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Welcome to our Climate Change page.
Our main climate change project is currently a A 'Renewable Energy NOW! for FNQ' campaign. You can follow the link below to find out more about this project.
CLIMATE CHANGE - The greatest challenge facing human civilisation.
It is now widely accepted that human-induced climate change is occurring. Human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, has increased the levels of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and this is causing global average temperatures to increase, and resulting in altered weather patterns. Temperatures are increasing, rainfall patterns are changing, ocean temperatures are increasing, sea ice is melting and sea levels are rising. For more background information on climate science refer to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Or check out the 'COPENHAGEN DIAGNOSIS - updating the world on the latest climate science'
Climate change is already affecting human populations and plant and animal communities, and is predicted to have further serious negative impacts. These predictions are discussed in more detail below.
Figures from 4th IPCC Report, 2007
How is climate change likely to affect this region?
Climate change is a particularly significant threat for Far North Queensland. The local scientific community, who have conducted some of the worlds foremost research into climate change impacts, recognise that Far North Queensland is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The Centre for Tropical Biodiversity and Climate Change, at James Cook University is a leading climate change research centre and has further information on this topic.
The predicted changes for this region include the following:
- Loss of high-altitude tropical
rainforests with a 2oC increase in average temperatures - many of the
plants and animals that live in our high-altitude forests are endemic
to these forests i.e. they occur no where else. The mountains that
support these systems are not very high, which means there is no where
for these forests to retreat to. Many wonderful and unique birds,
possums and other animals and plants will face extinction.
- Loss of high-altitude tropical
rainforests with a 2oC increase in average temperatures - many of the
plants and animals that live in our high-altitude forests are endemic
to these forests i.e. they occur no where else. The mountains that
support these systems are not very high, which means there is no where
for these forests to retreat to. Many wonderful and unique birds,
possums and other animals and plants will face extinction.
- Significant impacts to the Great
Barrier Reef. Coral bleaching events are set to increase and it is
predicted that up to half the corals of the GBR could be killed by the
end of this century. The corals are the basis of much of this marine
ecosystem - their death will have huge ripple effects throughout the
marine environment.
- More extensive storm tide flooding
and erosion of coastal areas and infrastructure associated with
sea-level rise and more intense tropical cyclones.
- Changes in the characteristics of
surface and ground-water resources due to reductions in annual rainfall
and increased rainfall intensity.
- Increased vulnerability to land
degradation, i.e. salinity, soil erosion and accompanying nutrient
loss, associated with increased rainfall intensity. Alterations to crop
seasons and the ability for some regions to sustain current
agricultural practises in response to variations in maximum and minimum
temperature and water availability.
- Increased flood risks and damage to
transport infrastructure and low-lying human settlements.
- Increased risks of wildfires.
- Changes in energy demand and peak
load associated with increased maximum temperatures in summer and
higher minimum temperatures in winter.
- Changes in human and animal health
resulting from heat stress and changes in the location of current
vector borne diseases, pests and weed populations.
What can you do?
- Join CCAN, the CAIRNS CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK, by emailing climate@cafnec.org.au. We would love your help, so if you’re interested in getting involved please contact us!
- Write to your local state and federal MP asking them to reduce carbon emissions
- Reduce your carbon footprint by: choosing sustainable transport such as cycling or buses instead of driving; buying local foods; using less electricity; supporting renewable energy technologies and reducing the amount of recyclable and non-recyclable waste that you generate.
Australia’s policies on climate change
Australia has the highest per capita greenhouse gas emission rates on the planet at about 26.7 tonnes per person, about twice the average level of other wealthy countries (13.4 tonnes). The majority of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the energy sector. The remaining greenhouse gas emissions in Australia mainly come from transport, agriculture, changes in land use and forestry. There are 24 coal power stations in Australia that release more than 170 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. These coal driven power stations generate 84 percent of all the electricity produced in the country. Not only is the use of coal and fossil fuels to produce electricity one of the greatest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, it is also extremely inefficient. Only about 25-35 % of the energy actually stored in the coal is transformed into electrical energy. Although methods have been suggested to reduce carbon dioxide emissions while still using coal (i.e. ‘clean coal’), none of these would provide an adequate solution to the problem.
The Australian government has been slow to commit to emission reductions, and is still lagging behind other developed countries in supporting the transition to low carbon energy sources. World leaders will meet in Copenhagen in December 2009, and this is the last chance for them to commit to the deep emission cuts required to reduce the serious consequences of climate change before it is too late. Our leaders must act NOW to save the future of many species and to protect human societies from the potentially catastrophic impacts of climate change.
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) and Emissions trading scheme (ETS)
The Rudd Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS), a cap-and-trade system of emissions trading for greenhouse gases, was rejected in the Senate in August 2009 due to concerns that it failed to tackle the issue of emissions reduction seriously enough.
An emissions trading scheme is essentially a system in which businesses must pay for their ‘right’ to pollute. It is not necessarily the most important tool for cutting greenhouse pollution, but an effective, efficient and equitable emissions trading scheme could play a big part in helping to avert dangerous climate change. An effective scheme could drive down pollution while generating revenue to invest in the transition to a low carbon economy.
What is emissions trading?
