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 earth's forests and oceans are able to get rid of them.

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.

A Clear Relationship

climate change 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 approximately 70 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 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

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

10 ways to reduce your carbon footprint & fight climate change »

Heating, in Australia's cooler climes, can account for up to 50% of household energy use during winter. Luckily there is much you can do to reduce your dependence on heating.
Cooling, in those homes which have air conditioners, can account for a quarter of the household energy use. The best thing you can do is keep your home cool without using any mechanical cooling at all.
Transport - Australian family cars travel about 15,000 km a year, creating six tonnes of greenhouse gases. You can cut greenhouse gas emissions now, by using your vehicle less.
Hot water accounts for an average of 25% of household energy use, or 2 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year. In some states, like South Australia, hot water is as high as 35% of the home energy breakdown.
White goods, household appliances. Your refrigerator operates continuously, and is therefore the largest energy-using appliance in most homes - often contributing 9% of energy use.
Lighting costs most households more than $100 a year to run and accounts for 1.2 tonnes of greenhouse-gas emissions. Compact fluorescents last at least 8 times longer, and use one-fifth of the electricity.
Standby Power, or phantom loads, account for 10% of your electricity bill, according to Australian Greenhouse Office research.
Windows and insulation. Well-positioned windows and good insulation are important foundations of an energy-efficient home. Around 30% of heat loss and gain is through uncovered windows.
Cooking in the average Australian home will clock up 8% of your household's energy consumption, equivalent to 1.1 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Diet - Changes to your diet could make a more significant dent in your climate change footprint than changes to your transport!