The primary aim of the focus group was to:

1. Get information to inform the development of the Cool Communities abatement actions; and
2. Develop an understanding of knowledge and attitudes of communities in regard to greenhouse issues.

• Global warming was among the top-of-mind environmental issues. However there is a lot of confusion about the causes of the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is different from the hole in the ozone layer.

• The effects of greenhouse gases meant:

• Ice melting at the poles;
• Climate change, extremes in climate;
• Rise in water levels;
• Change in agriculture;
• World warming up; and
• Gases holding the heat in.

• Greenhouse gases were considered an important environmental problem for future generations.

• Households contributed to the problem through energy use and using motor vehicles.

• It is everyone’s responsibility to take action to reduce greenhouse gases and the government should take the lead.

• Households can do more to reduce their greenhouse gases by:

• Using low energy lighting
• Using public transport/bike/walking instead of the car
• Using solar power
• Installing efficient water heating
• Buying recycled products
• Composting and
• Installing insulation.

To find out more information about how to get involved with the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission’s Cool Communities activities, contact CJPC or the Queensland Conservation Council.