Planet Earth from space © European Space Agency

© European Space Agency; © Ocean Ark Alliance

Climate

A healthy and stable climate underpins all life on Earth, supporting nature and people alike. Our lives depend on the natural environment to deliver the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink, the clothes we wear and the products that create jobs and economic security. Our climate is now rapidly changing and threatening the people, animals and places we love.

What we now know is activities such as burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas, and cutting down forests is polluting our atmosphere and warming our planet, causing an increase in extreme weather events, sea level rise, and a warming and acidification of the oceans. Our precious wildlife and ecosystems can’t adapt fast enough.

The good news is we have the solutions – like solar energy from the sun. Our ability to innovate is boundless and exciting. These solutions will not just help us limit global warming, but will create a more sustainable, cleaner and better future for all.

WWF-Australia works with businesses, governments and communities to accelerate the solutions and speed up Australia’s transition to zero carbon pollution – ensuring Australia does its fair share and supports those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

 

WWF-Australia is committed to:

Limiting global warming to 1.5° Celsius above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century

Achieving net-zero carbon pollution in Australia before 2050

Achieving 100% renewable energy in Australia before 2050, including 100% renewable electricity before 2035.


WWF and climate change

WWF-Australia works with entrepreneurs, investors and business to promote innovative solutions that will reduce carbon emissions.

We’re helping companies set science-based emissions reduction targets and supporting large companies to buy renewable energy more cost effectively. This includes working with governments to eliminate barriers and provide incentives to industry and business to accelerate the shift to zero carbon pollution.

 

We’re also working with government and industry to help restore, rehabilitate and reforest areas across Australia. Plus, part of our program is to introduce climate finance solutions to more countries in our region who are struggling from the threats of climate change.


 

Why it matters

 

Forest canopy of the Daintree rainforest in northern Queensland © Global Warming Images

Forest canopy of the Daintree rainforest in northern Queensland © Global Warming Images

What have we got to lose?

All life on Earth depends on a healthy and stable climate. But global warming, caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels, farming and deforestation, is causing immediate and direct changes to the Earth's climate.

 

The impacts of global warming are already being felt throughout Australia, and these will continue to worsen if we do not act now to reduce carbon emissions and to limit global warming to less than 1.5°C.

Recommended reading

Earth Hour 2009 - Madrid, Spain © Juan Carlos DEL OLMO / WWF-Spain

Climate

Earth Hour

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WWF's footprint calculator © Global Footprint Network

Sustainability

Ecological Footprint Calculator

Calculate your ecological footprint and find out how you can contribute to the conservation of the environment with WWF Australia. Visit Us today!

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