Why make a difference

If we don't change, our climate will.

Each decade in Australia since the 1940s has been warmer than the last. 2001 to 2010 was the warmest decade on record in Australia and around the globe.

We've all played a part in changing our natural climate patterns by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas to produce the power for our homes, businesses and industries. By doing so, we've released enormous amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.

It's these gas emissions that cause climate change, and experts say that unless we reduce these emissions, global temperatures will increase by around 1°C to 6.3°C by the end of the century. That's enough to melt sea ice at the poles and raise ocean levels to a point where coastal towns and cities will be flooded. And it's enough to change climate patterns, vegetation, natural ecosystems and economies.