This issue has become far too complex and spans far too many problems to effectively cover. my aim is to only briefly touch on this issue, and hopefully stir interest for you to further persist. If you are interested please see links at the bottom of this post.
There are many arguments for and against global warming, making it very difficult to really know where you, or we, stand. Global warming and cooling is a natural phenomenon and has occured throughout history. However, modern warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global mean sea level.
Although there is a current media panic towards global warming, political spin doctors will use various pieces of data in arguments against how serious this threat really is. Despite a handful of industry-backed reports, the vastly overwhelming majority of the scientific community believes without doubt that anthropogenic influences are directly related to and responsible for modern climate change. The fact is that overall observed changes to the global climate are inconsistent with alternative explanations.
So, what are we, the people of the world doing about it:
Our governments and big business seem to have good intentions towards climate change, but beyond this little to nothing is really being done. As population and demand are increasing, our waste products and resource usage are on the rise. Significant curbing and cutting back needs to happen on all fronts.
What can we expect?
We are aware of some of the ramifications of climate change, such as increased global temperatures and sea levels. We can also expect significant intensity of hydrological cycle. This means an increase in severe drought and violent storm activity. Much of the South-Eastern region of Australia is already experiencing these effects, along with US' West Coast. Australia's recent "Big Dry" has been labeled the most damaging droughts in recorded history, coupled with the worst bush fires recorded in the same period.
There are many other significant implications that many people do not really consider. Australia's tourist industry can anticipate devastating effects as global warming melts our already small snow fields, along with the destruction of one of our proudest natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. Expected warming and increase of CO2 levels in our oceans exceeds conditions by which these delicate coral lifeforms can survive. Coral is the essential building block of these valuable ecosystems, supporting almost 25% of all marine life. Again, devastating effects are already being witnessed, with the last major bleaching episode occurring in the 1997/'98 El Nino event, the strongest in history.
The Australian Tourism Industry contributed nearly 40 billion dollars and provides almost half a million jobs throughout the country. Much of this industry thrives on the natural wonders Australia has to offer the world and the casualties to this industry could be devestating.
Other implications include overwhelming increases to refugee numbers, as low-lying developing nations can no longer support their populations. The population of Bangladesh is currently at approx. 153 million people. Where will these people flee to when there homes become decimated by storms, drought, floods and sea level rise? When their already over-consumed resources are finally depleted?
Around the world, many nations power their thriving megatropolis cities through hydroelectric dams. Examples of this include the Hoover Dam, USA and the newly completed Three Gorges Dam, China. As rivers begin drying up, much of the world will be thrown into periodic blackouts.
Don't be misled. The world is in a state of delicate equilibrium and we are severely upsetting this balance. We need to take serious action before it is too late. The world has experienced five major extinction events in the past, the last occurring about 65 million years ago. Up to 70-80% of life has been wiped out during each event. We are currently in the middle of the sixth, the Holocene extinction event. Today, we are experiencing a mass extinction equivalent to that of the dinosaurs, and can boast to have the fastest rate of extinction observed throughout all of these mass extinctions.
What can we do?
To begin with, education is the key! If we really want to change our current direction, we the people need to become aware of what is happening and where we stand. We also need to get government policy and big business onto our side of the battle. At the same time, do not underestimate your own small part in making a difference. When alot of people contribute a small amount, it totals to a significant difference. It may mean a little extra work and a little sacrifice, but the alternative is inconceivable. We cannot afford to wait any longer. Good intention is a helpful start, but what we all need now is action. The benefits to you also mean reductions to electricity & water bills and general costs. Here are a few ways you can start:
Education is the first key to the future. Information for this blog has been gathered from the IPCC, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Awarded with the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, this is the leading body for climate change assessment and review.
There are many arguments for and against global warming, making it very difficult to really know where you, or we, stand. Global warming and cooling is a natural phenomenon and has occured throughout history. However, modern warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global mean sea level.
Although there is a current media panic towards global warming, political spin doctors will use various pieces of data in arguments against how serious this threat really is. Despite a handful of industry-backed reports, the vastly overwhelming majority of the scientific community believes without doubt that anthropogenic influences are directly related to and responsible for modern climate change. The fact is that overall observed changes to the global climate are inconsistent with alternative explanations.
