Australia and the globe are experiencing rapid climate change. Since the middle of the 20th century, Australian temperatures have, on average, risen by about 1°C with an increase in the frequency of heatwaves and a decrease in the numbers of frosts and cold days. Rainfall patterns have also changed - the northwest has seen an increase in rainfall over the last 50 years while much of eastern Australia and the far southwest have experienced a decline.
Australia has officially recorded its warmest year on record. Data collected by the Bureau of Meteorology indicate that the nation's annual mean temperature for 2005 was 1.09°C above the standard 1961-90 average, making it the warmest year since reliable, widespread temperature observations became available in 1910. The previous record of +0.84°C was set in 1998. While these temperature departures may seem relatively small, a 1°C increase in mean temperatures is equivalent to many southern Australian towns shifting northward by about 100km.
A record mean temperature was set because both daytime and night-time temperatures were high: the annual mean maximum temperature was 1.21°C above average (equal highest), while the mean minimum temperature was 0.97°C above average (2nd highest). Temperature anomalies varied throughout the year but autumn 2005 was particularly warm. April had the largest Australian mean monthly temperature anomaly ever recorded, with a monthly anomaly of +2.58°C breaking the previous record of +2.32°C set in June 1996.
More information see http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/change/
The World Solar Challenge has committed to offset the carbon emissions from all official travel and official vehicles. Teams and supporters can offset the emissions from their World Solar Challenge experience by planting Australian native trees through … [More]
The World Solar Challenge seeks, by its very nature, to draw attention to the imperatives of sustainable transport.
The World Solar Challenge promotes research into zero emission transport solutions. The vast array of interim technologies designed … [More]
The Australian transport sector accounted for around 80 million tonnes of Australia's total net greenhouse gas emissions in 2004, representing 14 per cent of Australia's total emissions. About 89 per cent … [More]
It is about life style, protecting the environment and financial planning for your future!
Solar energy is making a large contribution to the battle to reduce greenhouse gases throughout the world and provide a buffer against depleting energy … [More]
