Climate News 25:17
Social licence for government action, particularly investment in renewables, was a key issue raised by stakeholders contributing to the development of the Victorian Parliament’s Inquiry into Climate Resilience.
Mayor Tom Crook from East Gippsland Shire Council, discussing renewable energy investments, noted that “there is definitely concern that council has had its capacity on behalf of community curtailed to have a say in best placement of where that infrastructure is to be put.” Farmers for Climate Action stated that “building and maintaining social licence in the long term will require an ongoing effort by states, territories and the federal government, working together with coordination and additional funding.” In response, the Inquiry recommends: “That the Victorian Government, in collaboration with local councils, ensure consistent community engagement across all projects, including fast‑tracked developments, to prevent communities from being left behind. This should include clear communication strategies, targeted support, and funding for local councils to lead adaptation initiatives.” So far, so good, but what does that look like? Last week, I wondered whether a community-wide understanding of climate change was possible or desirable or is all politics local and even if we did have a deep understanding, are we still going to face pushback when proposed solutions, especially renewables, come to town? That pushback goes beyond climate change denialism frustration that some of the community benefit while others do not. It’s about change. Very few people actually like change. We’ve grown up and are generally comfortable in the way our world works. Slow incremental change or change that provides broad obvious benefits faces little resistance. By contrast, rapid change (such as proposed changes to the landscape that are a part of large-scale renewable projects) is far more difficult. Allied to that is the uncertainty at the heart of climate change. History tells us that nothing is certain but, in the moment, we crave stability. Climate change, with its range of expected scenarios, is a tough sell to people seeking stability. Ignoring it or seeking alternative explanations can be viewed as a rational response. Talking about the climate context of the size and location of particular wind farms is difficult, but is necessary if government wants to achieve the effective, collaborative approach the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry recommends.
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