Latest news with #KyleRobertson
Perth Now
22-04-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Australia urged to walk away from gas for renewables
Most Australians would prefer more renewable energy, but the two major parties have made years-long commitments to gas expansion. About three in five people believe adding renewables - such as wind and solar with battery storage - is a better solution to meet Australia's energy needs than increased gas than half believe fracking brings more problems than benefits to local communities, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by environmental financing advocacy group Market Forces. With Australians set to take to the ballot boxes for the May 3 election, gas could shift votes. Labor has committed to opening new gas fields as part of Australia's transition to net-zero emissions, while the coalition has promised to increase gas supply to try to lower energy prices. Market Forces does not take positions on political parties as it focuses on the private sector, but analyst Kyle Robertson said expanding new gas fields was incompatible with the goals of the Paris Agreement, an international treaty on climate change which Australia has backed. "We're still a massive exporter of fossil fuels and both major political parties support that," he told AAP. "We need to walk away from our expansion plans, not just domestically, but also for projects that will be exported overseas." Australia was the world's seventh-largest gas producer in 2020, but about 70 per cent was exported in 2019/20, according to government figures. As a result, a majority of people think expanding gas does not benefit them or the nation, the YouGov survey found. Fracking in particular is a sore spot for many Australians, with two in three believing it is harmful for the environment and just under half opposing the practice, which is banned in Tasmania, Victoria and 15 countries due to environmental and health risks. Even those who support the expansion of gas fracking harboured concerns, the survey revealed. Almost half of them believe expanding renewable energy is a better option, while 42 per cent believe it is harmful for the environment. This could be because Australia's industry says there are looming gas shortages that can only be addressed by opening new gas fields. "In an ideal world, Australians want more renewable energy, but they've been sold a narrative by the gas industry that gas is absolutely essential for the energy transition," Mr Robertson said. "So, there's certainly work to do there around public perceptions." In March, the Australian Energy Market Operator - which has long predicted gas shortfalls for the southern states - downgraded its forecast as high prices, mild winters and electrification pushed back gas shortages until 2028. This could indicate electrification through renewables, alongside battery storage, was the "way of the future", Mr Robertson said.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Change is in the air as Ohio State opens spring practice
© Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images What a season it was for the Ohio State Buckeyes. After a crushing loss to rival Michigan, Ohio State tore through the newly expanded College Football Playoff, dismantling Tennessee, avenging its loss to Oregon, defeating Texas and ultimately handling Notre Dame to win the national championship. The celebration in Columbus was in full swing on the night of the title victory. But in college football, things change quickly. CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker © Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Almost immediately, the Buckeyes faced major staff departures. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles announced he was leaving for Penn State, setting up an intriguing Nov. 1 matchup this coming season. Days later, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly accepted the same role with the Las Vegas Raiders after just one season in Columbus. Meanwhile, offensive line coach Justin Frye, often criticized by fans, took the same position with the Arizona Cardinals. On offense, head coach Ryan Day opted for in-house promotions. Superstar recruiter and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline was elevated to offensive coordinator, while tight ends coach Keenan Bailey was promoted to co-offensive coordinator. Both will continue coaching their respective position groups. Defensively, Day made a bold move, hiring veteran NFL coach Matt Patricia to lead the unit. The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Patricia, who spent last season out of coaching, has not worked in college football since 2003. While his football acumen is widely respected, adapting to the modern college game will be his biggest challenge. The Buckeyes continue to recruit at an elite level, regularly finishing in the top five of the Rivals Team Recruiting Rankings. That trend is expected to continue, but a familiar debate lingers: How much does Ohio State prioritize in-state talent versus national prospects? For the 2026 recruiting class, the Buckeyes currently have five commitments, three of whom are from Ohio. However, the focus has been on top in-state prospects choosing to leave. Four-star prospects Kaden Gebhardt, Adam Guthrie, Victor Singleton and Cam Thomas have all committed elsewhere. Three-star offensive linemen Ben Congdon and Will Conroy are also headed to other programs. Perhaps most concerning, five-star cornerback Elbert Hill did not include Ohio State in his initial list of official visits. The new staff members will have their recruiting chops tested immediately. The Buckeyes will undoubtedly secure their share of blue-chip talent, but the trend of in-state stars leaving remains a sore spot for the fan base. © Barbara Perenic/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images As spring football begins in Columbus, a new wave of talent is set to emerge. Quarterback Julian Sayin enters as the expected starter, surrounded by a deep group of playmakers, including star receiver Jeremiah Smith. In the backfield, James Peoples and transfer CJ Donaldson are poised to form a formidable one-two punch. Defensively, several former blue-chip recruits will step into bigger roles, but the biggest name returning is safety Caleb Downs, who could be the best defender in the country. With plenty of new faces and moving parts, Ohio State's title defense will be tested early. The Buckeyes will get an immediate challenge when Texas comes to Columbus on Aug. 30. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OHIO STATE FANS AT
