Countdown to Copenhagen

The lead up to the the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen is a great opportunity for all individuals, families, organisations and businesses to take concrete action to learn more about climate change and the difference that they can make.

Climate change is undoubtedly the biggest threat facing communities across the globe and it is an issue that will touch every citizen in some way. What is important to remember is that it is also an issue that we all have the power to act on.

The Copenhagen climate talks will see leaders from across the globe gather in an effort to agree on a new climate treaty to follow on from the Kyoto Protocol which ends in 2012.

The Copenhagen Climate Change Conference being held from 7 to 18 December 2009 marks the end date for negotiations on the new treaty and is expected to see governments from across the globe reach agreement on issues of mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions), adaptation (coping with the inevitable consequences of climate change), and finance and technology (to help developing countries to step up actions to limit the growth of their emissions and adapt to climate change impacts).

There is significant scientific evidence to confirm that unfortuantely our climate has already changed, and is continuing to change at an accelerating rate.

Did you know?

• Every year this century (2001-2008) has been amongst the top ten warmest years since instrumental records began.


• The observed summer time melting of Arctic sea ice has far exceeded the worst case projection from climate models.
  
• Global ocean temperatures reached the warmest ever recorded for each of June, July and August 2009.


• Many of our climate indicators are tracking near or above the worst case projections from the most recent set of model simluations developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

(Source: The Copenhagen Diagnosis 2009: Updating the World on the Latest Climate Science . I Allison et. al UNSW CCRC)

Based on research by the CSIRO for the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment, probable climate change related impacts for Penrith will include more extreme heat days, high winds, increased threat of fires, prolonged droughts, increased storm activity and flooding and increased costs for essentials like food, energy and water.

Because of this communities world wide must adapt and respond, and indeed have already begun to do so. The challenge facing governments and societies alike is to adjust our behaviours so as to minimise the effects of climate change while also preparing for its now unavoidable impacts with minimal social, environmental and economic costs.

With more than half of the world’s people living in cities, and with cities responsible for up to 75% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, it is vital that any workable climate change agreement acknowledge local governments and local communities.

We really can make a significant difference. Everyday choices can make a difference: from how you travel, your shopping choices, and how you use energy at home or in the workplace.

You can also show your support for the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference to produce real and fair outcomes by visiting the following sites:

• Seal the Deal - United Nations led campaign
• Hopenhagen
• i speak earth - a coalition of global NGO's
• Planetcall - targeting youth on climate change
• Tcktcktck - a coalition of NGO's including Oxfam, World Vision and Greenpeace
• Vote Earth - WWF Australia
• Walk Against Warming - a coalition of NGO's including the Nature Conservation Council of NSW

For more information on climate change, the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, or what you can do, visit our web page, or if you know of any more great links send them through so we can add them to our list.