Climate Change - Basic Overview of the Big Issues

Climate change is fast becoming the world’s most prominent environmental threat.

The gradual warming of the globe has been linked to the increase in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases including methane and nitrous oxide, to unsustainable levels in the Earths atmosphere.

Whilst the concept of climate change, global warming and the greenhouse effect can seem quite overwhelming, there is no doubt that a groundswell of support for solutions is being felt throughout Australia, and around the world.

It is suggested that if global emissions or greenhouse gases continues to rise, temperatures across the earth could increase by between 2.4-6.4 degrees Celsius by 2100. In real terms the results of such an increase could be devastating.

Veolia, as one of the world’s foremost advocates for sustainable environmental solutions is committed to leading the way in tackling the issues head on.

Impacts of Global Warming and Climate Change in Australia

As suggested, the issues of climate change and global warming relate to the warming of the earth’s surface and the implications this will have on the natural and built environments cultures around the world.

If temperatures within Australia were to further increase over the next century the following results may be experienced.

• Increased droughts and flooding
• Snow coverage shrinkage
• Coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef
• Increase in forest fire danger
• Loss of Kakadu wetlands
• Reduction of half the water flow into the Murray Darling Basin
• Increase in tropical cyclones

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

Solar radiation coming from the sun and infrared radiation emitted by the Earth are responsible for maintaining the planet’s energy balance. Part of the incoming solar radiation is reflected by the atmosphere and the rest is absorbed, warming the Earth. This heat is then partially re-emitted in the form of infrared rays passing through the atmosphere. The atmosphere, which is made up of greenhouse gases (such as CO2, N2O ) traps some of the heat generated by the infrared rays whilst the rest escapes into space. Therefore, when greenhouse gases increase, the atmosphere retains more heat. Current research indicates that many human activities are emitting greenhouse gases and producing an additional greenhouse effect.

Reducing our energy use – Veolia leads by example through innovative solutions.

• Using energy more efficiently is one way to reduce our greenhouse impact. Veolia Environmental Services,
• Our Natural Recovery Systems facility in Victoria involves composting of organic waste via aerobic methods.
  This avoids the methane generation which the material would have undergone had it been disposed of in landfill. The facility is accredited under the Australian Greenhouse Office’s Greenhouse Friendly™ program as a greenhouse gas abatement provider

Innovative Case Study: Top End trucks trial Biodiesel Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative diesel fuel, produced from renewable resources. It is similar to petroleum diesel, but can be produced from a variety of vegetable oils and animal fats, having a lower greenhouse impact. Three frontlift trucks in the Darwin fleet participated in a series of trials by running on Biodiesel “B20” ( 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel). The trials were conducted by Charles Darwin University, and showed positive results in the reduction of particulates and carbon monoxide in the exhaust with no impact on performance.