Hear Professor Ian Lowe talking about carbon trading on Life Matters on Radio National
The Asia-Pacific Emissions Trading Forum, also has information on carbon trading.
Renewable Energy
A Bright Future, a report complied by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), Greenpeace and the Climate Change Action Network (CANA) found that a 25% renewable energy target would deliver 16,600 new jobs to Australians, generate $33 billion in new investment and create enough renewable electricity to power every home in Australia. This report found that allowing Australia’s electricity use to keep on rising would cost the Australian economy far more than if we switch to 25% renewable energy and become more energy efficient.
Beyond Zero Emissions have released Zero Carbon Australia 2020 a report about the potential for Australia to meet 100% renewable energy targets by 2020.
The Australian government recently passed the Renewable Energy Target Bill, which will see 20% of Australia’s energy needs sourced form the renewable energy within 20 years. Some environmental organisations argue that much higher targets are needed.
What is CAFNEC doing about climate change?
- CAFNEC has been involved in the formation of the Cairns Climate Action Network, who's mission is to facilitate local community involvement in climate change issues, to reduce our region’s contribution to climate change and to assist our community and environment to adapt to climate change impacts.
- Involvement in Walk Against Warming, and other national and international collaborations from time to time.
- CAFNEC has also provided input into policy development for the State Government Greenhouse Strategy and the Federal Government Mandatory Renewable Energy Targets (MRET). We are also pushing to highlight the impact of fluorocarbon based refrigerants still widely used in Australia and which are far more potent greenhouse gases than CO2 or Methane, and for which cheaper suitable alternatives are available.
Climate Justice
Our energy intensive economy and lifestyle in Australia is typical of the developed world, which is responsible for over 80% of all greenhouse gas emissions. The US, with 4% of the world's population produces about 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The climate justice movement calls for an equitable distribution of carbon pollution rights, allowing for the development of countries in the majority world, and for governments in developed countries to assist less developed nations to make the transition to low carbon economies.
In 1990, global emissions of CO2 were 22.3 billion tonnes. The IPCC maintain that a 60% reduction is required to avoid 'unpredictable and dangerous' climate change. This means that the atmosphere may be able to accommodate 8.9 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions a year. Assuming everyone has equal rights to the Earth's atmosphere, an estimated sustainable emission rate is about 1.47 tonnes per capita per year.
By arguing against developing nations, the Australian government is arguing against basic development needs such as lighting and heating for the majority of the world’s population. Australia is using more than its fair share of the global atmosphere. Australia produces over 1% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, yet has only 0.3% of the world’s population. In this form of analysis Australia has a significant climate or carbon debt to the rest of the world which is currently a burden shared by all nations regardless of their level of greenhouse gas emissions. As Australia is among the worlds most affluent nations, has enourmous potential renewable energy resources and investing in these resources will create many new jobs, why do we not act now?
Tidal flooding in the Pacific
Recent Happenings
Walk Against Warming, Cairns Eplanade, 12th December 2009
Around 300 people came together to voice their concerns about climate change and send the message to our representatives in Copenhagen that we want urgent emissions cuts now to avert climate catastrophe.
Thanks to everyone who came along to make the day a big success!
The Age of Stupid screening, Cairns Civic Theatre, 29th November
Over 200 people attended the screening of The Age of Stupid, a joint fundraising for the Australian Conservation Foundation, The Wilderness Society, and CAFNEC. A great success! Thanks to everyone who came along to see this great film.
350.org international day of climate action, 24th October 2009, Cairns Marina
People the world over took part in stunts and activities to raise the profile of the issue of climate change. A group of Cairns residents headed down to Marlin Marina to make their point.
Pacific NGO Conference and the Pacific Islands Forum, Cairns, August 2009
On the 4th of August, representatives from non-government organisations across the Pacific gathered in Cairns to discuss the issue of climate change, and to urge government leaders to take action to save their island homes.
Participants from Pacific Island nations shared their first hand experiences of the impacts of climate change. These stories told of rising sea levels that are inundating their land, contaminating fresh water supplies and killing crops. Photos of flooded villages, dead plantations and eroding coastlines brought the reality of stories home. Pacific Islanders on low lying islands and atolls are currently losing their land, their food security and their water supply due to climate change.
Conference participants joined together to call for urgent action including:
- Drastic carbon emissions cuts of at least 45% on 1990 levels by 2020
- Sufficient funding for adaptation in addition to overseas development aid
- Effective technology transfer to mitigate and adapt to climate change
- Address all of the concerns with regard to human rights abuses in West Papua
Those present were adamant that they are not climate refugees. Until drastic emissions cuts have been made and all other possible solutions have been explored, they do not want relocation to be viewed as an option. As participant Reverend Tafue Molu Lusama from Tuvalu explained, “We do not want to lose our identity, and our identity is strongly tied down to our land. Losing our land literally means our death as a 'distinct' people on the face of this planet.” For more information about Climate Change in the Pacific, contact the Pacific Calling Partnership
Flooding in Fiji
Storm surge damage in the Cartaret Islands
Link and contacts
Friends of the Earth Climate Justice Campaign
Demand Climate Justice
Walk Against Warming
Pacific Calling Partnership
Do an interactive quiz to calculate your Carbon Footprint
Carbon Equity
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