Climate change
Human induced climate change is caused by an increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere which trap re-radiated heat and warm the planet. This problem has arisen as a result of unsustainable human behaviour's over the past 150 years - namely the burning of fossil fuels for energy, which has released large amounts of greenhouse gases. Climate change has the potential to affect every aspect of our lives, to endanger the survival of many species and to disturb ecosystem functions.
How will climate change affect our region?
Many of these trends are already being observed, and climate change is now affecting communities around the world. For example, many Pacific and Torres Strait Islanders are losing their land to rising seas. Climate change is not something that may affect us in the future: it is happening now, and urgent action is required to mitigate and adapt to these impacts.
See the Local Climate Change Impacts Facts Sheet ( PDF, 0.07 MB ).
How is Council addressing climate change?
Choose from the information below to see what Council is doing to address climate change.
Cairns Regional Council (CRC) is committed to reducing its impact on climate change by actively reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. As a Cities for Climate Protection Plus Leader, CRC has been progressing actions to improve its triple bottom line for over a decade.
Some of these actions include:
- Timers on water boiling units.
- C-bus system for Spence Street Administration building.
- Solar public lighting/parks, boat ramps.
- Renewable energy on library buildings.
- Voltage reduction for building lighting circuits.
- Replacement and upgrade of Building Management System at Spence Street.
- Smart cars and fuel efficient vehicle replacement for vehicle fleet.
- Shut down and switch off energy education program.
- De-lamping unnecessary workshop lights.
- Organic waste diversion from landfill.
Council has committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2020 and to becoming carbon neutral by this time.
To assist in achieving these targets, Council has adopted the:
Climate change is a reality, and we need to respond to these climatic changes in way that minimises environmental, economic and social impacts. Adapting appropriately to climate change requires a sound understanding of the predicted impacts, assessment of environmental, economic and social risks posed, and formulation and implementation of a plan to minimise risks and impacts.
Council has undertaken a climate change risk assessment for Council assets and has formulated a Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan ( PDF, 2.11 MB ). This project was funded by the Federal Department of Climate Change as part of their Local Adaptation Pathways Program (LAPP).
Council adopted a Climate Change Strategy on August 25th 2010. This Strategy provides clear direction for addressing climate change and peak oil vulnerability in the Cairns region, and establishes a roadmap that will lead to a low carbon, low oil, secure and vibrant future.
The Strategy draws together and builds on current Council projects, policies and plans that relate to climate change and sustainability to create a unified strategy for responding to these issues and capitalising on related opportunities. The Climate Change strategy can be viewed at the link below.
The Strategy draws together and builds on current Council projects, policies and plans that relate to climate change and sustainability to create a unified strategy for responding to these issues and capitalising on related opportunities. The Climate Change strategy can be viewed at the link below.