Fact Sheet 2 - Atmosphere: Climate Change
FACT SHEET
2
Atmosphere Climate Change TRENDS
Greenhouse gas emissions in total in South Australia are up by 7.8% since 1995. Emissions per person are up from 21.48 tonnes in 1995 to 22.43 tonnes in 2001. Emissions from
Climate Change Issues
industry are up
The ‘greenhouse’ effect is a natural process whereby greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap heat to maintain the earth at a temperature needed for us to live here. Without the greenhouse effect, the earth would be cold and life would not be able to exist. Over the past century, there are certain human activities that have increased the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This has created what is known as the ‘enhanced greenhouse effect’ and is expected to cause the earth to warm over the coming decades. Many scientists believe that the enhanced greenhouse effect has already begun to change the earth’s climate. Global temperatures have been rising over the past century, and although the earth’s temperature has risen and fallen across many centuries, it is believed that the global climate is warming faster now than it ever has before. It is predicted that by the year 2100, temperatures could rise by as much as 5.8˚C, and if temperatures do rise that much, some of the polar ice caps will melt leading to higher sea levels. Changes in rainfall patterns and other climatic conditions have also been recently recorded.
23.3% since 1995. Emissions from the transport sector have fallen slightly. Emissions from land use change (such as vegetation clearance) remain close to zero. ‘Fugitive’ emissions (escaped emissions from gas and oil production) represent 10% of total emissions.
The major greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (NO). The major source of carbon dioxide is the burning of oil, gas and coal (fossil fuels). This includes the use of petrol in motor vehicles and the generation of electricity from coal and gas. Methane (CH4) is produced when organic material is broken down without oxygen. The biggest source of methane is produced from animals such as sheep and cows during their digestive processes. Nitrous oxide (NO) is emitted naturally from oceans and soils, but is also produced by burning vegetation, clearing vegetation, some fertilisers and industrial processes. Environments like forests are thought of as ‘carbon sinks’ (areas that reduce the level of CO2 in the atmosphere), as plants absorb CO2 during photosynthesis.
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET 2003
1
Atmosphere
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET
2
Climate Change What is the Current Climate Change Situation? Condition indicators Greenhouse gas atmospheric concentrations The CSIRO monitors the concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gas above Australia at Cape Grim on the north-western coast of Tasmania. According to their results, the concentrations of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide are continuing to increase.
Pressure indicators Annual Greenhouse gas emissions in South Australia Per Capita Australians create more greenhouse gas emissions per person than any other country in the world. In South Australia, greenhouse gas emissions have risen from 21.48 tonnes per person in 1995, to 22.43 tonnes per person in 2001. The Australian average is 27.9 tonnes per person each year. As a comparison, greenhouse gas emissions for the United States of America is 18.1 tonnes per person. South Australia’s figure is lower than the Australian average because around one third of our electricity is generated using natural gas. This process creates less emissions than coal that is most commonly used in other states. The largest single activity that releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is the generation and use of energy. The consumption of energy, such as the use of petrol in cars and trucks, and the generation of energy, such as electricity generation in power stations, contribute to 64% of greenhouse gas emissions. An indication that our emissions from energy use and generation is continuing to climb is the increase in 2000/2001 by 3.6% since 1999.
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET 2003
2
Atmosphere
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET
2
Climate Change Responding to Climate Change An ‘Earth Summit’ was held in Rio de Janiero in 1992 to bring nations together to discuss important environmental issues such as climate change. At this meeting world leaders created the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The UNFCCC set a goal for all nations to voluntarily stabilise their greenhouse emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000. Even though there were 160 nations represented, the voluntary approach did not succeed in reducing global greenhouse emissions. As a result, the Kyoto Protocol was enacted in Kyoto, Japan in 1997 to continue in the UNFCCC footsteps in aiming to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. It was set up as a legally binding global agreement with its main objective being to reduce emissions by 5.2% between the years 2008–2012. As part of the Protocol, Australia negotiated a greenhouse pollution ‘reduction target’ of plus 8 per cent. This means that Australia will aim to limit growth in its greenhouse gas emissions to 8 per cent above the levels they were in 1990. Other countries, like those from the European Union, have agreed to reduce their pollution levels over the same time by 8 per cent of the 1990 levels The Kyoto Protocol will be ratified (given formal approval) once over half of the highest greenhouse producing countries sign on. Australia has not yet formally ratified the Protocol. In South Australia, a variety of programs have been developed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These programs aim to encourage people to use alternative energy, such as: • solar hot water heaters • different kinds of transport, eg buses, trains, car pooling • modify building regulations for the construction of more energy efficient buildings.
