What is climate change?
It has recently become clear that
our climate is changing at a rate unprecedented throughout much of human history. Significant increases in average global temperatures have been observed over the last half century.
The consensus is that
human activity is the number one cause of these changes.
According to CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology projections, the NSW community needs to prepare for higher temperatures, less rainfall, more frequent and more severe droughts and more extreme storms. These changes are likely to have significant impacts on agriculture, water supply, settlements and infrastructure, natural resources, biodiversity and human health.
Global climate change will also affect the planning and day to day operations of businesses, government agencies and other organisations.
Responding to climate change
The
NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) coordinates the NSW Government's response to climate change. DECC's wide range of climate change programs include:
reduce emissions, encourage efficient use of water and promote adaptation to climate change impacts
research to better understand the effects of climate change on biodiversity and conservation planning
development of a resilient system of protected areas to help minimise the effects of climate change on the environment
the Sustainability Advantage Program, which assists business to improve environmental performance.
The Australian Department of the Environment and Heritage - Australian Greenhouse Office have produced a Guide for Business and Government - Climate Change Impacts & Risk Management.
How can small business benefit and help?
Some level of climate change is inevitable irrespective of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Adaptation is a way of taking advantage of the benefits and minimising the costs of climate change. Adaptation complements emission reduction measures and is a necessary part of addressing the climate change challenge.
More information:
Climate change and the environment
Sustainability
Licensing
NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC)
Australian Government Department of Climate Change