How is Mt Barney Lodge contributing to a healthier planet?
Mt Barney Lodge leads by example in mitigating the onset of climate change effects, by being as individually responsible and sustainable as possible. Check out the 70+ listed actions that Mt Barney Lodge does as a genuine ecotourism destination.
What is climate change?
Climate change is the result of greenhouse gases (GHGs), principally carbon dioxide, building up in our atmosphere and helping to trap heat. According to the vast majority of the world's scientists this has caused the climate to change globally.
Why is it happening?
Over the past two decades, the evidence that GHG is continuing to build-up as a result of human activities – this is a combined effect from increases in emissions, such as fossil fuel burning, and decrease in carbon sinks, such as reduced forest cover.
How much are we producing?
Australia generates about 1.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, so our actions alone cannot avert the worst consequences of climate change. However, Australia is one of the world's biggest polluters on a per capita basis, so it is essential we do all we can as part of the global effort.
Why is it of concern?
Climate change is one of the greatest social, economic and environmental challenges of our time. Human activity is causing the climate to change. This, in turn, is having an impact on Australia's rainfall, temperatures, bushfire frequency, health, heritage and biodiversity for current and future generations.
During the past 100 years, global average surface temperature increased by about 0.7°C . Since 1910 the average temperature of Australia has risen by about 1-2°C. Although these increases sound small, they have a big impact on the world's climate.
How will I be affected?
It is difficult to precisely predict what the impacts of climate change will be, as they vary with each region. Best estimates are that by 2030 Australia will face:
- a further 1ºC of warming in temperatures
- up to 20 per cent more months of drought
- up to 25 per cent increase in days of very high or extreme fire danger
- increases in storm surges and severe weather events.
Australia is very vulnerable to the effects of climate change. We are already the driest inhabited continent on earth, heavily exposed to the dangers of extreme heat and drought. We are home to many globally important and vulnerable ecological systems.
Australians are mainly coastal dwellers. Our industries and urban centers face ongoing water limitations. Our economy, including food production and agriculture, is under threat.
The longer we wait to act on climate change, the more it will cost and the worse its effects will be.
Our economy, including food production and agriculture, is under threat.
What can I personally do to slow climate change?
You can’t change what you don’t know – so first measure what your carbon footprint really is. Use this easy and free calculator to work it out :
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx
....then make a few small changes in your home – this can reduce greenhouse gases and save you money.
- Change five lights
- Look for ENERGY STAR When buying new products for your home energy bills.
- Heat and cool smartly
- Seal and insulate your home
- Reduce, reuse, recycle
- Use water efficiently
- Be green in your yard
- Purchase green power
Learn more about what you can do here -
http://epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/
Can I do anything to help while on holidays?
- Use public transport where possible
- Once at your destination, try to stay out of the car
- Choose non-motorised activities
- Eat local and seasonal food – food miles can account for 70% of your carbon footprint.
- Consider conservation or volunteer tourism – this way you pay back to the environment and still have a great time!
- Use less energy – care with lighting and air-conditioning
- Choose a tourism destination that provides a genuine sustainable product
- Holiday close to home – draw a 300km circle around your home, and try to explore somewhere new within it.
Information sourced from www.carbonneutral.com.au
