Climate change - science, impacts and solutions

Climate change is already resulting in more extreme weather events, and, if it reaches the tipping point that many scientists fear, our children will be living in a very different world from the one we grew up in. Rising sea levels, acidified oceans, drought and extreme weather are violent disruptions that scientists predict will result in mass extinctions and massive displacement of people. It’s serious. And we have a rapidly closing window to make deep cuts in greenhouse emissions.

At this point, we don’t just need energy efficient light bulbs. We need a radical and urgent transition plan to a green economy. We need to ban new coal fired power stations and coal mines. The transition away from destructive industries and their replacement with efficient, sustainable alternatives needs to be the basis of the next industrial revolution. And what do we have? We have our Governments are taking us in exactly the opposite direction, with both major political parties supporting a massive expansion of the coal industry, including the doubling of Australia’s largest coal port in Newcastle. The disconnect between the reality of climate change and our political leadership is stark. We’ve sat through twenty years of blah blah blah. We need action, and we need it now.

Below are some links to further information about the science, impacts and solutions to climate change. But if you already know climate change is a massive problem, and you want to do something about it, we invite you to join us, get involved in the camp, help spread the word, and make your voice heard!

Links to further information

Climate Code Red gives a chilling overview of the latest science, and outlines a clear and urgent programme for cuts in greenhouse pollution.

The International Panel on Climate Change is the leading international scientific research body on climate change. Their reports represent the most comprehensive consensus of climate science.

For a great overview of climate change threats and solutions, check out The Big Switch

Teaching climate change is a great new website developed by the Australia Institute aimed at high school students. It covers the basics of climate science, impacts and solutions.

Energy Science is an independent non-governmental organisation established as a collaboration of concerned scientists, engineers and policy experts to present information to people on the issue of sustainable energy. energyscience.org.au combines rigorous research from leading academics and other experts to promote informed public debate and to foster dialogue between policy makers and their critics.

Rising Tide Australia has a fantastic resource on so-called "clean coal" and why it is being promoted.