The Australian parliament passed a law that demands 20% of the country's electricity to be generated from renewable energy sources by the year 2020. This matches what has become a standard renewable energy goal in Europe, but also elsewhere in the world.

Previously, the government set a rule that set a goal that was much smaller, in fact four times smaller, in 2001.

Even though this represents a welcome development for the Australian energy market and the environment, experts warn that more aggressive cut in greenhouse gases are needed to go along with the newly set renewable energy goal. The new bill will bring an increase in government assistance to industries which happen to be heavy users of electricity, but also create safeguards for existing investments in the coal mining industry.

Not all Australian members of parliament agree with the newly passed law. Some claim that a 30% goal would have been a better target, while also maintaining that big polluters were offered in fact too much government assistance. There are fears that renewable energy derived electricity will prove to be an expensive adventure.

Climate change minister Penny Wong, informed the Senate that even with as much as 20% of energy in Australia coming from renewable energy sources, the level of pollution has increased since 2000 by about 20%. A sever cut in carbon pollution is what's key according to many.

Pacific island states have always been identified with exotic holidays, beautiful nature and beaches. Unfortunately most of these islands don't have very high hills and highlands, and in fact are very sensitive to sea level rises. Tsunami disasters in the recent years have shown just how vulnerable many of these islands really are. With the growing expansion of global warming, it is expected sea levels are going to rise in the near future, due to the melting of the ice caps, which may pose a great threat to Pacific island states. Many fear they may be flooded and wiped off the map.

Tuvalu, a Pacific island state, is taking steps to transfer all of its electricity needs to come from renewable energy sources, and thus doing its part in slowing down of diverting the effects of global warming. The countries needs are estimated at about USD 20 million to come strictly from renewable sources, and satisfy the needs of its 12,000 inhabitants. The aim is to harness solar and wind power, and do away with diesel powered generators.

One of the Tuvalu islands. (Image credit: mrlins on Flickr)

The country has set its 2020 target, and hopes world nations will agree to the strong new UN deal on carbon emission reductions, giving an example by switching to clean power entirely.

Even though Tuvalu's carbon emission profile is minute compared to other big developed countries in the world, everyone must do their part. Unfortunately, it will take a lot more than all the Pacific island states dropping fossil fuel power generation to achieve a significant effect, but this is a good start.