Rick Grounds
@rgrounds16.bsky.social
Australian, born 1954, Naarm. Left of centre. Pro renewables. Support rights of First Nations peoples. Anti zealots. Politics is only part of the solution but hoping for much stronger efforts on climate change and social justice by Albanese Gov't this term
Pinned
Rick Grounds
@rgrounds16.bsky.social
· Dec 16
🧵Since I entered my 8th decade, the number of 'hot' topics to which I devote effort by my brain or heart has shrunk. My priority is to find and share information & opinions about how Australia can reduce its direct carbon emissions, especially when generating and consuming power. I'm not an expert
"Getting to net zero means rapidly phasing out fossil fuels ... Australia cannot continue to develop ... fossil fuel exports and pretend it’s going to be a renewable superpower supporting a 1.5C limit."
Yes, Australia can but we must go hard on demand phase out
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Yes, Australia can but we must go hard on demand phase out
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
How can Australia convince the world to give up fossil fuels if Anthony Albanese is contradicting himself on gas expansion? | Bill Hare
Getting to net zero CO2 emissions globally means we can halt global warming. This requires a rapid phase-out. It’s physics
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:56 PM
"Getting to net zero means rapidly phasing out fossil fuels ... Australia cannot continue to develop ... fossil fuel exports and pretend it’s going to be a renewable superpower supporting a 1.5C limit."
Yes, Australia can but we must go hard on demand phase out
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Yes, Australia can but we must go hard on demand phase out
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
“I think it’s crazy ... talking about a new set of environment laws and it doesn’t consider the climate pollution that a coal or gas mine makes.”
Technical point: Most of that "pollution" comes from USING coal or gas. Labor is keen to eradicate such uses asap
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Technical point: Most of that "pollution" comes from USING coal or gas. Labor is keen to eradicate such uses asap
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Labor pledges to pass long-awaited nature laws this week as Greens demand more concessions
The government has offered to make changes to the bill to both the Greens and the Liberals hoping to reach a deal on legislation that can pass the Senate
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:58 AM
“I think it’s crazy ... talking about a new set of environment laws and it doesn’t consider the climate pollution that a coal or gas mine makes.”
Technical point: Most of that "pollution" comes from USING coal or gas. Labor is keen to eradicate such uses asap
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Technical point: Most of that "pollution" comes from USING coal or gas. Labor is keen to eradicate such uses asap
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Reposted by Rick Grounds
What sheep know about the benefits of wind turbines that Australia's National Party doesn't
November 23, 2025 at 6:57 PM
What sheep know about the benefits of wind turbines that Australia's National Party doesn't
1/2
Hackneyed and tendentious waffle!
You want ambition? What about the promise on election night 2022 to hold a referendum on The Voice? How well did that go? Not!
The electorate is more febrile and more changeable than in the days of Whitlam, Hawke and Keating.
www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...
Hackneyed and tendentious waffle!
You want ambition? What about the promise on election night 2022 to hold a referendum on The Voice? How well did that go? Not!
The electorate is more febrile and more changeable than in the days of Whitlam, Hawke and Keating.
www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...
Even Albanese’s friends are impatient with his lack of ambition
It will aggravate the prime minister, but this critique is coming from five angles this week.
www.theage.com.au
November 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM
1/2
Hackneyed and tendentious waffle!
You want ambition? What about the promise on election night 2022 to hold a referendum on The Voice? How well did that go? Not!
The electorate is more febrile and more changeable than in the days of Whitlam, Hawke and Keating.
www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...
Hackneyed and tendentious waffle!
You want ambition? What about the promise on election night 2022 to hold a referendum on The Voice? How well did that go? Not!
The electorate is more febrile and more changeable than in the days of Whitlam, Hawke and Keating.
www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...
I believe that a report card on our government's performance in relation to emissions reduction would end with: "Capable of better. Must do better".
However, I also believe that Chris Bowen has been doing and will continue to do everything within his powers to make a substantial difference.
However, I also believe that Chris Bowen has been doing and will continue to do everything within his powers to make a substantial difference.
This morning at #COP30 in Belém, Australian joined a group led by Colombia that will plan a fossil fuel phaseout outside the UN process, with the first meeting to be held next year in Santa Marta. It is the most significant statement AUS has made on future of fossil fuels to date.
