Climate change is one of the greatest economic, social, and environmental challenges of our time. Expert scientific evidence (IPCC, 2007) confirms that human activity is altering the climate. This is changing rainfall patterns, reducing water availability in Central Queensland and increasing the frequency of severe weather events such as bushfires and storms. Amongst other impacts, the effects of warming conditions on the Keppel region reefs are of particular concern as predictions are that coral bleaching will be come an annual event within the next 30-50 years time. Recently, CCC signed an open letter to Professor Ross Garnaut from 49 climate action and environment advocacy groups. CCC continues to lobby the State and Federal Governments to reduce emissions targets and to focus less on carbon trading and more on the development of renewables and alternative energies. CCC applauds the government’s initiative for a National Solar Schools Program which has aims to see solar panels on the rooftop of every school by 2015. However we would like to see better incentives for urban and residential solar system installation.
Solar energy is the most established and well developed renewable technology. Solar Energy is clean, renewable and sustainable, helping to protect our environment. It does not pollute our air by releasing carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides, sulphurous compounds as the traditional forms of electrical systems do. Solar Energy does not contribute to global warming, acid rain or smog and thereby it actively contributes to the decrease of harmful green house gas emissions. It’s generated where it is needed rather than needing extensive infrastructure of power stations and powerlines. It can be set-up independently, and thereby reduces dependence of the people on centralised power grids and provides longevity and security for power production in face of catastrophes which might see power from the main grids being cut
We can already see the success of the solar hot water industry in reducing energy expenditure by households. A big plus for solar hot water systems is that over its lifetime it will displace 71.5 tonnes of CO2 which is the typical emission of an electrical system. How can you help?
• Write to your local Federal and State MP’s.
• Tell them you want Australia and Queensland to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2020.
• Go climate neutral by reducing your use of fossil fuels, turning off lights and unnecessary electrical items including items on standby and by converting to solar power if you can.