“
An ‘Earth Summit’ was held in Rio de Janiero in 1992 to bring nations together to discuss important environmental issues such as climate change.
”
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET 2003
3
Atmosphere
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET
2
Climate Change
Impacts of Climate Change Biodiversity
Taking Action for Climate Change Document the activities that you undertake everyday that contribute to the greenhouse effect? What are some of the things that you can do to reduce your impact on climate change? Are there alternatives to your actions? Can you try and catch a bus, train or tram; can you walk or cycle more often?
With the predicted changes to the environment, some ecosystems will adapt better than others. The ecosystems likely to be most sensitive to climate change include native grasslands, mangroves, wetlands and deserts. Certain types of plants and animals will also be very sensitive to the changes in climate. On the other hand, some of the pest plants and animals are likely to thrive in the changed conditions. For example, warmer temperatures may cause the fruit fly to span out and create problems in more areas.
Inland Waters Reduced rainfall will mean less water for our rivers, streams and wetlands. The flow in the Eastern Murray-Darling Basin is expected to reduce by 20% by 2030 and by 45% by 2070. This will impact aquatic plants and animals. Reduced rainfall will also increase competition for already stressed water resources.
Economy Initially, the changes in CO2 are likely to stimulate plant growth; however, over time productivity rates will decline.
Coasts and the Sea Increases in sea level and increased intensity of storm events will impact on coastal ecosystems, and coastal communities, particularly in relation to stormwater management.
Health Higher summer temperatures may lead to more deaths. Increased numbers of mosquitos in some areas may lead to increased outbreaks of Dengue fever and Ross River virus.
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET 2003
4
Atmosphere
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET
2
Climate Change
Attention!! What are the major sources of greenhouse gases in South Australia? In 2000/2001 the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions in South Australia were: • stationary energy (28%) - emissions created by non-transport based energy use. They are mainly produced in the generation of electricity at power stations, but also through the use of fossil fuels in industries and homes (eg using gas to heat hot water). • transport (23%) - the use of petrol and diesel in vehicles. Emissions from road vehicles have risen by 7.6% and are continuing to increase. Cars contribute 64% of all emissions from road vehicles. • agriculture (18%) - the release of greenhouse gases by sheep, cattle, horses, pigs and poultry as part of the digestive process. • industry (13%) - the use of fossil fuels such as black coal and natural gas. • fugitive emissions (10%) - from natural gas processing and oil and gas production at Moomba and Ladbroke Grove gas fields.
The source of South Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions – 2000/01 Land use change 0% Interconnection 2% Waste 4% International bunkers 1%
Stationary energy 28%
Agriculture 18%
Industry 14%
Transport 23%
Fugitive emissions 10% Note: Interconnection refers to the electricity interconnection from the eastern States. SOURCE: LOTHIAN, UNPUB.
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET 2003
5
Atmosphere
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET
2
Climate Change
Research Ideas about Climate Change 1
What is meant by the ‘enhanced greenhouse effect’ and ‘global warming’?
2
What are ‘greenhouse gases’? How are they produced?
3
How can the ‘enhanced greenhouse effect’ impact ecosystems?
4
What human activities in your community, South Australia and internationally have resulted in the ‘enhanced greenhouse effect’?
5
How do different types of development and associated human lifestyles (the way we live) impact on greenhouse gas emissions?
6
What does the State of the Environment report tell us about the ‘enhanced greenhouse effect’ in South Australia?
7
What might happen in the future if things continue as they are?
8
What are government, business and industry doing to address greenhouse issues?
9
What can we do individually, or in communities, to reduce our impact on climate change?
REFERENCES Lothian, A., unpub. State of the Environment Report 2003 – Enhanced Greenhouse Effect. Background paper prepared for the Department for Environment and Heritage. RESOURCES
For more detailed information on the issue and actions you can take see the State of the Environment Report for South Australia 2003. This is available at: www.environment.sa.gov.au/ soe2003
This fact sheet is part of a set of 23 fact sheets about the key environmental issues identified in the State of the Environment report 2003, produced for the Environment Reporting Education Resource. You can access the fact sheets and learn more about taking action for the environment at the Education Resource website: www.environment.sa.gov.au/reporting/ education. For more information call the Environmental Education Unit of the Department for Environment and Heritage (08) 8226 4466.
Printed on 100% recycled, Australian-made paper with vegetable-based inks.