Story to come.
Story to come.
November 22, 2025 at 2:22 AM
I believe that a report card on our government's performance in relation to emissions reduction would end with: "Capable of better. Must do better".
However, I also believe that Chris Bowen has been doing and will continue to do everything within his powers to make a substantial difference.
However, I also believe that Chris Bowen has been doing and will continue to do everything within his powers to make a substantial difference.
Predictable but no less offensive for the political vultures on the left (Greens) and right (Coalition and worse) to seek advantage from the outcomes of our COP31 bid, without any regard for the process and the significant role that Australia will still actually play. Shameful and poisonous conduct!
‘"I would have all the powers of the COP presidency to manage, handle the negotiations, to appoint co-facilitators, to prepare draft text, to issue the cover decision," said @chrisbowenmp.bsky.social #COP30 #COP31 #auspol www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
Australia hands COP31 to Türkiye but Bowen to lead negotiations
Adelaide will not host next year's COP summit, but Australia's energy minister, Chris Bowen, will lead the negotiations, and a pre-event will be hosted by a Pacific Island nation.
www.abc.net.au
November 20, 2025 at 8:05 AM
Predictable but no less offensive for the political vultures on the left (Greens) and right (Coalition and worse) to seek advantage from the outcomes of our COP31 bid, without any regard for the process and the significant role that Australia will still actually play. Shameful and poisonous conduct!
Predictable but no less offensive for the political vultures on the left (Greens) and right (Coalition and worse) to seek advantage from the outcomes of our COP31 bid, without any regard for the process and the significant role that Australia will still actually play. Shameful and poisonous conduct!
‘Australia will now need to also ensure the Pre-COP hosted in the Pacific becomes a high-level summit that helps deliver on the Pacific’s priorities, including achieving 100% renewables,’ said John Grimes CEO @smartenergycouncil.bsky.social #COP30 #COP31 #auspol
theenergy.co/article/copi...
theenergy.co/article/copi...
COPitulation leaves plenty of scope for policywonks
The Energy is dedicated to covering the business of energy focussing on the people, capital, projects and emerging technology driving the energy transition.
theenergy.co
November 20, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Predictable but no less offensive for the political vultures on the left (Greens) and right (Coalition and worse) to seek advantage from the outcomes of our COP31 bid, without any regard for the process and the significant role that Australia will still actually play. Shameful and poisonous conduct!
Actually, it's a modern miracle - they're simultaneously finite AND renewable
it seems that liberal leaders — at all levels of gov't — are a renewable resource.
November 17, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Actually, it's a modern miracle - they're simultaneously finite AND renewable
“The least-cost, lowest-impact pathway is an energy system dominated by renewables and firmed by battery storage, gas and pumped hydro”
"bipartisan support for climate targets including net zero is important for investors to know that policies will remain stable"
www.theage.com.au/business/the...
"bipartisan support for climate targets including net zero is important for investors to know that policies will remain stable"
www.theage.com.au/business/the...
Energy giants back net zero as Coalition reignites climate war
Australia’s major power companies have reinforced support for net zero and a renewable-dominated grid, insisting it will be the cheapest option for consumers.
www.theage.com.au
November 16, 2025 at 11:50 PM
“The least-cost, lowest-impact pathway is an energy system dominated by renewables and firmed by battery storage, gas and pumped hydro”
"bipartisan support for climate targets including net zero is important for investors to know that policies will remain stable"
www.theage.com.au/business/the...
"bipartisan support for climate targets including net zero is important for investors to know that policies will remain stable"
www.theage.com.au/business/the...
Squatter, the very Australian game
board game enthusiasts of bluesky, what are your top 10 board games of all time
November 15, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Squatter, the very Australian game
I wonder what Barnaby Joyce and all the other foes of wind farms would have said about all these poles and wires. Ugly? Or very useful, so get over it?
@chrisbowenmp.bsky.social @adammorton.bsky.social @readfearn.bsky.social
@chrisbowenmp.bsky.social @adammorton.bsky.social @readfearn.bsky.social
November 15, 2025 at 12:44 AM
I wonder what Barnaby Joyce and all the other foes of wind farms would have said about all these poles and wires. Ugly? Or very useful, so get over it?
