The rate of increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels had more than tripled annually in the 2000-2010 decade. CO2 emissions have increased at a rate of almost 3.5% each year. Compare this to an increase of 1% per year in the 1990-2000 decade and it’s easy to see we’re emitting more CO2 than ever. We have also seen a 30% increase in global CO2 emissions since 2000. This rise has come from the increased production and trade of manufactured products, especially from developing nations, the shift from oil to coal and the planet’s lessening ability to absorb CO2. Land and oceans have become less effective in removing CO2 from the atmosphere, which is accelerating future climate change. Reduced deforestation would greatly reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.

What about Australia?

Did you know that, per person, Australians produce the highest greenhouse gas emissions in the world?

Each year, Australians emit more than 550 million tonnes of greenhouse gases. That’s an average of 27 tonnes per person – enough to fill around 27 typical three-bedroom houses!

Our households generate about 20% of the nation’s total output through everyday activities such as driving to work, heating or cooling our houses, heating water, lighting and electrical appliances, which equals about 15 tonnes per household.

Even sending our food waste to be buried in landfills creates greenhouse gases. But there are simple ways each one of us can reduce this amount. Turn over a new leaf today and start making small differences to your home and our planet.

We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children.

– Native American proverb

Every change you make to be greener, however small, makes a difference to your planet and your health.