Climate change explained

Global warming continues to increase the surface temperature of our planet. As a result, we are seeing more frequent and extreme weather events all over the world, including Canberra. The ACT Government is making smart climate choices, and you can too. Start by understanding the effects of climate change and what it means for you.

Climate change globally and in the ACT

Our climate is changing everywhere on Earth. Scientists are recording changes in our seasons and sea level, some of which are irreversible over thousands of years.

We follow current projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). They warn us about:

  • increasing heatwaves
  • longer warm seasons
  • shorter cold seasons
  • changes to wetness and dryness
  • changes to winds
  • changes to snow and ice
  • changes to coastal areas and oceans.

The effects of global warming means we will see more frequent and extreme weather events. They will cause irreversible damage to our food supply, ecosystems, property and the environment.

We have already seen temperatures increase in the ACT and these will continue to rise. In the ACT, we are likely to see:

  • more frequent and severe bushfires
  • longer and more frequent heatwaves that are hotter during the day and at night
  • more frequent and prolonged periods of drought
  • more frequent and severe storms over a longer summer season, with flash flooding and violent winds.

Did you know?

Projections are for up to 5 extra hot days per year by 2030. The number of hot days could increase to 20 more per year by 2070, depending on the level of greenhouse gas emissions in future. These increases will be in spring and summer, though the number of hot days will also extend into autumn. Hot days and heatwaves may be worse in some parts of the city due to the urban heat island effect.

World-leading scientists agree that strong, sustained reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) would limit some of the worst effects of climate change.

In a 2018 survey of ACT residents, over 80% were willing to act on climate change. And the time to act is now.

Our ambitious goal

We’re one step ahead in the ACT. We’re already leading the world in creating more climate-friendly communities. And we want these smart choices to continue well into the future.

The ACT is committed to net zero emissions by 2045.

This doesn’t mean there will be no GHG emissions in Canberra. But it does mean we all need to reduce our emissions.

Making everyday climate choices is crucial to achieving these emissions reductions. You can take many small steps to reduce your carbon footprint and live more sustainably.

We can also help you make more sustainable choices with:

  • loans and support, including the Sustainable Household Scheme to reduce emissions in the home
  • practical tools and resources for households, businesses and schools to reduce energy use
  • reducing transport emissions from your car by switching to a zero emissions vehicle with free registration for 2 years and stamp duty exemption for eligible zero emissions vehicles
  • saving energy, reducing emissions and cutting energy bills with free online workshops and advice.

We offer a range of programs to support you to take everyday climate action. Take a look at our programs that can help you.

Climate jargon explained

It helps to know the words we use when we talk about climate change.

Global warming

The increase in the average surface temperature of our planet. Global warming from human activities has gone up since the Industrial Revolution.

Greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse gases cause global warming. They trap heat in the atmosphere which raises global temperatures.

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

The most common form of human-made greenhouse gas. Also the leading cause of climate change. Commonly generated by burning fossil fuels for power, transport and industry. For example, a car that uses petrol emits CO2 into the atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e)

This measures the contributions of different greenhouse gas emissions to climate change. Consolidating them into a single metric allows the impacts of different greenhouse gases to be compared.

Carbon offsets

Carbon offsets are a form of trade. When you buy an offset, you fund projects that avoid or store greenhouse gas emissions. The projects might restore forests, update power plants and factories, or increase the energy efficiency of buildings and transportation.

Living infrastructure

These are our city’s natural assets such as street trees, ovals, wetlands, creeks, nature reserves, parks, green roofs, vegetation in private yards and balconies, and living walls.

Methane (CH4)

A greenhouse gas with a strong heat-trapping effect. More potent than CO2, but its concentration in the atmosphere is lower. Commonly generated by decomposing organic waste, livestock and industry.

Net zero emissions

When the greenhouse gas emissions released equal the amount captured from the atmosphere and stored.

Urban heat island effect

When roads, footpaths and buildings absorb the sun’s heat and radiate it back. This raises temperatures day and night. Planting trees, shrubs and gardens in urban spaces helps reduce this effect.

Climate science and action

The ACT is a hub for renewable energy research and innovation. We’re investing in local start-ups to create smarter home energy systems, hydrogen fuel cells and solar radiation forecasting for large solar farms. See what else the ACT Government is doing.

Many organisations conduct research and provide facts about climate change, weather and clean energy:

ACT

National

International

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.