You are hereOur Campaigns / Climate Change
Climate Change
Climate change is the most serious environmental problem facing the world. Leading international scientists agree that human activity is disrupting the planet's climate systems. Fossil fuels, used for energy and transport, are major contributors to the problem. Without significant action to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels we will cause catastrophic damage to Earth’s ecosystems, triggering social and economic upheaval.
Past fossil fuel use will continue to cause problems for decades to come but there are steps we can take today to reduce long-term damage. Everyone needs to play a part - from businesses through to individuals, families and communities, and government must show leadership. But the federal government and vested mining interests are taking Australia in the wrong direction.
Instead of propping up old polluting energy sources like coal-fired and nuclear power, we need to make Australia a low carbon economy, to place Australia on a sustainable footing for the future. You will find information and resources on these campaign pages to help you play a part in making this happen.
It’s time to get serious about climate change. The Australian government should take immediate measures to reduce greenhouse pollution, including:
- Capping national emissions and establishing an emissions trading scheme;
- Setting a national standard for new electricity generators to ensure investment in clean energy and rule out polluting coal;
- Increasing the contribution of new renewable energy in Australia from less than 2% to 10% by 2010;
- Setting an energy efficiency target and implementing projects that save both energy and money; and
- Investing in safe, clean and reliable public transport.
Polar Bears Vulnerable
For the first time in history, the majestic polar bear, the world’s largest land-based carnivore, has been listed as a ‘vulnerable species at risk of extinction’ by the World Conservation Union (IUCN).
Global warming is melting the Arctic ice that polar bears depend upon for survival. If this ice continues to melt at current rates, the polar bear could be extinct by the end of the century.
Think about this more, view our animation here.
See Also:
Christine Milne on Rudd's Emissions Trading Scheme
Electricity industry 'must pay own way' - The Age
Climate Change - Latest Content
Garnaut's weak targets recipe for catastrophic climate change - Greens
Rudd must lead globe towards strict targets
The weak targets advocated in the supplementary report from the Garnaut review released today are based on outdated science, risk catastrophic climate change and will undermine global negotiations towards an effective climate treaty, Australian Greens Senators Bob Brown and Christine Milne said today.
Still Waiting for Garnaut
Professor Garnaut must tomorrow recommend stringent 2020 greenhouse gas reductions targets to avoid catastrophic climate change, Australian Greens climate change spokesperson, Senator Christine Milne, said today.
Senator Milne said "The globe is poised on the edge of a number of climate change tipping points any one of which could send us into runaway heating.
