Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Australians are the highest per capita energy consumers in the world. The majority of this energy is produced through burning fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and petroleum. The burning of fossil fuels releases what are known as greenhouse gases into the atmosphere (e.g. carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide). The build up of excessive greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is resulting in what is termed the enhanced greenhouse effect.

The enhanced greenhouse effect is leading to climate change and global warming. This in turn will have a range of impacts including increased frequency of extreme weather events, increased droughts, rising sea levels and changes in weather patterns likely to effect food production and result in species extinction.

Council has responded to the greenhouse issue by becoming involved in the Cities for Climate Protection^TM program (CCP). The CCP program is aimed at assisting local governments and communities to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. As part of Council's commitment to the CCP program Council has undertaken actions such as retrofitting energy efficient lighting and appliances in Council buildings as well as purchasing a portion of its energy for public lighting and Council buildings from renewable energy sources.