Climate Change, global warming and the greenhouse effect

This information is from the Australian Government Department of Climate Change

What is climate change?

Climate change in a nutshell

Climate change is the result of changes in our weather patterns because of an increase in the Earth’s average temperature. This is caused by increases in greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. These gases soak up heat from the sun but instead of the heat leaving the Earth’s atmosphere, some of it is trapped, making the Earth warmer.

Global warming and climate change

The terms 'global warming' and 'climate change' are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference.

• Global warming is the gradual increase of the Earth’s average surface temperature, due to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
• Climate change is a broader term. It refers to long-term changes in climate, including average temperature and rainfall.

The greenhouse effect

Greenhouse gases have always been a natural part of the atmosphere. They absorb and re-radiate the sun's warmth and maintain the Earth's temperature at a level necessary to support life.

The problem we now face is that human actions are increasing the amount of the gases that trap heat. This is the enhanced greenhouse effect, which is contributing to a warming of the Earth's surface.

Greenhouse gases and human activity

The main greenhouse gases generated by human activity are carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane and nitrous oxide. There are also manufactured gases such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halocarbons and some of their replacements.

Greenhouse gases are produced by human activity, including:

• burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil or gas
• using energy generated by burning fossil fuels
• some aspects of farming, such as raising cattle and sheep, using fertilisers and growing some crops
• clearing land, including logging
• breakdown of food and plant wastes and sewerage
• some industrial processes, such as making cement and aluminium.

Climate change and Australia

In Australia, greenhouse gas emissions come primarily (70 per cent) from the energy sector. Within this category, electricity generation is the biggest offender, because we rely heavily on burning coal for power. After electricity generation, the largest proportion of emissions comes from road transport.

Australia generates only 1.5 per cent of total global greenhouse gas emissions, so its actions alone cannot avert the worst consequences of climate change. However, Australia is one of the world's biggest polluters on a per capita basis, so it is essential we play our part in the global effort.

Find out more

• Go to Australia's National Greenhouse Accounts to learn how Australia's emissions are contributing to climate change. The National Greenhouse Accounts are prepared annually and outline our greenhouse gas emissions - as a nation, by state, and by industry

• IPCC - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
• ACF - Australian Conservation Foundation
• One Degree of Change - News Ltd's site on climate change action

• National Geographic 3 minute You Tube video “What is global warming? What is climate change?” National Geographic Global Warming 101 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJAbATJCugs
• 350.org: www.350.org
• Queensland Government Climate Smart Living: www.climatesmart.qld.gov.au
• Queensland Government Home Carbon Calculator: http://www.climatesmart.qld.gov.au/get_involved/low_carbon_diet/low_carbon_diet_-_set_your_goals/carbon_calculator/calculator_form