Tony Abbott’s first direct action to reduce CO2 and oil dependency: get on your bikes!

In a surprise move and only days into his new job, the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott started to implement his direct action plan to reduce CO2 emissions by using his bike in Canberra which will hopefully serve as a shining example for all bureaucrats in his administration, especially in Infrastructure Australia.

The Minister for Bikes: pedal power in the corridors of Canberra’s bureaucracy

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-wheels-out-his-new-ministry-20130916-2tv58.html

 From the Liberal 2013 election program:

“We will take direct action to reduce carbon emissions – and establish a 15,000-strong Green Army charged with the clean-up and conservation of our environment”
http://www.liberal.org.au/our-plan/environment

That is indeed a gigantic task to be started immediately given that the previous Rudd/Gillard government – who came to power in 2007 on a climate change ticket – approved so many new coal mines in Australia that it will take decades, if not centuries, to clean up this mess left behind.

Bike lanes, not car lanes, for the 21st Century


Tony Abbott leading Pollie Pedal

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/executive-style/fitness/blogs/on-your-bike/will-prime-minister-tony-abbott-be-a-cycling-champion-20130909-2teje.html

It seems these previous posts are now outdated:

8/9/2013
New Australian Prime Minister is sceptical that peak oil has value for policy making
http://crudeoilpeak.info/new-australian-prime-minister-is-sceptical-that-peak-oil-has-value-for-policy-making

5/9/2013
Melbourne’s East West Link tunnel proposal has low benefit cost ratio and high oil price risk
http://crudeoilpeak.info/melbournes-east-west-link-tunnel-proposal-has-low-benefit-cost-ratio-and-high-oil-price-risk

26/8/2013
Australia’s future Infrastructure Prime Minister will increase our oil vulnerability
http://crudeoilpeak.info/australias-future-infrastructure-prime-minister-will-increase-our-oil-vulnerability

Conclusion:

One should never give up hope. We all know that 10 days in politics can be a short time where things can change dramatically