And the use of disinformation from lobby groups that was highly effective.
Absolutely and again that goes for both sides.
The fossil fuel industry and the political Right denying there's anything to be concerned about on one hand. Meanwhile their own internal documents freely acknowledge it.
The political Left thwarting solutions and entrenching gas on the other hand. Meanwhile they've managed to convince many that they're somehow the good guys.
On the politics I'll just give this example as to why we've been putting gas into the overwhelming majority of new homes built over the past 15 years despite the obvious folly of doing so.
It came about due to a commitment by Labor, then in opposition, prior to the 2007 federal election in order to gain support and thus preferences from the Greens. In due course Labor was elected, Kevin Rudd as PM, and at a COAG meeting later that year all states except one agreed to go along with the plan. Out with electric hot water for new builds but gas is just fine.
The dissenting state which refused being Tasmania which at that time also had a Labor state government. The feds didn't push it too hard, Tasmania simply outright refused, and that was that. The other states went all in on gas, Tasmania stuck with electricity. Thankfully Qld and NSW also later saw the light, albeit not without having done some damage in the meantime.
Fast forward to 2024 and we've got renewable energy going to waste due to a lack of off-peak loads. Off peak loads yes. Things that can put to use that renewable energy when it's available at midday and there's not a lot of load from other uses. Things like, you know, water heaters....
At 11am AEST today, there was just over 5000MW of wind and solar generation curtailed in the National Electricity Market with curtailment occurring in every state except one. No prize for guessing which state the exception is.
What more can be said? At the federal level Liberal, Labor, Greens, Nationals, One Nation and others are all as bad as each other. They're like comparing brands of cigars - you get to pick a different name on the box but they all stink and they'll all kill you.
In theory I agree politicians ought be part of the solution and they could, in theory, achieve quite a lot. In practice though well if you find yourself working with someone, in any situation, who not only messes up but does so consistently and intentionally, well then in practice you're better off without them.
The trouble with politicians is simply their focus and experience. Most have a career background that's either purely political or it's something where success is achieved by arguing (eg unions or law). Relatively few have a background in anything where success comes by correctly measuring, calculating or forecasting and where bias guarantees failure.