The Future of Clean Energy: Embracing Abundance

“We should be able to argue that the clean energy future should be fucking awesome.” With this exuberant declaration, Ezra Klein ignites a conversation about the potential and necessity of a transformative clean energy landscape. As the 48th Parliament in Australia approaches, Klein’s remarks spotlight a book that’s been generating buzz amongst progressives: Abundance, co-authored with Derek Thompson. For those in Canberra, feigning familiarity with this influential work might just be a smart move.

Abundance: A Fresh Perspective

Published to rave reviews, Abundance—subtitled How We Build a Better Future—delivers a clear message: to create the future we desire, we need to innovate and construct more of what we truly need. Klein and Thompson encapsulate the essence of this vision by advocating for a holistic approach to progress that echoes the aspirations of many Australians. The overarching goal? To cultivate a progressive movement focused on tangible benefits—ranging from affordable housing and childcare to robust infrastructure and clean energy solutions.

Housing Crisis: A Stagnant Sector

The urgency of this argument is accentuated by alarming statistics. Research from the Productivity Commission reveals a troubling trend: the construction sector is lagging, building fewer homes per hour worked than in the 1990s, even as job numbers in this sector soar. This decline is largely attributed to excessive red tape and regulations that stifle innovation. Amidst this backdrop, Professor Deborah Cobb-Clark from the University of Sydney highlighted a disturbing reality: 40% of young Australians fear they may not find comfortable housing in the next year.

Pervasive Pessimism

This housing crisis is just one facet of a broader wave of pessimism gripping Australia. A striking 72% of Australians believe that children born today will not surpass their parents in terms of living standards. This figure surged by 14 percentage points in just a year, marking the steepest decline in optimistic outlooks globally. Cobb-Clark notes, “For many outcomes, perceptions of inequality are more significant than actual inequalities.”

A Government for the People

In response to these mounting challenges, Klein and Thompson propose a “liberalism that builds”—a proactive government driven by outcomes that prioritize citizens’ needs. Klein elaborated on his podcast, asserting that affordability will shape our economic landscape as we navigate this tumultuous time. He emphasizes that the inherent challenge lies in the scarcity of essential resources, urging a reevaluation of our priorities in economic planning.

Labor’s Vision: Cleaning Up the Economy

Amidst this discourse, Treasurer Jim Chalmers aims to outline a vision for a dynamic and sustainable Australian economy that is rich in future-oriented industries. Recognizing the relevance of Klein’s ideas, he has labeled Abundance a “ripper” of a book, resonating with many Labor colleagues who are now exploring its implications. Notably, Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh has embraced the concept, coining a term for his own advocacy: “The Abundance Agenda.”

The Call for Growth

Chalmers’ emphasis on growth is echoed by Danielle Wood, chair of the Productivity Commission. Both believe that Australia must adopt a “growth mindset” to harness its economic potential effectively. As the US shifts its approach to governance, moving away from the neoliberal framework dominant since the 2010s, Klein and Thompson advocate for a new political order built on delivering results that citizens can trust. This sentiment resonates in Australia, where meeting the policy goals residents care about is imperative to maintain trust in government.

The Green Conundrum

However, the path toward this new economic vision is fraught with challenges. Australia’s political landscape is not as bitterly polarized as America’s, yet there are significant hurdles to pursuing an abundance agenda. The push for clean energy faces stern opposition, underlined by data from Edelman’s global trust barometer. It shows that 28% of Australians on the political right reject green energy technology, a stark contrast to only 7% on the left.

Klein and Thompson’s observations from the US, where the government spearheads extensive decarbonization efforts, hold relevance here. They argue that bureaucratic structures often obstruct green initiatives rather than facilitate them. This scenario echoes in Australia, where large-scale renewable projects face growing resistance from communities and environmental groups alike.

Navigating Environmental Concerns

A notable case is Bob Brown’s opposition to the Robbins Island wind farm project in Tasmania, likening it to historical environmental battles like the Franklin River dam—the latter being a pivotal moment for the green movement. The renewable energy project remains unresolved, underlining the complexities of advancing Australia’s clean energy future amidst conflicting interests.

Klein and Thompson criticize the environmental movement for “trade-off denial,” arguing that society can no longer afford to delay significant decisions in pursuit of preserving every aspect of the environment. The urgency for actionable solutions is clear; time is a luxury we can no longer afford.

The Call for Simplified Governance

For those aligned with the abundance agenda, the challenge remains to simplify governance processes that obstruct progress. Klein and Thompson emphasize the importance of cutting unnecessary regulations that impede meaningful projects. Whether it’s in the US or Australia, streamlining efforts could catalyze the creation of essential infrastructure that supports sustainable economic growth.

Progressive Governance: A New Frontier

The dialogues prompted by Abundance provide a manifesto for an invigorated progressive governance model. Leigh refers to this emerging narrative as “progressive productivity,” advocating for a government that is ready to prioritize effective results.

The optimistic future described by Klein—a future where innovation meets pressing societal needs—remains within reach. The stories we tell about this future matter immensely; fostering an outlook that sees possibilities rather than obstacles could be transformational. As we anticipate the moves of leaders in Parliament, one thing is abundantly clear: navigating the intricate dance between progress and environmental preservation will demand more than just aspirational rhetoric.