CLIMATE CHANGE
WORDS BY KATIA RAWLINGS.
Climate change is the result of gasses that are released during the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas which then create a blanket around the world which traps heat. This creates more extreme and unpredictable events in weather, like heatwaves and droughts. These things all have a compounding effect on other aspects of our earth such as sea levels, and alpine regions. Our oceans are becoming warmer and are increasing in their acidity as they absorb excess carbon from the atmosphere which impacts marine life of all kinds. The impacts of climate change not only affects us but all life on Earth. Just as humans need to be comfortable in their environment as do any other creatures. Animals are migrating from places they have lived in for years to escape the results of climate change and a lot are not able to do that because of severe weather events.
Climate change and global warming is something that we think of as happening in the future. The truth is it is already happening, and evidence can be seen throughout the world.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology and the CSIRO are responsible for monitoring and communicating current and future changes in Australia’s climate. They have recorded that Australia’s climate has warmed by an average of 1.47 + or - 0.24 °C since records started in 1910. The sea surface has increased by an average of 1.05 °C since 1900 which causes more intense heat events over land and sea. There has been a 15% decline in rainfall between April and October and in the same area May to July rainfall has recorded a 19% decline in rainfall since 1970. There has been an increase in extreme fire weather and longer seasons across the country since the 1950s. There has been a decrease in the number of tropical cyclones in the region. Snow depth, cover and number of snow days have decreased in the alpine regions since the late 1950s. Oceans around Australia have warmed by more than 1°C and are acidifying causing marine heatwaves. Sea levels are rising around Australia increasing the risk of damage to coastal communities and infrastructure.
Globally greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise with the global mean carbon dioxide levels reaching 414.4 parts per million in 2021 and all greenhouse gasses reaching 516 parts per million. These are the highest quantities on Earth in at least 2 million years. There was a global decline in fossil fuel emissions of CO2 in 2020 which was a result of the pandemic. This improved things but only for a brief period of time and it has a barely minimal impact on the effects of climate change.
What does all this information mean for Australians?
There will be an increase in extreme heat and a decrease in extreme cold temperatures. This could also lead to less rainfall in cool seasons which will likely lead to more drought times but will create short heavy rainfall events. We are already seeing an increase in the fire weather day, and this will only get worse and for longer periods of time. The increase in sea levels and temperature will lead to more coral bleaching and worse water quality like what we are already seeing in the great barrier reef. The acidification will affect the sea creatures which will lead to osteoporosis of creatures that rely on the minerals to create their shells and skeletons. An increase in severe weather conditions can also lead to ocean related weather events like higher intensity cyclones further destroying these carefully curated ecosystems. These ecosystems rely on temperatures to stay the same in order for them to survive and prosper, but these marine heatwaves are affecting kelp forests and other marine environments that keep our sea life alive.
What can we do to help?
The Australian government are working with businesses to help reduce carbon emissions but there is a role to play for everyone.
Here are some ways that you can help reduce your carbon footprint.
Walk, ride a bike or use public transport.
The average emission of greenhouse gases whilst driving a car is 146.5 g/km which doesn’t seem like a lot at first but as soon as you add in how many people drive in Australia that number rises exponentially. Plus, walking is healthier for you!
Eat less red meat
Cows are the main contributor of greenhouse gasses in agriculture. Any type of red meat contributes to almost 5 times more gas emissions than chickens.
Reduce food waste
When food decomposes it releases methane which is a greenhouse gas, the less food that goes to waste the less gasses in the air.
Reduce energy usage
Energy used in Australian homes produces a huge number of emissions, so simple things like turning off a light when natural light is enough or by hanging your clothes out to dry can make a huge impact.
Take shorter showers
The less hot water used the less energy and less emissions released.
Recycle!
If it can be recycled it saves it going to waste!
Switch to energy efficient means.
Fluorescent light bulbs use less energy than other kinds of bulbs and can last longer! You can also get appliances now that have an energy efficiency mode to help reduce your carbon footprint.
EDITORIAL NOTE: This article has been reuploaded and was originally published in 2023.