Endangered light bulbs

last updated 8 January 2015

Sydney

Australia is banning incandescent light bulbs. The government said this week it plans to have the entire country using energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs within five years. Fluorescent bulbs produce the same amount of light as regular bulbs but use less energy and last up to 10 times longer. Consumers have been loath to buy them, though, because fluorescents cost more and give off harsher light. Prime Minister John Howard said the plan would help Australia cut emissions of greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming. “Here’s something practical that everybody will participate in,” he said. Cuba started a similar campaign two years ago, and Venezuela followed last year.