Most people think it unlikely thatAustralia will reach net zero emissions by 2050, despite state and federal policy, new survey data from Essential Media shows.
October’s survey data shows strong support among respondents for renewables development but concern about upgrades to the electricity grid.
Meanwhile, half the respondents say they’re open to the development of a nuclear industry.
Aussies recognise need for renewables
Closer analysis of October’s survey results show 60% of respondents think Australia needs to rapidly develop renewables.
But half the overall respondents say they don’t have much trust in the government to lead the energy transition to renewables – whether that’s the same half who are open to nuclear power is unclear.
Conversely, more than 40% say they have a fair amount of trust in the government to transition towards renewables.
Uncertainty over above-ground transmission lines
Of five types of renewable energy infrastructure listed, solar farms have the strongest support, with nearly 70% of respondents in favour.
More than half overall say they support onshore and offshore wind farms and community battery storage.
Overground transmission lines are the most contentious renewable energy projects, with more than a quarter of respondents saying they strongly oppose them.
But nearly 40% say they neither support nor oppose them, suggesting Aussies are still focused more on generation and storage than transmission.
The list doesn’t include other so-called ‘clean’ energy options such as hydro electricity.
Majority dissatisfied with gov’t environmental protection
Overall, more than half of respondents say they think it’s not that likely, or not likely at all, that Australia will reach ‘net zero emissions’ by 2050 – compared to less than a third thinking it likely and 11% unsure.
In related data, more than half of respondents also say they don’t think the government is doing enough to preserve endangered species; oceans and rivers; or native forests.
The full report is available here.
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