Climate Change and what we should do about it

The following is what needs to be done and can be done. We cannot expect the rest of the world to do all the heavy lifting while we sit back and do as little as possible.

The biggest single issue that will have a significant effect on Australia's emission is coal which needs to be phased out a source of electricity generation. No one is suggesting that we just abandon the industry. There needs to be a clear government policy, with a timetable plus compensation for mines and power stations closing down and a retraining programme for the employees affected.

Electricity will be generated by renewables, which release no emissions and which already generates electricity at a lower cost than coal with the improvements in generation technology as well as storage (batteries).

Other issues that will reduce Australia's Carbon emissions:

• Transport. Convert trucks to the already available electric and fuel cell technology. Most new cars will be electric by 2030.
• Buildings. Set minimum standards for new buildings. Retrofit older buildings.
• Low carbon factories. New technology will allow for near zero emissions from steel making, ammonia, cement, petrochemicals and ammonia.
• Minimise land clearing/ or replant areas that have already been cleared. Land clearing increases carbon emissions. Australia already has cleared a greater percentage of natural vegetation than any other country in the world. This needs to be redressed. Will require Government policy and probably a subsidy to landowners to encourage them to comply.

It should be noted that Prime minister Morrison was snubbed at a recent International Climate Change conference by the British Prime Minister in that he was denied an opportunity to speak. All because of what the international community regards as Australian tokenism on the issue.

BIPARTISAN APPROACH

The only way of actually creating, implementing and maintaining a coherent policy to combat Climate Change in Australia is by having a bi-partisan approach to the issue.

Consequences of not doing enough

The consequences of not doing enough will be catastrophic for both Australia and the World at large.

Australia

• An increase in droughts, heatwaves, devastating bushfires and Cyclones. This is already happening.
• A rise in sea levels, which has and will result in coastal erosion. For example many Sydney suburbs will be prone to flooding, including Sydney Airport and suburbs surrounding Paramatta river . All Australian Capital cities will be similarly affected.
• The Pacific Island States will be devastated. Many will become unliveable, resulting in large numbers of people feeling they have no option but to migrate to Australia.

The world at large.

• Similar trends to Australia.

Australia has an opportunity to become a world leader in renewable technology. Instead we seem to be clinging onto what is rapidly becoming dated technology.