Global Warming - Why the need for Solar Energy?

Global warming is caused by increasing amounts of gases in the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide) are produced by human activities. Primarily, combustion of fossil fuels.

Fossil fuels including coal and gas are burnt at an alarming rate by our power stations to produce electricity. The best way to combat the depletion of our fossil fuels is to switch to Solar Energy and other renewable energy sources.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions into the atmosphere are occurring at twice the rate of the earths forests and oceans are able to get rid of them.

Global Warming - Carbon Dioxide

Carbon Dioxide gas in the atmosphere, is a major part of green house gas emissions and thought to be largely responsible for global warming and climate change.

Carbon Dioxide gas concentrations are now increasing by approximately 2.5% every year.

The general consensus of the scientific fraternity is that carbon dioxide is effecting climate change and global warming.

Global Warming - A Clear Relationship

Australians produce the equivalent of 28 tonnes (28,000 kg) per person of green house gas emissions each year. This is one of the highest per capita in the world.

Each Australian household generates about 14 tonnes of greenhouse emissions each year.

The sustainable level of emissions has been estimated to be around 3.5 tonnes per person. To get to this level drastic changes need to be made such as switching to Solar Energy and using more energy efficient products.

Global Warming - Effects

• Global surface temperatures are increasing rapidly
• The arctic ice shelf is melting
• Weather patterns (e.g. drought) are becoming more variable and extreme
• Global sea levels are rising every year
• Decline of some plants and animal species as a result of climatic changes, severe stress on forests wetlands, alpine regions and other natural ecosystems