@chrisbowenmp.bsky.social @adammorton.bsky.social @readfearn.bsky.social
@chrisbowenmp.bsky.social @adammorton.bsky.social @readfearn.bsky.social
"The timing is exquisite
"Just as the Liberal party walked away from a firm net zero emissions target, a new International Energy Agency report told the world that a more ambitious clean energy transition means lower household power bills."
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
"Just as the Liberal party walked away from a firm net zero emissions target, a new International Energy Agency report told the world that a more ambitious clean energy transition means lower household power bills."
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
The Coalition claims pursuing net zero will increase power bills – but in the real world the opposite is true
The International Energy Agency, once known for an anti-renewables bias, now says a more ambitious transition will lower prices
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:35 AM
"The timing is exquisite
"Just as the Liberal party walked away from a firm net zero emissions target, a new International Energy Agency report told the world that a more ambitious clean energy transition means lower household power bills."
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
"Just as the Liberal party walked away from a firm net zero emissions target, a new International Energy Agency report told the world that a more ambitious clean energy transition means lower household power bills."
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Recommended campaign slogan for the Coalition at the 2028 federal election:
"LITTLE CARE, ZERO RESPONSIBILITY"
"LITTLE CARE, ZERO RESPONSIBILITY"
November 13, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Recommended campaign slogan for the Coalition at the 2028 federal election:
"LITTLE CARE, ZERO RESPONSIBILITY"
"LITTLE CARE, ZERO RESPONSIBILITY"
and wilfully ignoring the growing costs of damage caused by climate change, especially but not only in rural and regional electorates the Coalition still clings to
like romeo, the liberal party has taken its own political life after believing a fatal lie — that net zero policies have driven up power prices.
a once-serious party undone by reckless ignorance.
a once-serious party undone by reckless ignorance.
November 13, 2025 at 8:10 AM
and wilfully ignoring the growing costs of damage caused by climate change, especially but not only in rural and regional electorates the Coalition still clings to
Costs of damage caused by climate change, that is
One of the consequences of the timing of this self-destructive, immoral decision, is that the Coalition now has 30 long months to watch the green energy transition continue to prosper and the household, community and economic costs to pile up.
It should be an agonising experience for them
It should be an agonising experience for them
Breaking: ineffectual political grouping does something asinine with zero real world impact.
More in our main bulletin.
More in our main bulletin.
November 13, 2025 at 8:07 AM
Costs of damage caused by climate change, that is
One of the consequences of the timing of this self-destructive, immoral decision, is that the Coalition now has 30 long months to watch the green energy transition continue to prosper and the household, community and economic costs to pile up.
It should be an agonising experience for them
It should be an agonising experience for them
Breaking: ineffectual political grouping does something asinine with zero real world impact.
More in our main bulletin.
More in our main bulletin.
November 13, 2025 at 6:50 AM
One of the consequences of the timing of this self-destructive, immoral decision, is that the Coalition now has 30 long months to watch the green energy transition continue to prosper and the household, community and economic costs to pile up.
It should be an agonising experience for them
It should be an agonising experience for them
Breaking: ineffectual political grouping does something asinine with zero real world impact.
More in our main bulletin.
More in our main bulletin.
November 13, 2025 at 6:49 AM
One of the consequences of the timing of this self-destructive, immoral decision, is that the Coalition now has 30 long months to watch the green energy transition continue to prosper and the household, community and economic costs to pile up.
It should be an agonising experience for them
It should be an agonising experience for them
This is just one small step for Liberal-Man. The giant step will be the selection of a hard-right-winger (male) as leader, with a who's who of the party's conservative wing in the shadow ministry and Senator Jacinta Numpty-Jumpy with a front-row portfolio and keys to the Sky After Dark green room
And yet
Liberals poised to dump net zero target after majority reject policy in marathon five-hour meeting
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Liberals poised to dump net zero target after majority reject policy in marathon five-hour meeting
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Liberals poised to dump net zero target after majority reject policy in marathon five-hour meeting
Senior Liberal sources say 28 speakers wanted to jettison net zero entirely, 17 expressed desire to retain it in some form, while four were on the fence
www.theguardian.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:33 AM
This is just one small step for Liberal-Man. The giant step will be the selection of a hard-right-winger (male) as leader, with a who's who of the party's conservative wing in the shadow ministry and Senator Jacinta Numpty-Jumpy with a front-row portfolio and keys to the Sky After Dark green room
"The media" and the rest of your first sentence is a sweeping generalisation Michael. I am surprised that you would use it.
