In a world first move, Australia will try to slash greenhouse gases from inefficient lighting. Malcom Turnbull, federal minister of the environment, officially announced that new energy efficiency standards will be introduced in order to phase out all inefficient light bulbs. Hopes are up that within the next three years they will be replaced by energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs which should reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 4 million tonnes by 2012. The idea is not that new after all: in connection with California’s initiatives to reduce energy use and greenhouse gases the implementation of the “How Many Legislators Does it Take to Change a Lightbulb Act” has been discussed already - but not yet taken in to action.
Australia seems to be one step ahead of everyone. The joy is not untroubled though. Critical voices point to the fact that Australia has not yet signed the Kyoto-Protocol (just as the US). Therefore banning light bulbs might simply be a mean to cover up the fact that Australia has not been willing so far to commit on the international level. With the national election coming up the announcement might also be just politically motivated. But no matter what the motivation: stepping out and taking action can only be acknowledged – and may lead to other countries taking on the challenge.Read moreFoto: Website