What a controversial and complicated topic to discuss!
We hear that our climate is changing at a rapid rate and our life as we know it will soon degrade. There are some that say there is little scientific evidence of global warming and changes in temperatures are a natural phenomenon.
So what is really happening?
FACT CO2 emissions have risen to 25.6 tonnes per year for Australians. Compared to the USA with 24.5 tonnes of CO2 per year on the higher end of the scale and 1.9 tonnes per person per year for India on the lowest end of the scale.
FACT Average temperatures for Australia have risen by 0.7 degrees since 1910.
FACT Rainfalls along Australia's east coast have declined since 1950. In some areas by up to 50mm. In contrast rainfall in northern Western Australia has increased by up to 50mm.
FACT Intensity and frequency of tropical storms, cyclones and hurricanes has increased.
What are the consequences of global warming?
* Changes in rainfall patterns with droughts in some areas and flooding in other areas such as the tropics.
* Melting of ice caps in the Artic, Antarctica and Greenland leading to rising sea levels.
* Increased sea temperatures causing bleaching of coral formations and reefs.
* Changes in incidences of diseases such as malaria because of temperature changes.
When will changes from climate changes occur?
There are already evidence of changes occurring such as the droughts being experienced by Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The Australian snow cover is shrinking and could shrink as much as 40% in the near future. There is evidence of coral bleaching along The Great Barrier Reef.
Pacific Islands are also noticing the effect of rising sea levels, with extensive flooding occurring during king tides. Only slight variations in temperature can lead to quite substantial affects to our climate. For example a further 1 – 2 degree temperature increase could mean:
* Up to 97% of Great Barrier Reef affected by coral bleaching
* 20-30% increase in tropical cyclone rainfall
* 40% loss of Eucalyptus habitats and 100% of Acacia species eliminated in SW Australia
* Increased spread southward of the Queensland fruit fly
What can we do about climate change?
We at Amazing Alternatives feel very strongly that by voting with our feet we can encourage business and support businesses that take climate change seriously.
Have your say and make your vote count at the next federal election. As well as at state and local elections. Write to the editor of your local paper to voice your concern. Support environment lobby groups who will present strong arguments for action to combat global warming such as Australian Conservation Foundation, Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth.
Tips to reduce your carbon emissions:
The biggest impact you can have on your carbon emission is making sure your power is derived from renewable sources. Either switch to green power or install a solar power system.
To review energy retailer's renewable energy offerings visit www.greenpower.gov.au
For details on rebates for Solar Power visit www.greenhouse.gov.au/renewable
Avoid using your car by walking, cycling or using public transport. Also consider buying a hybrid car when you replace your current car. Car pooling is another way to reduce car usage.
Think about your heating and cooling. Run your air conditioner a little bit warmer in summer and have your heating a little bit cooler in winter. Just one degree difference can reduce your energy consumption by 10%. Put on that jumper in winter and you don't need to be in an icebox in summer.
Air travel produces considerable greenhouse gas pollution. Think about taking holidays locally and if travelling for business take longer trips less frequently.
Turn off electrical appliances. Appliances draw power when in standby mode, in the UK they estimate that 8% of energy costs are eaten up by appliances in standby mode. The British Government aim to outlaw the standby mode in most home and office electronics.
More research will need to be done to determine if this is the most energy efficient approach as it is argued that having to wait for long bootup processes will encourage people to leave appliances running continually and thereby defeating the purpose of banning the standby mode.
When buying electrical appliances choose those that have high energy and water efficiency ratings. For more information about energy efficiency visit www.energyrating.gov.au.
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