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The Earth’s climate has always been variable, but what is different about the changes this century is the speed at which they’ve occurred. There is strong evidence and consensus from scientists around the world that a significant proportion of climate change is being caused by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere as a result of human activity.
Greenhouse gases are a natural part of the atmosphere that trap the heat the planet to a level necessary to support life. However, over the last two centuries, the burning of fossil fuels and land clearing have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases, trapping more heat from the sun. This is known as the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Australia, the driest inhabited continent on Earth, is likely to become even drier. This will affect agriculture and biodiversity, and threaten coral reefs, arid and semi-arid habitats, alpine regions and freshwater wetlands. The sea level will also start to rise, impacting on coastal areas.
In Australia, projections for this century include:
- More heat waves that will result in heat stress and heat-related deaths in humans, damage to crops and livestock, and increased bushfire vulnerability.
- Extensions in the range of some pests and diseases like malaria.
- More intense and sporadic weather events (including tropical cyclones) and increased flooding
- More droughts which will increase crop, livestock, fisheries and wildlife losses, and decrease river flows and water quality.
Council takes global warming very seriously, and encourages Willoughby residents to act for sustainability, for example by saving energy. There are lots of other steps you can take to help the environment.
Council takes global warming very seriously, and encourages Willoughby residents to take action themselves by saving energy. There are lots of other steps you can take to help the environment. Council also has some transport programs to help reduce greenhouse gases; CouncilCab and the Transport Access Guides.