Bloggers in public debate on energy
Posted: 2 October 2007
Bloggers are playing a major role in the public discussion and debate over energy, including nuclear, coal, wind, solar and other alternative sources, according to the Energy Report released by Media Monitors.
Analysis of blogs on the subject show that bloggers often include scientists and technical experts and therefore blogs should be recognised as an increasingly important form of media.
Blog discussion was more unfavourable than mainstream media coverage (48 per cent unfavourable compared with 30 per cent of mainstream media content unfavourable).
The analysis, undertaken by the research unit of Media Monitors, reviewed more than 1,500 news reports, feature articles, columns, letters to the editor, radio and TV program segments and 170 blogs discussing energy over a three month period between 1 May and 30 July 2007.
Nuclear energy is the most discussed form of energy and is mired in controversy and near evenly divided opinion for and against, the analysis found.
The study reported that the Asia Pacific region is at the centre of the global nuclear debate with 16 of 29 nuclear power plants that are under construction or proposed worldwide due to come into operation in East and South Asia in the next 10-15 years, according to published Atomic Energy Agency data.
Solar and wind power, actively promoted by environmentalists, are described in most discussions as not being able to make a substantial contribution to energy needs.
Despite a number of initiatives, governments are generally not seen to be doing enough.
Carbon trading is being welcomed by a majority of spokespersons and commentators and is set to become a multi-billion dollar industry over the next few years with the United Nations estimating carbon offsets trading will reach US$35 billion in 2008.
However, some are warning that it is still uncertain whether carbon trading will stimulate a net reduction in carbon emissions.
Some energy producers and consumer groups have pointed to lessons in Europe where too many permits were issued, resulting in a price collapse below levels necessary to stimulate investment in carbon reducing initiatives.
Posted by Richard Price, Editor, EnergyME.com
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