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Bryan Leyland Brayn spoke to us on Tuesday about NZ's electricity system and the energy crisis that we face. He ran through the situation we presently face highlighting low hydro lake levels and potential blackouts. He made the point that reducing our carbon dioxide emissions will not make any significant difference in the fight against climate change. In particular, we are fighting a losing battle against carbon dioxide emissions from countries like China and the USA. Bryan then addressed NZ's role in reducing carbon emissions, despite challenges. He doubts New Zealand's ability to lead the world in reducing carbon emissions especially given our size. Bryan spoke about renewable energy, electric cars, and carbon emissions. He highlighted the need for energy storage to address intermittency in renewable energy sources. He argued that renewable energy sources like pumped hydro wind and solar are expensive and inefficient. Bryan suggested the Government needs to act to address power shortages, with options including more hydropower, geothermal, and nuclear power. He pointed out flaws flaws in NZ's electricity market, including lack of long-term investment incentives, The limitations of renewable energy and the potential for economic damage. we are potentially doomed due to expensive electricity and reliance on fossil fuels. On other matters, Bryan commented on Climate change evidence and consensus vs. scientific evidence. He questioned the scientific evidence for man-made global warming, citing lack of real-world data. In this part of his address Bryan noted that climate change happens, we are coming out of a little ice age that occurred in the 1800s. He drew our attention to carbon dioxide levels, and weather patterns. 570 million years ago, CO2 levels were 1500 parts per million, four times current levels. Bryan pointed out that the current levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are enabling expansion of green areas in places like the Sahara. More ominously he noted that CO2 levels are only just above the minimum needed to sustain life on the planet - Something that is not spoken about. Bryan's address sparked a lively question and answer session which was a tribute to its quality |
