Aussies not yet nuclear-friendly



ONLY one in five Australians thinks nuclear power and clean coal technology are the best solutions to tackle climate change, a survey has found.
Half of those surveyed also said renewable energy from solar power was the best way to reduce Australia's greenhouse gas emissions, followed by wind power.
The Australia Institute online survey of more than 1000 voters found just 19 per cent of people supported the Howard Government's greenhouse strategy, which is based mainly on embracing nuclear power and developing clean coal technology.
Women were more likely to oppose the strategy than men; 80 per cent preferring renewables and energy efficiency compared with 68 per cent of men.
Australia Institute deputy director Andrew Macintosh said 74 per cent of voters preferred a greenhouse strategy based on renewable energy.
"The Government's approach has been weighted heavily in favour of clean coal technology and nuclear power, but the community wants a more balanced policy," he said. "There is a good economic case for ensuring greater balance . . . and this survey suggests such an approach is likely to attract widespread support."