TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 3 Global Climate Change 3 Issues 3 Science 4 Controversy 5 Australia’s Action: A price on carbon 5 What is the Carbon Tax? 5 Australian Politics 6 Public Response 6 Media Coverage 7 Responsibility & Truth 7 Our Options? 8 Conclusion 8 References 9 -------------------------------------------------
INTRODUCTION
Is the world facing a threat that could devastate the human population? Taxes, earthquakes, rising electricity bills and extreme weather patterns are just a few of the horrifying things waiting for the next generation. Climate change is constantly being moderated and analyzed by scientific organizations and companies throughout the world. CSIRO scientists are always investigating and evaluating the global issue our Earth currently has. They provide a “comprehensive, rigorous science to help Australia understand, respond to and plan for a changing climate” (CSIRO, 2010).
Media coverage of climate change is a significant contributor to the public opinion of climate change. They are a very influential power and can change the minds of millions at will. We must understand for ourselves whether or not climate change is factual, and go behind the scenes of our media to know the truth they could be twisting before it reaches our eyes. A heated debate regarding global warming and climate change has some people up in arms. There are many who believe governments are controlling the media and coercing the public on the issue of climate change (Plovnik, 2010).
Julia Gillard’s government is implementing the tax on carbon, commencing in July 2012, which will aim at reducing Australia’s carbon emissions. The public response to this tax is negative; people do not want to pay a tax to breathe in their own country. There are several misconceptions regarding the mining tax though. Tony Abbott, the leader of the opposition in Australian politics today,
References: Nitrous oxide is released into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels and solid waste. It is also emitted during agricultural and industrial actions (EPA, 2011). What is the Carbon Tax? The Carbon Tax is a tax that will be implemented on all states of Australia as of July 2012 to fund a scheme that will aim to reduce carbon emissions (Wikipedia, 2011)