Submission to Government Regarding Climate Change - Case Study Example

Running Head: SUBMISSION TO GOVERNMENT REGARDING CLIMATE CHANGE Name Course Tutor Date Introduction Just like any other country, Australia is not devoid of political issues. Politics shape the everyday life of people in a given country or locality. Politics issues operate at all levels in society from the grassroots up to national and state levels. There are also international politics that govern international relations and the manner that countries relate to each other. Majority of issues in society have political sides which determine their outcomes, effects and results. Question1 -Climate change in Australia In Australia, the issue of climate change and its effects have taken a toll on the Australian population. This issue is under constant review, both locally and internationally. The climate change issue has taken a political twist where leaders are engaged in political debates over the best course of action that should be taken. Many authors and environmentalists have taken the issue seriously and have been on the front line in sensitization programs and campaigns to educate the public. The issue of climate change has been on the headlines for a long time. It is not only an Australian issues but an international concern. The causes of the climate change have been blamed mostly on global warming which is as a result of human activities. Every part of Australia has been hit by the effects of climate change. This is evident in the persistent drought, and uneven weather pattern. The role of the government is to safeguard the wellbeing of all citizens (Williams & Booth, 2013). This includes political goodwill and willingness vouch for strategies tat will help tackle this persistent problem. While it is apparent that Australia cannot handle the issues alone, it can play a huge role through showing leadership for. In the recent past climate change has been the focus of media attention. The outcry has been on the political leaders to do something about this dire situation Question 2 The issue of environmental conservation to control climate change is applicable at all levels of government, from the local government, national government and state government. All arms of the government should work hand in hand to facilitate the success of any strategies that might come up the national government, however, should show leadership, commitment and political goodwill which should be replicated to smaller arms of the government. According to researchers, the climatic change debate calls for sobriety in the political arena. It is not a matter of political supremacy between the reigning powers and the opposition. All political leaders should come together and work towards a better environment for future generations. The national government is responsible for setting political strategies for handling majority of issues. It makes major decisions on what direction subordinate arms at the local level should take. In this regard, the climate change problem can be best handled by national government. It has the funding capabilities and enacting laws that would see desired changes effected. the national government also has the political power to issue directives to relevant authorizes to oversee their concerns addressed .the national government is also in a better position to liaise with the international community and governing bodies like the United Nations. This way best practice can be easily acquired and applied locally. Therefore, if climate change issues were to be raised, the primary target political authority would be the national government. This is because of capability and resource endowment that national government posses. Question 3 Political leaders take different views on issues, including climatic and environmental. Environmentalists feel that the current political leadership under the Liberal Party is not committed to environmental reforms. The environmental issue is a sensitive one and requires as much support as possible from all parties, both in the government and the opposition. The recent debate about carbon emission tax has shown that the commitment in climate change issues in the current leadership is lacking. The main target of this issue would be members of parliament that have shown support to environmental protection and fight against climate change. The opposition would also be a target in this campaign as it has shown political willingness to fight climate change. Additionally the issue could be addressed to the ministry concerned with environmental matters. As mentioned earlier, climate change is a collective matter that needs pooling of resources and political goodwill from all possible sources. The sensitivity of the issues should not be a matter of competition as it was experienced with regard s to the carbon tax. In the recent years, Australia has been hi by wildfires, droughts, floods, and massive heat waves. Whether in the government or in the opposition, political leaders should realize that it is the citizens that end up suffering. All leaders should take responsibility of the issue and collectively do something about it. In this regard, the minister of environmental matters would be the perfect person to address this issue to. [Your Street Address] [Town, State, Post Code] [Date] [Title] [Street Address] [Town, State, Post Code] Dear Sir In response to the climate change debate in Australia, I wish to air out several issues that many people feel are not being adequately considered by the government today. As you may have realised, our country has had its fair share of environmental disasters that have even taken the lives of our loved ones and destroyed our homes. The heat wave that hit the country recently is still fresh in our memories. While climatic changes take a toll on us, we have to stand united, whether in government or in opposition and do something about it. Australia cannot solve the environmental problem the world is facing today on its own. Our efforts are but a small fraction of what the world needs to do protect our environment and reverse the effects of climate change. However, we can be the leaders and show the world the way to go in environmental issues. With the right attitude and political goodwill, we can surely solve the climate change problem. What we are seeing today in climate change is as a result of years of environmental degradation. Humanity has the choice of stopping the history of environmental degradation or face dire consequences in future as much as growth and prosperity is cherished, climate change should always be considered in all strategies that governments implement. Recently, the carbon tax was voted down by a faction of politicians (Osborne, P. 2013) Political differences should no be allowed to interfere with environmental protection programs. The climate issue matter should be approached with a sober mind and a realistic one. It is crucial that government involvement in environmental strategies encompasses the people, who are the most affected by climate change problems. The government should lead the way for others to follow. The change we want