ClimateAC
02-09-09, 06:41 AM
:mad:A new report released today by the Australian Government shows that their own proposed carbon emissions target will kill the Great Barrier Reef along with hundreds of species and the livelihoods of those communities who depend upon it.:mad:
Using the best available science, the peer-reviewed Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report clearly stipulates that if we experience an average global temperature rise of 2°C or more, the Reef will not survive.
Geoff Lazarus, a spokesperson for Climate Action Canberra, said “The Prime Minister has set a target for emissions of 450 parts per million of carbon dioxide. At this level, the majority of climate change scientists agree that we can expect a minimum 2°C rise in temperature. This report shows, by the Government’s own admission, that if we set out target at 450ppm, the Reef will not outlive Generation Y. :mad:
“Despite the fact that a major Government authority has confirmed the reef is dying from the effects of global warming, our politicians, with the exception of the Greens, seem utterly indifferent to its plight. The Australian people need to understand that a rise in carbon levels to 450ppm will ensure the destruction of this great national icon and ecosystem. This is not some hysterical left-wing environmentalist saying this; this is the Government confirming it.
“The impacts of this are immense. The Reef is undisputedly one of the world’s most important natural assets. It is the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world, home to thousands of species including 1,500 of the world’s marine fish species, over a third of its soft coral species and six of its seven species of marine turtle. Its unparalleled biological diversity is internationally recognised as being of outstanding universal value through its inscription on the World Heritage List.
“The Reef’s tourism, commercial fishing and recreational fishing together contribute $5.4 billion to the national economy per year. Currently over 54,000 workers are directly employed through these industries and I’m sure they will have something to say when they find out the Government is not putting in place the right measures that will protect their livelihood.
“The latest scientific reports are telling us that we need reduce emissions to below 350ppm; bearing in mind that we are already above that, at 387. The Outlook report not only confirms previous scientific analysis warning of grave dangers facing the Great Barrier Reef, but also confirms, yet again, that our climate coalition is correct in calling for substantial and immediate reductions in CO2.”
The report demonstrates that increased water temperature, sea levels, severity of storms and cyclones, and in particular ocean acidification has and will devastate the reef. Already over 15% of the Reef has been destroyed by coral bleaching which is caused by sustained high water temperatures. And these instances have already begun to increase in frequency and severity.
“The range of other potential impacts on the Great Barrier Reef are numerous with many only just coming to light as shown in the report.” Mr Lazarus said.
For further information or comment please contact Climate Action Canberra at climateactioncanberra@gmail.com
Using the best available science, the peer-reviewed Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report clearly stipulates that if we experience an average global temperature rise of 2°C or more, the Reef will not survive.
Geoff Lazarus, a spokesperson for Climate Action Canberra, said “The Prime Minister has set a target for emissions of 450 parts per million of carbon dioxide. At this level, the majority of climate change scientists agree that we can expect a minimum 2°C rise in temperature. This report shows, by the Government’s own admission, that if we set out target at 450ppm, the Reef will not outlive Generation Y. :mad:
“Despite the fact that a major Government authority has confirmed the reef is dying from the effects of global warming, our politicians, with the exception of the Greens, seem utterly indifferent to its plight. The Australian people need to understand that a rise in carbon levels to 450ppm will ensure the destruction of this great national icon and ecosystem. This is not some hysterical left-wing environmentalist saying this; this is the Government confirming it.
“The impacts of this are immense. The Reef is undisputedly one of the world’s most important natural assets. It is the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world, home to thousands of species including 1,500 of the world’s marine fish species, over a third of its soft coral species and six of its seven species of marine turtle. Its unparalleled biological diversity is internationally recognised as being of outstanding universal value through its inscription on the World Heritage List.
“The Reef’s tourism, commercial fishing and recreational fishing together contribute $5.4 billion to the national economy per year. Currently over 54,000 workers are directly employed through these industries and I’m sure they will have something to say when they find out the Government is not putting in place the right measures that will protect their livelihood.
“The latest scientific reports are telling us that we need reduce emissions to below 350ppm; bearing in mind that we are already above that, at 387. The Outlook report not only confirms previous scientific analysis warning of grave dangers facing the Great Barrier Reef, but also confirms, yet again, that our climate coalition is correct in calling for substantial and immediate reductions in CO2.”
The report demonstrates that increased water temperature, sea levels, severity of storms and cyclones, and in particular ocean acidification has and will devastate the reef. Already over 15% of the Reef has been destroyed by coral bleaching which is caused by sustained high water temperatures. And these instances have already begun to increase in frequency and severity.
“The range of other potential impacts on the Great Barrier Reef are numerous with many only just coming to light as shown in the report.” Mr Lazarus said.
For further information or comment please contact Climate Action Canberra at climateactioncanberra@gmail.com