Guest essay by Eric Worrall

Aussie Prime Minister Scott Morrison appears to be trying to play both sides, promoting coal plants and emissions reduction at the same time.

Scott Morrison announces $2b Climate Solutions Fund to reduce Australia’s emissions

By political reporter Jade Macmillan

Prime Minister Scott Morrison will today launch a new pre-election climate change policy, pledging $2 billion for projects to bring down Australia’s emissions.

The Climate Solutions Fund is an extension of former prime minister Tony Abbott’s Emissions Reduction Fund.

The 10-year program will provide funding for farmers, businesses and local governments for projects such as revegetating land, reducing bushfire risk and replacing lighting and refrigeration systems.

Mr Morrison is expected to unveil the policy in Melbourne this morning.

“Our Climate Solutions Package will ensure Australia meets our 2030 emissions reduction target — a responsible and achievable target — building on our success in comprehensively beating our Kyoto commitments.”

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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-25/scott-morrison-announces-new-$2bn-climate-change-policy/10844922

Just a wild guess, but I suspect most of Australia’s drought afflicted farmers would prefer the $2 billion was spent on hurrying a slow moving CSIRO recommended scheme to provide water security, by capturing reliable wet season tropical floodwaters instead of letting them drain into the sea.

There’s not much point having more efficient climate friendly refrigeration equipment if you have nothing to put into the fridge.