Cities and countries around the world are seeing and working to meet the growing necessity to be more sustainable. Regions are being challenged with environmental problems and a diminished quality of life due to otherwise current practices.

Australia’s energy production, as there is abundant land available.

By 2020, Australia aims to get to 33% renewable electricity. It has made significant improvements in even just the last few years with 2017 as a standout year. According to Leonard Quong, a Senior Analyst at Bloomberg New Energy Finance, “2017 was a breakout year for the Australian Clean Energy sector. Total investment in clean energy in Australia rose to a record USD 9 billion, smashing the previous record of USD 6.2 billion set in 2011.” To highlight the progress even further, David Parker, Clean Energy Regulator Chair, said, “In 2017, more than 1000 megawatts of renewable projects were completed and began generation, the biggest year ever for new build coming online. We expect 2018 and 2019 to be even bigger, with each year having more than double the new build completed compared to 2017.”

Australia has gained momentum and is making significant changes in regards to sustainability. According to the Clean Energy Council, the past year has set a record with over 50 projects started, committed or completed and this will make a major impact in the years to come. According to the website, “These projects will deliver over $10 billion in investment, 5,482 megawatts of new Renewable Energy capacity and create more than 6,141 direct jobs”. If the country continues on its current trajectory, its 2030 Climate Change Target can see some room for improvement, great efforts can be made to meet the 2030 Paris commitment, and the country (and world) can greatly benefit from its sustainability efforts.

Photo by Maik Jonietz