Problem-solving genre
Greenhouse gases refer to gases that absorb and emanate radiant energy found in the thermal infrared wavelength range. These gases are responsible for the greenhouse effect that is evident on the planet. The greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrous oxide, methane, and ozone. Human activities have been blamed for the emission of these gases since the onset of the Industrial Revolution. These gases cause the atmosphere to trap the heat that escapes to space from Earth. In particular, they act as glass that gives passage to sunlight to heat the Earth but prevents the heat on the Earth’s surface from escaping. The topic is significant because of the consequences that result from changing the atmospheric greenhouse. Some regions may experience warmer temperatures relative to others. These conditions can lead to increased evaporation and precipitation. Additionally, warmer temperatures will raise the temperature of oceans, causing the glaciers to melt and raising the sea level. Australia’s greenhouse emissions have kept increasing in the last few years, jeopardizing its efforts to address climate change and meet its Paris commitments.
AUSTRALIA’S GREENHOUSE GASES EMISSION
Australia’s greenhouse emission has kept increasing since 2016, and this has put additional pressure on the government. Some of the sectors in the country’s economy that have contributed to the situation include the production of liquefied natural gas and transport. In particular, carbon dioxide emission increased by 3.5 million tons, which is an equivalent of 0.7% (Cox 2019). The agriculture and electricity sectors posted decreased emissions did not help to salvage the situation. It is because all other industries experienced a rise in their greenhouse gases emission. These sectors have to adopt measures that will help curb their emissions.
The move by the government to abolish the carbon tax has not been successful in reducing Australia’s emissions. The emissions reduction fund was set aside to act as a solution to the problem. However, the fund failed to have a positive impact on lowering the country’s overall emissions. The quarterly weather-normalized and seasonally adjusted figures indicated a rise in emissions between September and December (Cox 2019). The annual statistics showed that emissions have been on an upward trend since 2016. The data proves that abolishing the carbon tax has not addressed the problem.
The government has been accused of delaying the release of emissions data to avoid scrutiny by environmental conservation organizations. One of these organizations, the Greens, argued that carbon emissions kept rising under the Liberals (Cox 2019). The government needs to ensure it releases the emissions data on time to avoid controversies.
Investment in solar and wind and LNG exports help to lower pollution in Australia and importing countries. Solar and wind assist in reducing emissions in the electricity sector. On the other hand, LNG exports play a similar role in importing countries by displacing the use of coal (Cox 2019). The Australian government needs to reward companies that help reduce global emissions by ensuring the emissions reduction fund is allocated more money.
SUMMARY
Australia continues to face an upsurge in its greenhouse emissions regardless of adopting efforts to curb it. The agriculture and electricity sectors are the only sectors that have posted a reduction in greenhouse emissions. The issue of emissions is significant because of the danger that climate change poses to the continued existence of humans. The government has to focus more on renewable energy and LNG exports to address the situation.
Reference
Cox, L. 2019. Australia’s emissions still rising, says report withheld in defiance of Senate order.
Media release, June 06. Accessed online https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jun/06/australias-emissions-still-rising-says-report-withheld-in-defiance-of-senate-order. Viewed April 30, 2020.