Climate change
Councils in Australia are addressing the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate 
change.
- Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) Program
- Council's CCP Program achievements
- What is climate change?
- Local impacts of climate change
- How you can help at home
Cities for Climate Protection Program
Australia is responsible for only 1.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, however we are one of the world’s highest per capita emitters. This is largely because of our heavy reliance on coal to generate electricity (Queensland Government, 2007).
Caloundra City Council is one of more than 200 councils in Australia who are members of the International Cities for Climate Protection™ (CCP) Program.
The program aims to assist local governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by:
- establishing a baseline emissions inventory
- setting an emissions reduction goal
- developing and implementing a Local Action Plan
- monitoring and reporting on achievements
Council's Cities for Climate Protection Program achievements
Caloundra City Council became a member of CCP in 1999.
In June 2000, Council undertook an inventory of emissions for corporate and community activities.
In July 2004, Council adopted an emissions reduction goal of 20 per cent per capita by 2010 for community and corporate emissions (based on 1999 levels)
In October 2005, Council adopted a Greenhouse Action Plan. As at April 2007, one third of the actions in Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan were achieved. Council continues to implement the Greenhouse Action Plan and promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
In May 2007 Council undertook the final stage of the CCP program - to monitor and report on results.
To find out how Caloundra City is meeting its emission reduction goals download the Milestone 5 fact sheet:
Milestone 5 fact sheet (PDF 180kb)
As recommended by the Milestone 5 Report, Council adopted to advance to the ICLEI CCP™ Plus Program. Subsequently, a further $85,000 was committed to implementing the Greenhouse Action Plan in the 2007/2008 financial year.
For more information about Council’s initiatives for reducing greenhouse gases see:
What is climate change?
Greenhouse gases are a natural part of the atmosphere. They absorb and re-radiate the sun’s warmth, and maintain the Earth’s surface temperature at a level necessary to support life (approximately 15°C).
The problem we now face is that human actions - particularly burning fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas), agriculture and land clearing - are increasing the concentrations of the gases that trap heat.
This is called the enhanced greenhouse effect, which is contributing to a warming of the Earth’s surface.
Carbon dioxide is not the only greenhouse gas, but it is the main contributor to warming.
Other important greenhouse gases include nitrous oxide and methane, both of which have increased in the last century and are also influenced heavily by human activities.
Global warming refers to an average increase in the Earth's temperature, which in turn causes changes in climate. A warmer Earth may lead to:
- changes in rainfall patterns
- a rise in sea level
- potential droughts
- increases in severe weather events
- a wide range of other impacts on plants, wildlife, and humans
When scientists talk about the issue of climate change, their concern is about the impacts of global warming caused by human activities.
Local impacts of climate change
In Queensland, climate change is expected to have a number of impacts, such as:
- warmer temperatures
- rising sea levels
- changes in rainfall patterns and
- increase in storm events and intensity
Reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere is an extremely important part of limiting climate change.
How you can help at home
There are many things you can do in your own home to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Some of these initiatives not only cut down our greenhouse gas emissions - they reduce energy bills too.
- switch off electronic equipment after use - switching off equipment at the powerpoint saves much more energy
- ensure fridges and freezers are located in cool areas (out of the sun), door seals are clean and doors close properly
- replace electric garden lights with solar garden lights
- purchase energy efficient appliances
- turn off lights when they aren’t being used
- plant native species to help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
- only use airconditioners and heaters when necessary
- be aware of your water consumption in the home and garden
More information
For further information on Council’s climate change initiatives, or what else you can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contact Council on (07) 5420 8200.