What is Climate Change?

    Rising emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases are trapping more heat in the atmosphere and oceans resulting in a rapidly changing global climate. As the oceans absorb more CO2they become more acidic, damaging marine food chains. CO2 is released when we burn fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil or when forests are cut down.


    Does the “ozone hole” have anything to do with climate change?

    Not really. The “ozone hole” refers to a decrease in the layer of ozone gas found high in the Earth's atmosphere, which helps to shield the planet from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. The ozone layer has become thinner because of chemicals that were once commonly used in products ranging from spray cans to foam furniture cushions. While a thinner ozone layer allows more ultraviolet rays to reach the Earth, increasing the risk of sunburns and skin cancer, it doesn't cause climate change.

    What is the evidence of Climate Change?

    Scientific research has found that the earth’s climate is rapidly changing.  There has been an increase in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice and rising average sea levels. We have been experiencing more extremes in temperature, drought and higher bushfire risk.

    NASA and the US National Ocean and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) recently confirmed that 2015 was the hottest year on record. Between 1880 and 2015, sixteen of the hottest years have occurred since 1998. Today, the average global temperature is 0.9°C higher than the 20th-Century average.

    Across Australia, rainfall patterns are shifting. The south is getting dryer, with significantly reduced rainfall in winter and spring. In the north the risk of torrential downpours and severe floods is increasing. We are experiencing high bushfire risks and droughts are likely to become more frequent and more intense.

    Hasn't the Earth's climate changed before? What's different about climate change today?

    Yes. The Earth's climate changed many times in the distant past as a result of natural causes, but today's climate change is different because people's activities are the main cause. This is also the first time modern society has had to deal with such large, widespread changes in climate. Rising sea level, stronger storms, droughts, and other effects of climate change will pose major challenges for people around the world.

    Can we stop Climate Change?

    We cannot stop climate change so we will need to adapt to a changing climate.

    Adaptation will be necessary to address impacts resulting from the warming which cannot be avoided.  There is no alternative but to undertake adaptation planning, and building the capacity and flexibility to cope with whatever evolving climate may bring.

    We can reduce greenhouse gas emissions that have been the cause of climate change. A major way that greenhouse gases get into the atmosphere is when people burn coal, oil, and natural gas for energy.

    Why do we need a Climate Change Adaptation Plan?

    There is no alternative but to undertake adaptation planning, and building the capacity and flexibility to cope with whatever evolving climate may bring.

    We have recently seen the release of a Regional Adaptation Plan ‘Building Resilience to a Changing Climate – A climate change adaptation plan for the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin (2014)’ and a State Plan ‘South Australia’s Climate Change Strategy 2015-2050 towards a low carbon economy’.

    The Rural City of Murray Bridge Climate Change Adaptation Plan has being developed to guide Council in adapting to changing climatic conditions at a Local Government level for the period of 2016 – 2021.

    How will Council develop programs that support adaptation to Climate Change?

    The Rural City of Murray Bridge Climate Change Adaptation Plan focuses on the effects of extremes in climatic conditions will have on Council infrastructure, on our vulnerable members of the community, essential services and emergency services.  The Plan contains Strategies and Actions that will assist in guiding Council in adapting to more extremes in climatic conditions.