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Climate Change in Australia: Exam Essay

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深圳技术大学考试答题纸
(以论文、报告等形式考核专用)
二○ 二三
~二○ 二四
学年度第 一
课程编号
FL00336
课程名称
澳洲历史与文化
主讲教师
学期
潘秋萍
评分
20210110
学
号
1071
姓名
黄子杰
专业年级
2021 级商务英语 3 班
教师评语:
Title:
Climate Change in Australia: A Burning Concern
Introduction:
Australia, known for its diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems, is facing an escalating challenge that
has garnered global attention—the issue of climate change. This multifaceted problem encompasses
extreme climate events, rising temperatures, and biodiversity loss, all of which are intricately
interconnected. In this essay, we will delve into the various factors that contribute to the emergence of
climate change as a critical issue in Australia, supported by credible references.
Extreme Climate Events:
Australia has witnessed a surge in the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events, including
wildfires, heatwaves, floods, and cyclones. The devastating bushfires that ravaged large swathes of the
country in recent years have been particularly emblematic of this crisis. The increased occurrence of these
events can be attributed to a changing climate, with rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns
amplifying the risk of such disasters (IPCC, 2018).
Rising Temperatures:
Australia has experienced a significant warming trend over the past century, with temperatures rising at a
rate higher than the global average (Bureau of Meteorology, 2020). This warming is attributed to the
increase in greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide, resulting from human activities such as
burning fossil fuels and deforestation. The rising temperatures have far-reaching consequences, affecting
not only the environment but also posing serious challenges to agriculture, water resources, and public
health.
Biodiversity Loss:
Australia, with its unique and irreplaceable biodiversity, stands at the forefront of the global battle
against climate change. The intricate web of life, from the iconic marsupials to the vibrant array of marine
species, is under threat due to the multifaceted impacts of climate change. The altering climate patterns,
habitat loss, and increased frequency of extreme events are converging to create a perilous environment for
many species.
Climate change-induced disruptions in temperature and precipitation patterns have profound implications
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for ecosystems across Australia. These alterations create challenges for species accustomed to specific
climatic conditions, leading to shifts in distribution and abundance. The delicate balance within ecosystems
is being perturbed, as flora and fauna struggle to adapt to the rapidly changing conditions (Hughes et al.,
2017).
In a word, the issue of climate change in Australia is a complex and urgent matter that demands attention
and concerted efforts. Extreme climate events, rising temperatures, and biodiversity loss are interconnected
facets of this crisis, impacting not only the environment but also the socio-economic fabric of the nation. To
address these challenges, it is imperative to implement sustainable practices, reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, and foster international cooperation. The references cited in this essay underscore the scientific
consensus on the reality and severity of climate change, emphasizing the need for immediate and effective
action to mitigate its impacts.
Strategies for a Sustainable Future
As the specter of climate change looms large, Australia is compelled to adopt comprehensive strategies
to mitigate its impact and transition towards a more sustainable future. In this context, renewable energy,
carbon pricing, and research and innovation emerge as crucial pillars in the fight against climate change,
offering a pathway towards a low-carbon and resilient society.
Renewable Energy Transition:
One of the primary contributors to climate change is the combustion of fossil fuels, releasing greenhouse
gases into the atmosphere. To curtail this, Australia is increasingly turning towards renewable energy
sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. The transition to renewable energy not only reduces carbon
emissions but also promotes energy independence and resilience.
According to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), investments in renewable energy
projects have been steadily increasing, with a significant rise in solar and wind capacity (ARENA, 2021).
Initiatives like the Renewable Energy Target and various state-level renewable energy targets underscore
the commitment to harnessing clean and sustainable energy sources.
Carbon Pricing:
Carbon pricing mechanisms play a pivotal role in internalizing the external costs of carbon emissions and
incentivizing businesses to adopt cleaner practices. Australia, through the Emission Reduction Fund and the
Safeguard Mechanism, is exploring ways to put a price on carbon and encourage emission reduction efforts
(Department of the Environment and Energy, 2020).
The effectiveness of carbon pricing is demonstrated in the European Union's Emissions Trading System
(EU ETS), which has successfully reduced emissions in the region. By creating a financial disincentive for
high carbon-emitting activities, carbon pricing mechanisms can drive the transition towards a low-carbon
economy.
Research and Innovation:
The scientific community is at the forefront of the battle against climate change, driving innovation and
providing solutions to complex challenges. Australia has been actively investing in research and
development to enhance understanding and develop technologies that address climate change impacts.
Initiatives like the Australian Climate Service and collaborations with international research organizations
highlight the commitment to advancing climate science (Australian Government, 2021).
Cutting-edge research and innovation are pivotal in developing adaptive strategies, such as
drought-resistant crops, advanced climate modeling, and sustainable land management practices. Moreover,
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investment in clean technologies, energy-efficient solutions, and carbon capture and storage can pave the
way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
In conclusion, addressing climate change in Australia requires a multifaceted approach that integrates
renewable energy transition, carbon pricing, and research and innovation. The references cited underscore
the tangible efforts and initiatives undertaken by the Australian government and organizations to combat
climate change. By harnessing the power of clean energy, internalizing the costs of carbon emissions, and
fostering innovation, Australia can navigate the challenges posed by climate change and lay the
groundwork for a sustainable and resilient future. It is imperative that these strategies continue to evolve
and expand to meet the pressing demands of a changing climate, ensuring the well-being of both the nation
and the planet.
References:
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2018). Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C.
Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/
Bureau of Meteorology. (2020). State of the Climate 2020. Retrieved from http://www.bom.gov.au/
Hughes, T. P., Kerry, J. T., Álvarez-Noriega, M., Álvarez-Romero, J. G., Anderson, K. D., Baird, A. H., ... &
Devlin, M. J. (2017). Global warming and recurrent mass bleaching of corals. Nature, 543(7645), 373-377.
Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). (2021). Large-scale solar. Retrieved from
https://arena.gov.au/projects/large-scale-solar/
Department of the Environment and Energy. (2020). Safeguard mechanism. Retrieved from
https://www.environment.gov.au/protection/safeguard-mechanism
Australian
Government.
(2021).
Australian
Climate
Service.
https://www.csiro.au/en/about/facilities-collections/australian-climate-service
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Retrieved
from
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