“He hasn’t lived in a bubble:” CEC names former radio shock jock to spread word on clean energy
A former radio shock jock has been named as the new national spokesperson for the Clean Energy Council, a peak body for the industry.
Chris O'Keefe has in the past accused the Climate Council of “catastrophising” the impacts of climate change, and criticised the rollout of renewables.
Having stepped down from his role as host of Sydney radio station 2GB’s “Drive” program late last year, he has now emerged as the new national spokesperson for the CEC.
His appointment comes just months ahead of the next federal election, and will presumably require a rapid reverse of some of the strident positions he took on his radio program, where he lambasted climate science and renewables.
Last year, O’Keefe said a Climate Council report forecasting the increased risk of heat waves and other impacts was "ridiculous" and "counterproductive".
O’Keefe also lamented the closure of Liddell, the country’s oldest, dirtiest and most unreliable coal fired power generator.
CEC chief executive Kane Thornton said the appointment would “raise some eyebrows”, but it would open channels in the media where the industry had previously gained little traction.
Thornton says there is still support for renewables in the community, but it remains “fragile” and people have been “ambushed and confused” by the debate around climate and energy.
“We need to get out there and roll up our sleeves. He (Chris O’Keefe) hasn’t lived in a bubble, and he has heard all the arguments,” Thornton said
O’Keefe said moving to the new position is the “right thing to do” because “Australians wanted facts” about the renewable energy transition.