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET 2003
6
2
Atmosphere Climate Change TRENDS
Greenhouse gas emissions in total in South Australia are up by 7.8% since 1995. Emissions per person are up from 21.48 tonnes in 1995 to 22.43 tonnes in 2001. Emissions from
Climate Change Issues
industry are up
The ‘greenhouse’ effect is a natural process whereby greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap heat to maintain the earth at a temperature needed for us to live here. Without the greenhouse effect, the earth would be cold and life would not be able to exist. Over the past century, there are certain human activities that have increased the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This has created what is known as the ‘enhanced greenhouse effect’ and is expected to cause the earth to warm over the coming decades. Many scientists believe that the enhanced greenhouse effect has already begun to change the earth’s climate. Global temperatures have been rising over the past century, and although the earth’s temperature has risen and fallen across many centuries, it is believed that the global climate is warming faster now than it ever has before. It is predicted that by the year 2100, temperatures could rise by as much as 5.8˚C, and if temperatures do rise that much, some of the polar ice caps will melt leading to higher sea levels. Changes in rainfall patterns and other climatic conditions have also been recently recorded.
23.3% since 1995. Emissions from the transport sector have fallen slightly. Emissions from land use change (such as vegetation clearance) remain close to zero. ‘Fugitive’ emissions (escaped emissions from gas and oil production) represent 10% of total emissions.
The major greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (NO). The major source of carbon dioxide is the burning of oil, gas and coal (fossil fuels). This includes the use of petrol in motor vehicles and the generation of electricity from coal and gas. Methane (CH4) is produced when organic material is broken down without oxygen. The biggest source of methane is produced from animals such as sheep and cows during their digestive processes. Nitrous oxide (NO) is emitted naturally from oceans and soils, but is also produced by burning vegetation, clearing vegetation, some fertilisers and industrial processes. Environments like forests are thought of as ‘carbon sinks’ (areas that reduce the level of CO2 in the atmosphere), as plants absorb CO2 during photosynthesis.
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET 2003
1
Atmosphere
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET
2
Climate Change What is the Current Climate Change Situation? Condition indicators Greenhouse gas atmospheric concentrations The CSIRO monitors the concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gas above Australia at Cape Grim on the north-western coast of Tasmania. According to their results, the concentrations of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide are continuing to increase.
Pressure indicators Annual Greenhouse gas emissions in South Australia Per Capita Australians create more greenhouse gas emissions per person than any other country in the world. In South Australia, greenhouse gas emissions have risen from 21.48 tonnes per person in 1995, to 22.43 tonnes per person in 2001. The Australian average is 27.9 tonnes per person each year. As a comparison, greenhouse gas emissions for the United States of America is 18.1 tonnes per person. South Australia’s figure is lower than the Australian average because around one third of our electricity is generated using natural gas. This process creates less emissions than coal that is most commonly used in other states. The largest single activity that releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is the generation and use of energy. The consumption of energy, such as the use of petrol in cars and trucks, and the generation of energy, such as electricity generation in power stations, contribute to 64% of greenhouse gas emissions. An indication that our emissions from energy use and generation is continuing to climb is the increase in 2000/2001 by 3.6% since 1999.
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET 2003
2
Atmosphere
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET
2
Climate Change Responding to Climate Change An ‘Earth Summit’ was held in Rio de Janiero in 1992 to bring nations together to discuss important environmental issues such as climate change. At this meeting world leaders created the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The UNFCCC set a goal for all nations to voluntarily stabilise their greenhouse emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000. Even though there were 160 nations represented, the voluntary approach did not succeed in reducing global greenhouse emissions. As a result, the Kyoto Protocol was enacted in Kyoto, Japan in 1997 to continue in the UNFCCC footsteps in aiming to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. It was set up as a legally binding global agreement with its main objective being to reduce emissions by 5.2% between the years 2008–2012. As part of the Protocol, Australia negotiated a greenhouse pollution ‘reduction target’ of plus 8 per cent. This means that Australia will aim to limit growth in its greenhouse gas emissions to 8 per cent above the levels they were in 1990. Other countries, like those from the European Union, have agreed to reduce their pollution levels over the same time by 8 per cent of the 1990 levels The Kyoto Protocol will be ratified (given formal approval) once over half of the highest greenhouse producing countries sign on. Australia has not yet formally ratified the Protocol. In South Australia, a variety of programs have been developed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These programs aim to encourage people to use alternative energy, such as: • solar hot water heaters • different kinds of transport, eg buses, trains, car pooling • modify building regulations for the construction of more energy efficient buildings.