to see in the environment begins with us. There are many environmental and climatic concerns for Australia. Disasters caused by climate change have claimed the lives of many people in Australia. This is this reason why stern action should be atmen now, since it is not known when the next one will strike. Just a few weeks ago, one of the worst heat waves in thee history of Australia struck. It effects were seen by all as hundreds died from heat strokes and other complication. Australian forests have slowly been disappearing due to forest fires that are associated with the heat waves (Global Warming Focus,2013). This is all retaliation by nature from the years of worldwide misuse and mismanagement of environmental resources Apart from rising temperatures in Australia, there have water sources are drying up at alarming rates due to rising temperature. The average temperatures in Australia have risen by close to 1 degree Celsius in the last 100 years. With the current trend, it is estimated that in the next 60 to 70 years, temperatures may rise by as a much as 5 degrees. In the last one year, some of the highest temperatures ever recorded in Australia have been witnessed. In comparison to the 1960 and 1970s, the average temperatures have risen by more than 1.1 degrees. This may seem like a small change but in reality the effects of this are detrimental. If the trend is to continue, this means that in the future the whole of Australia would be a desert. With growing population, it is only prudent to safeguard the wellbeing of future generations. With the current industrial boom in Australia, environmental sustainability in the future may be out of reach. The situation has especially worsened over the last 30 years (Helfer, Lemcker, & Zhang, 2012). Projections that have been put across by environmentalist researchers have warned of a very tough future in terms of environmental capacities. In this regard, changes are urgently required if a grim future is to be avoided. Rivers and lakes in Australia are already disappearing. Te effect of climate change that are being experienced today n the world can be blamed on industrial revolution. This is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse emissions and pollutants. Furthermore, wastes from these industries are dumped into seas and water channels that empty into the oceans. Coupled with pollution, climate change is threatening to wipe out marine life and endangered species of plan and animals. Another affected area is agriculture, food crops only do well in certain temperatures. Agriculture is largely dependent on temperatures and moisture levels from precipitations. With reduced rainfall, climate change has forced the industry to interfere with water cycles. This is a dangerous affair which threatens future availability of adequate water (Wheeler, Bjornlund, & Zuo, 2013). Australia is already a desert continent. Projections show that by the year 2030, Australia will have more than 20 dry months per year. This will be accompanied by days of extreme temperatures and severe weather. Rainfall is also expected to reduce drastically as much of Australia will continually experience desertification One thing that humanity has to comprehend is that it is responsible for its own dooms. The figures are alarming and the all the evidence needed to act is all there. Prevention is always better than cure. Each consequent generation will pay the environmental price caused by activities of the previous generation. The current generation will not live to see the detrimental effects of climate change caused by their activities. However, the effects being felt currently can wholly be blamed on previous generations. The situation however, can be saved with effective strategising and cooperation from all stakeholders. As mentioned earlier the effects of climate change are being felt by everyone despite of the political affiliation. Australian strategies towards curbing environmental degradation may only pay a small role in the overall efforts. Environmental awareness is gaining momentum all over the world. Australia should not be left behind in these efforts. Controlling industrialisation is one of the key factors that can help alleviate the climate change crisis (Ecology, Environment & Conservation 2013). Recently, the carbon tax was shot down and this is not the best way to go. Leaders should realise that climate change is real and they should contribute to environmental rehabilitation through implementation of appropriate laws and regulations. The political perspective of the issue should not take a competitive approach to supremacy and power. Greenhouse gasses are the major causes of global warming which is the largest contributor to climate change( Global Warming Focus,2013) Controlling these emissions is necessary in ensuring that global temperatures are kept at bay. Through the leadership in the ministry, influencing politicians in all political divides is necessary in coming up with a consensus regarding environmental issues. The political divides experienced should be discouraged when it comes to environmental matters. Additionally, with the help of the international community and the Australian public, sensitisation campaigns are necessary in pushing politicians to making relevant laws that will see environmental degradation reduced. Mobilising people to force the government to take action is necessary in ensuring that their environmental problems are solved. References Aust left behind in pollution war. (2013, Sep 21). Sunshine Coast Daily. Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.alpha2.latrobe.edu.au/docview/1434056529?accountid=12001 Climate change; new findings from monash university in climate change provides new insights. (2013). Global Warming Focus, , 334. Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.alpha2.latrobe.edu.au/docview/1433310141?accountid=12001 Climate change; new findings from james cook university describe advances in climate change. (2013). Global Warming Focus, , 96. Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.alpha2.latrobe.edu.au/docview/1433309353?accountid=12001 Global warming and climate change; data from bureau of meteorology advance knowledge in global warming and climate change. (2013). Ecology, Environment & Conservation, , 70. Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.alpha2.latrobe.edu.au/docview/1433358969?accountid=12001 Helfer, F., Lemcker, C., & Zhang, H. (2012). Impacts of climate change on temperature and evaporation from a large reservoir in Australia. Journal of Hydrology , 475, 365-378. Wheeler, S., Bjornlund, H., & Zuo, A. (2013). Farmers’ climate change beliefs and adaptation strategies for a water scarce future in Australia. (S. Wheeler, A. Zuo, & H. Bjornlund, Eds.) Global Environmental Change , 33 (2), 537-547. Osborne, P. (2013, Sep 19). Abbott swings axe in early shake-up. The Cairns Post. Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.alpha2.latrobe.edu.au/docview/1433416602?accountid=12001 Williams, S., & Booth, K. (2013). Time and the spatial post-politics of climate change: Insights from Australia. Political Geography , 36, 21-30. Read More