Climate Change In Australia
Climate change is a major issue affecting Australia. Over the years, Australia has been losing its water sources due to continual drought. Also, Australia has one of the highest per capita greenhouse emissions. “Australia has lengthened its lead as one of the world’s worst per capita greenhouse polluter.” Said by the Australian Age.
There are many impacts of climate change. Greenhouse gases are created by man although some think it is a natural event. Using household appliances make a small but damaging effect on the environment. For example, using a large screen TV for 6 hours a day will create about half a tonne of greenhouse gas a year. Also, the burning of coal for energy contribute to climate change.
Impacts include changing rainfall patterns, reduced water availability, increase in temperatures and frequency of bushfires and storms. According the CSIRO climate change report of 2007, Australian temperatures will increase by 1oC by 2030. The Great Barrier Reef may be killed because of rising water temperatures. The Murray-Darling Basin has received very little rainfall and may in future not be able to sustain its population.
The Australian Government has recognised that greenhouse gas emissions cause climate change and are taking steps to fix the issue.
One strategy is the Kyoto Protocol. This is an international agreement of 178 countries to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions over a five year period from 2008-2012. Australia has committed to meeting it Kyoto Protocol target and has set to reduce greenhouse gases by 60% by 2050. Senator Penny Wong says “From today, Australia is officially part of the global solution on climate change.”
Another strategy used is informing the public. Campaigns such as “Global Warming. Cool It!” inform and suggest ideas on how to combat climate change. Energy star ratings, energy efficient light bulbs, solar heating systems, information booklets on driving tips and reducing energy costs are ways the...
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