So, what are we, the people of the world doing about it:
- annual fossil CO2 emissions increased from an average of 6.4GtCper year in the 1990s, to 7.2GtC per year in 2000-2005
- CO2 radiative forcing increased by 20% from 1995 to 2005, the largest in any decade in at least the last 200 years
Our governments and big business seem to have good intentions towards climate change, but beyond this little to nothing is really being done. As population and demand are increasing, our waste products and resource usage are on the rise. Significant curbing and cutting back needs to happen on all fronts.
What can we expect?
We are aware of some of the ramifications of climate change, such as increased global temperatures and sea levels. We can also expect significant intensity of hydrological cycle. This means an increase in severe drought and violent storm activity. Much of the South-Eastern region of Australia is already experiencing these effects, along with US' West Coast. Australia's recent "Big Dry" has been labeled the most damaging droughts in recorded history, coupled with the worst bush fires recorded in the same period.
There are many other significant implications that many people do not really consider. Australia's tourist industry can anticipate devastating effects as global warming melts our already small snow fields, along with the destruction of one of our proudest natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. Expected warming and increase of CO2 levels in our oceans exceeds conditions by which these delicate coral lifeforms can survive. Coral is the essential building block of these valuable ecosystems, supporting almost 25% of all marine life. Again, devastating effects are already being witnessed, with the last major bleaching episode occurring in the 1997/'98 El Nino event, the strongest in history.
The Australian Tourism Industry contributed nearly 40 billion dollars and provides almost half a million jobs throughout the country. Much of this industry thrives on the natural wonders Australia has to offer the world and the casualties to this industry could be devestating.
Other implications include overwhelming increases to refugee numbers, as low-lying developing nations can no longer support their populations. The population of Bangladesh is currently at approx. 153 million people. Where will these people flee to when there homes become decimated by storms, drought, floods and sea level rise? When their already over-consumed resources are finally depleted?
Around the world, many nations power their thriving megatropolis cities through hydroelectric dams. Examples of this include the Hoover Dam, USA and the newly completed Three Gorges Dam, China. As rivers begin drying up, much of the world will be thrown into periodic blackouts.
Don't be misled. The world is in a state of delicate equilibrium and we are severely upsetting this balance. We need to take serious action before it is too late. The world has experienced five major extinction events in the past, the last occurring about 65 million years ago. Up to 70-80% of life has been wiped out during each event. We are currently in the middle of the sixth, the Holocene extinction event. Today, we are experiencing a mass extinction equivalent to that of the dinosaurs, and can boast to have the fastest rate of extinction observed throughout all of these mass extinctions.
What can we do?
To begin with, education is the key! If we really want to change our current direction, we the people need to become aware of what is happening and where we stand. We also need to get government policy and big business onto our side of the battle. At the same time, do not underestimate your own small part in making a difference. When alot of people contribute a small amount, it totals to a significant difference. It may mean a little extra work and a little sacrifice, but the alternative is inconceivable. We cannot afford to wait any longer. Good intention is a helpful start, but what we all need now is action. The benefits to you also mean reductions to electricity & water bills and general costs. Here are a few ways you can start:
- Walk the small distances to the shops or around town rather than drive. Alternatively, catch the bus or car pool
- If you use a dishwasher, open it before the drying cycle and allow the dishes to air dry while you sleep.
- Shower for two minutes less. this can save up to 50L of water. Another technique is to turn off the tap while you soap up, rather than stand outside the jet.
- The old "brick in the toilet tank" technique is one we've all heard before, but instead use a plastic bottle filled with water. Your toilet will still flush properly, and also save several litres per use.
- Switch off appliances at the wall when not in use. Small amounts of electricity still travel to your appliance when it is in standby mode. Also, switch off lights when you leave the room, they are easily switched back on!
- Switch to energy efficient lightbulbs. Less energy, longer lasting!
- Don't eat beef. This may seem silly, but recent research suggests that a vegetarian in a 4WD is more eco-friendly that a beef eater on a bicycle. Try alternative meats, such as kangaroo. A leaner, greener and healthier meat! For more info on the benefits of this, visit macromeats, Australia's leading producer of game meats
- Green cleaners, good for the environment and good for you. Reduce exposure to the harsh chemicals of many cleaners and look for biodegradable and environmentally safe cleaning products.
- Contact your energy supplier and choose renewable energy. This may cost more now, but much less in the long run.
- Stay informed. Keep up with what is happening globally and in your local area. It is so easy to fall into the path of apathy.
- For more tips and ways you can make a difference, visit truegreen.
Education is the first key to the future. Information for this blog has been gathered from the IPCC, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Awarded with the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, this is the leading body for climate change assessment and review.