There are many examples to the contrary, starting with The Guardian, The Age and the SMH
There are many examples to the contrary, starting with The Guardian, The Age and the SMH
November 12, 2025 at 4:19 AM
So many ways to have fun with this, of course.
I'm anticipating that the decision of the Liberal Party meeting will be announced by black smoke seeping out of the room to indicate that, as for a papal election, the discussion has been inconclusive
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
I'm anticipating that the decision of the Liberal Party meeting will be announced by black smoke seeping out of the room to indicate that, as for a papal election, the discussion has been inconclusive
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
‘Up in smoke’: Liberal MPs flying to Canberra for net zero meeting forced back to Adelaide
Leah Blyth, Andrew McLachlan and Tony Pasin were on board a QantasLink flight from Adelaide when crew detected smoke in cabin
www.theguardian.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:16 AM
So many ways to have fun with this, of course.
I'm anticipating that the decision of the Liberal Party meeting will be announced by black smoke seeping out of the room to indicate that, as for a papal election, the discussion has been inconclusive
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
I'm anticipating that the decision of the Liberal Party meeting will be announced by black smoke seeping out of the room to indicate that, as for a papal election, the discussion has been inconclusive
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
When piss-taking is the recommended antidote
A group of men gathered outside of the NSW Parliament in Sydney yesterday to call for the inclusion of erectile dysfunction medication on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Neo Nazis Rally Outside NSW Parliament Demanding Affordable Erectile Dysfunction Treatment — The Shovel
“It’s time to rise up!” one man shouted over a megaphone before adding, “But it’s very, very difficult, given the price of prescriptions these days!”
theshovel.com.au
November 10, 2025 at 7:59 AM
When piss-taking is the recommended antidote
Although EV sales did NOT soar in the September quarter (hybrids did), the decline in sales of fossil-fuelled cars is encouraging.
Encouraging but a long way to go
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Encouraging but a long way to go
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
EV and hybrid sales soar in Australia as internal combustion cars fall below 70% market share for first time
Data from peak motoring body shows battery-electric vehicles accounted for 9.7% of new cars sold in September quarter, the highest proportion on record
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Although EV sales did NOT soar in the September quarter (hybrids did), the decline in sales of fossil-fuelled cars is encouraging.
Encouraging but a long way to go
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Encouraging but a long way to go
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
🧵
5. The Liberals, bereft of numbers, talent and young blood at all levels, now face the reality that most voters don't know, let alone care, what they stand for.
6. Meanwhile, the party is riven by division between the temptations of populism and a hankering for the old certainties of Menzies et al
5. The Liberals, bereft of numbers, talent and young blood at all levels, now face the reality that most voters don't know, let alone care, what they stand for.
6. Meanwhile, the party is riven by division between the temptations of populism and a hankering for the old certainties of Menzies et al
🧵
3. Morrison's turpitude regarding issues that actually mattered to voters opened the door for independents to land telling blows in Sydney and Melbourne
4. Dutton and co chose culture wars, scare campaigns and an implausible energy policy that further alienated women and metropolitan voters
mtf
3. Morrison's turpitude regarding issues that actually mattered to voters opened the door for independents to land telling blows in Sydney and Melbourne
4. Dutton and co chose culture wars, scare campaigns and an implausible energy policy that further alienated women and metropolitan voters
mtf
🧵 Why do I say "impossible"? Let me count the ways
1. Since 2004, their only policies of note were Work Choices 👎, turning back the boats (popular) and 'killing the carbon tax' (short-term +ve but terrible long-term consequences)
2. Morrison years paralysed their capacity for moral leadership
mtf
1. Since 2004, their only policies of note were Work Choices 👎, turning back the boats (popular) and 'killing the carbon tax' (short-term +ve but terrible long-term consequences)
2. Morrison years paralysed their capacity for moral leadership
mtf
November 9, 2025 at 8:56 AM
🧵
5. The Liberals, bereft of numbers, talent and young blood at all levels, now face the reality that most voters don't know, let alone care, what they stand for.
