is in favor of wind farms because he believes "we need renewable energy."