Why we need to act now

Recent reports from the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change advise that increases in global temperatures by 2.5 °C and a consequent rise in sea levels by 1.5m will occur by 2015 - much sooner than previously thought. It’s now too late to prevent this 2.5°C increase from occurring, but it’s imperative that we stop it rising further.
A temperature rise of 4 °C, for example, will devastate the world economy, inundate coastal populations and cause dramatic social and political upheaval. Australia’s own reports on climate change suggest that we will need to cut greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 70% to 90% by 2050 compared with 2000 levels to actively contribute to efforts to prevent catastrophic climate change (Garnaut Interim Report, February 2008).

Each year, global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions increase as new coal-powered energy plants are built around the world. If this continues, a 4°C increase in global temperatures will be inevitable. Our goal is to avoid a 4°C temperature rise by generating energy from wind, solar, wave and biomass projects – options that do not emit harmful greenhouse gases. You can help by investing in the renewable energy industry so that coal can be left in the ground and carbon emission levels plateau before they reach dangerously high levels. This has to happen now. We invite you, and your event, to be a part of the solution.

Australia’s Carbon Track Record

Australians are amongst the biggest greenhouse gas emitters in the world. Each Australian is responsible for some 28 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO2 – the most common greenhouse gas) each year. This equates to approximately 77kg or carbon per person per day. Coal-generated electricity and transport account for about 68% of our annual emissions which equates to over 340 million tonnes of CO2 entering the atmosphere.

Now that the Australian Government has signed the Kyoto Protocol, mandatory carbon regulations will soon come into force. The GPA and Climate Friendly provides organisations with the opportunity to become carbon reduction leaders and are setting the pace when it comes to practical, sustainable and respected environmental solutions.