“
An ‘Earth Summit’ was held in Rio de Janiero in 1992 to bring nations together to discuss important environmental issues such as climate change.
”
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET 2003
3
Atmosphere
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET
2
Climate Change
Impacts of Climate Change Biodiversity
Taking Action for Climate Change Document the activities that you undertake everyday that contribute to the greenhouse effect? What are some of the things that you can do to reduce your impact on climate change? Are there alternatives to your actions? Can you try and catch a bus, train or tram; can you walk or cycle more often?
With the predicted changes to the environment, some ecosystems will adapt better than others. The ecosystems likely to be most sensitive to climate change include native grasslands, mangroves, wetlands and deserts. Certain types of plants and animals will also be very sensitive to the changes in climate. On the other hand, some of the pest plants and animals are likely to thrive in the changed conditions. For example, warmer temperatures may cause the fruit fly to span out and create problems in more areas.
Inland Waters Reduced rainfall will mean less water for our rivers, streams and wetlands. The flow in the Eastern Murray-Darling Basin is expected to reduce by 20% by 2030 and by 45% by 2070. This will impact aquatic plants and animals. Reduced rainfall will also increase competition for already stressed water resources.
Economy Initially, the changes in CO2 are likely to stimulate plant growth; however, over time productivity rates will decline.
Coasts and the Sea Increases in sea level and increased intensity of storm events will impact on coastal ecosystems, and coastal communities, particularly in relation to stormwater management.
Health Higher summer temperatures may lead to more deaths. Increased numbers of mosquitos in some areas may lead to increased outbreaks of Dengue fever and Ross River virus.
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET 2003
4
Atmosphere
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET
2
Climate Change
Attention!! What are the major sources of greenhouse gases in South Australia? In 2000/2001 the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions in South Australia were: • stationary energy (28%) - emissions created by non-transport based energy use. They are mainly produced in the generation of electricity at power stations, but also through the use of fossil fuels in industries and homes (eg using gas to heat hot water). • transport (23%) - the use of petrol and diesel in vehicles. Emissions from road vehicles have risen by 7.6% and are continuing to increase. Cars contribute 64% of all emissions from road vehicles. • agriculture (18%) - the release of greenhouse gases by sheep, cattle, horses, pigs and poultry as part of the digestive process. • industry (13%) - the use of fossil fuels such as black coal and natural gas. • fugitive emissions (10%) - from natural gas processing and oil and gas production at Moomba and Ladbroke Grove gas fields.
The source of South Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions – 2000/01 Land use change 0% Interconnection 2% Waste 4% International bunkers 1%
Stationary energy 28%
Agriculture 18%
Industry 14%
Transport 23%
Fugitive emissions 10% Note: Interconnection refers to the electricity interconnection from the eastern States. SOURCE: LOTHIAN, UNPUB.
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET 2003
5
Atmosphere
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET
2
Climate Change
Research Ideas about Climate Change 1
What is meant by the ‘enhanced greenhouse effect’ and ‘global warming’?
2
What are ‘greenhouse gases’? How are they produced?
3
How can the ‘enhanced greenhouse effect’ impact ecosystems?
4
What human activities in your community, South Australia and internationally have resulted in the ‘enhanced greenhouse effect’?
5
How do different types of development and associated human lifestyles (the way we live) impact on greenhouse gas emissions?
6
What does the State of the Environment report tell us about the ‘enhanced greenhouse effect’ in South Australia?
7
What might happen in the future if things continue as they are?
8
What are government, business and industry doing to address greenhouse issues?
9
What can we do individually, or in communities, to reduce our impact on climate change?
REFERENCES Lothian, A., unpub. State of the Environment Report 2003 – Enhanced Greenhouse Effect. Background paper prepared for the Department for Environment and Heritage. RESOURCES
For more detailed information on the issue and actions you can take see the State of the Environment Report for South Australia 2003. This is available at: www.environment.sa.gov.au/ soe2003
This fact sheet is part of a set of 23 fact sheets about the key environmental issues identified in the State of the Environment report 2003, produced for the Environment Reporting Education Resource. You can access the fact sheets and learn more about taking action for the environment at the Education Resource website: www.environment.sa.gov.au/reporting/ education. For more information call the Environmental Education Unit of the Department for Environment and Heritage (08) 8226 4466.
Printed on 100% recycled, Australian-made paper with vegetable-based inks.
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FACT SHEET 2003
6
