A grassroots campaign putting wind in the sails of energy transition.

Rising Tide, and sibling campaigns across the world, have much to offer the renewable energy landscape. But they’re not in it for the money.

“We are the Rising Tide” the group proclaims, weaponsising the ecological crisis back upon the fossil fuel industry. The group campaigns for an end to new oil and gas contracts and for a 78% tax on fossil fuel exports to fund renewable energy projects. The figure matches Norway's export tax where funds are reallocated back into the country’s social programmes. RT demand the tax revenue be used to invest in the renewable industries of the future, effectively having the fossil fuel industry pay reparation to the planet.

Direct Action on the Water

One action involved 170 people on kayaks in the water blocking ships exporting coal in Newcastle port, the world’s largest coal port. Views on direct actions can differ but it is clear that strong public action is a driver of the renewable energy sector.
By ceasing new oil and gas projects Australia is critically repositioning itself as the oil and gas export market is set to all but vanish as trade partners China, Korea, and Japan rapidly decarbonise.

China’s Road Map to Net Zero

China’s road map to net zero by 2050 sees a peak in fossil fuel consumption before decarbonising. By 2060 its domestic renewable energy capacity is projected to increase three-fold.

China is becoming a powerhouse in renewable energy. Coal consumption is to drop from over 60% to just 5% by 2060. Hydrogen is being heavily invested in with 20% of electricity to generate hydrogen by the same year.

Korea and Japan’s Commitments

Korea aim for carbon neutrality by 2050 with a similar base of sources. Likewise, Korea plans to explore hydrogen.

Japan aims to achieve net zero by 2050 with significant progress markers in 2035 and 2040, 60% and 73% reduced emissions from 2013 levels.

The implications this presents is a domino effect that links one country’s decarbonisation to another country’s reduced export market. Likewise, an oil and gas producing nation transitioning urges transition to those it exports.

Australia’s Energy Landscape

Australia still consumes a majority share of dirty energy. Coal-fired power plants have long been its pillar energy source. Renewables are less prominent in its energy mix, producing a 36% electricity in 2024. Much of Europe, including the UK, have passed the 50% mark.

The fossil fuel industry, which includes coal, is something of a “walking zombie” in Australia. Its continuation supplies the demand it creates by being the country’s relied upon source of power. A transition to renewable energy breaks the cycle, putting fossil fuels in the ground.

Political Channels and Public Action

Political channels such as lobbying can be leveraged to delay energy transition. Such instances fuel campaign movements (as well as hypocratise the notion of the ‘free market’). Ordinary people become compelled to take action for the sake of the planet.