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Cool Communities – Every Home Makes a Difference
The climate is getting warmer, with the hottest years on record occurring in the 1990s there can be little doubt that greenhouse gases contribute to the greenhouse effect, which affect global and local environments. The greenhouse effect is caused by an increase of gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere, trapping heat around the Earth. These gases are like a ‘doona’ that keeps the Earth warm. But as we put more and more gases into the atmosphere, it causes a ‘double doona’ effect, with serious environmental consequences.
Greenhouse gases contribute to climate change, which threatens every Australian’s way of life. While government and business have their role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ordinary Australians can make a big difference too.
Each Australian home creates 16 tonnes of greenhouse gas every year. Most is produced by energy used for water heating, private transport, home heating and cooling and lighting. By working with communities, stakeholders, government and industry the Cool Communities program is finding effective ways to cut emissions and save money for householders. Simple changes to our everyday activities can save 3 or more tonnes of greenhouse gases each year – and save ordinary families hundreds of dollars.
To find out more about this program please contact Kirsten Macey at the Queensland Conservation Council on (07) 3221 0188 or email greenhouse@qccqld.org.au or contact Peter Arndt of the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission on (07) 3891 5911.