6. Meanwhile, the party is riven by division between the temptations of populism and a hankering for the old certainties of Menzies et al
5. The Liberals, bereft of numbers, talent and young blood at all levels, now face the reality that most voters don't know, let alone care, what they stand for.
6. Meanwhile, the party is riven by division between the temptations of populism and a hankering for the old certainties of Menzies et al
🧵
3. Morrison's turpitude regarding issues that actually mattered to voters opened the door for independents to land telling blows in Sydney and Melbourne
4. Dutton and co chose culture wars, scare campaigns and an implausible energy policy that further alienated women and metropolitan voters
mtf
3. Morrison's turpitude regarding issues that actually mattered to voters opened the door for independents to land telling blows in Sydney and Melbourne
4. Dutton and co chose culture wars, scare campaigns and an implausible energy policy that further alienated women and metropolitan voters
mtf
🧵 Why do I say "impossible"? Let me count the ways
1. Since 2004, their only policies of note were Work Choices 👎, turning back the boats (popular) and 'killing the carbon tax' (short-term +ve but terrible long-term consequences)
2. Morrison years paralysed their capacity for moral leadership
mtf
1. Since 2004, their only policies of note were Work Choices 👎, turning back the boats (popular) and 'killing the carbon tax' (short-term +ve but terrible long-term consequences)
2. Morrison years paralysed their capacity for moral leadership
mtf
If the paywall's between you and this well-constructed profile story, you aint missing much.
It confirms that Sussan Ley is a decent, hard-working politician but provides no evidence that she will be able to rebuild her party's standing. An impossible mission imo
www.theage.com.au/national/i-w...
It confirms that Sussan Ley is a decent, hard-working politician but provides no evidence that she will be able to rebuild her party's standing. An impossible mission imo
www.theage.com.au/national/i-w...
November 9, 2025 at 8:40 AM
🧵
3. Morrison's turpitude regarding issues that actually mattered to voters opened the door for independents to land telling blows in Sydney and Melbourne
4. Dutton and co chose culture wars, scare campaigns and an implausible energy policy that further alienated women and metropolitan voters
mtf
3. Morrison's turpitude regarding issues that actually mattered to voters opened the door for independents to land telling blows in Sydney and Melbourne
4. Dutton and co chose culture wars, scare campaigns and an implausible energy policy that further alienated women and metropolitan voters
mtf
🧵 Why do I say "impossible"? Let me count the ways
1. Since 2004, their only policies of note were Work Choices 👎, turning back the boats (popular) and 'killing the carbon tax' (short-term +ve but terrible long-term consequences)
2. Morrison years paralysed their capacity for moral leadership
mtf
1. Since 2004, their only policies of note were Work Choices 👎, turning back the boats (popular) and 'killing the carbon tax' (short-term +ve but terrible long-term consequences)
2. Morrison years paralysed their capacity for moral leadership
mtf
If the paywall's between you and this well-constructed profile story, you aint missing much.
It confirms that Sussan Ley is a decent, hard-working politician but provides no evidence that she will be able to rebuild her party's standing. An impossible mission imo
www.theage.com.au/national/i-w...
It confirms that Sussan Ley is a decent, hard-working politician but provides no evidence that she will be able to rebuild her party's standing. An impossible mission imo
www.theage.com.au/national/i-w...
‘I will be here in three years’: Inside Sussan Ley’s battle to hold on to the hardest job in politics
After the Liberal Party’s worst ever election result, Sussan Ley took on the hardest job in politics as party leader. Six months on, she’s struggling, not only with policy and personality divisions, b...
www.theage.com.au
November 9, 2025 at 7:30 AM
🧵 Why do I say "impossible"? Let me count the ways
1. Since 2004, their only policies of note were Work Choices 👎, turning back the boats (popular) and 'killing the carbon tax' (short-term +ve but terrible long-term consequences)
2. Morrison years paralysed their capacity for moral leadership
mtf
1. Since 2004, their only policies of note were Work Choices 👎, turning back the boats (popular) and 'killing the carbon tax' (short-term +ve but terrible long-term consequences)
2. Morrison years paralysed their capacity for moral leadership
mtf