Institute of Advanced Studies

Energy, Minerals and Climate Change – a healthy mix for Australia?

by Professor Robin Batterham, President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering

Australia has long benefited from being a supplier to the world of energy (coal and natural gas) and minerals.

In the future however, how will the demands of climate change, energy security and energy supply impact on us? For example, how will the need to reduce emissions affect demand for our products and should we be at the forefront of emissions reductions or leave it to others? Equally, will the massive demand for energy from developing countries mean that we can’t afford to mine and process minerals as at present?

This lecture will explore some of the options for the minerals and the energy industry in light of the extraordinary demands being called for by scientists preparing for the forthcoming climate change meeting in Copenhagen in December.

Tuesday, 23 June 2009