Nature’s carbon cycle
We create CO2 when we breathe, and plants and trees absorb CO2 as part of . We also release CO2 into the atmosphere when we create energy from carbon-based materials. Whether we’re putting a log on a campfire or burning coal or other fossil fuels, we’re producing a chemical reaction that releases energy, CO2 and other gases.
CO2 and nature’s carbon cycle
Fossil fuels and climate change
Coal, petroleum products and natural gas are called “fossil fuels” because they all began as carbon-based plants and algae that have been tranformed by geological and chemical processes over millions of years.
Most scientists agree we need to reduce the amount of CO2 and other gases we’re putting into the atmosphere through the use of fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels and climate change
A commitment to change
Climate change is a global issue, not just an Australian issue. Everyone needs to respond to the challenges ahead. Australia’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is only about 1.4%.1 But as one of the world’s largest energy exporters, Australia has a special interest in meeting the challenge presented by climate change.
Australia’s government and governments worldwide are making commitments to reducing their greenhouse emissions. Australia’s coal industry is also making a major commitment by investing in carbon capture and storage technology.
How and why we need to respond
Scientists and economists generally agree that responding to the challenge of climate change will not be easy or inexpensive, but the cost of doing nothing could be even higher. Australia could pay an especially high price. In his report for the Garnaut Climate Change Review, eminent economist Prof. Ross Garnaut concludes that the environmental and economic costs of climate change for Australia will be relatively greater than for other developed countries.2
CO2 concentrations in the southern hemisphere – CSIRO data3
