Australia Labels Climate Change a ‘Rogue Actor’: What It Means for Our Future

Rethinking Water Economics and Climate Responsibility

Water is often overlooked in discussions about the environment. People usually mention issues like plastic waste, climate change, and loss of biodiversity. Yet, the scarcity of clean, accessible water is becoming a critical concern. According to the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, we’re facing a water crisis. The world’s water cycle is out of balance, which threatens a sustainable future for everyone.

To put it into perspective:

• Over 1,000 children under five die each day due to unsafe water.
• Women and girls spend around 200 million hours daily fetching water, essentially the time it takes every Australian aged 10-80 to gather drinking water for a day.
• Many food systems are running low on fresh water.
• Some cities are sinking because their aquifers are drying up.

Access to clean water is pivotal for achieving many of the Sustainable Development Goals. Addressing water resources is critical, yet current management often treats water as cheap and abundant. The Commission suggests adopting a "new water economics" approach that values water accordingly. This includes:

• Developing global water governance.
• Encouraging governments to price water based on its scarcity.
• Supporting sustainable food systems by promoting efficient irrigation and reducing reliance on water-intensive crops.
• Committing to no child dying from unsafe water by 2030.

With climate change being closely tied to the water cycle, experts agree that recognizing water as a common good is vital for both social equity and economic viability.

Australia’s Role in Global Emissions

Australia is seen as a major player in global emissions. A recent report by Oil Change International states that four affluent nations, including Australia, could contribute to 70% of global CO2 emissions from new oil and gas developments by 2035. This is alarming, as it suggests that nations with more resources have to lead in reducing carbon footprints effectively.

Australia’s reputation as a "Climate Wrecker" may stem from its ongoing expansion of fossil fuel projects, even as it prepares to host an international climate meeting. Critics argue that Australia should take responsibility, as it has the means to transition to renewable energy but hasn’t fully committed.

The Conversations Around Carbon Capture

People often hear about Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS) and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) in discussions about climate solutions. CCUS captures carbon at its source—like power plants—while CDR removes it from the atmosphere. Currently, CCUS captures about 51 million tons of CO2 per year, a minuscule fraction of global emissions. Meanwhile, Direct Air Capture technology is even less effective, capturing only 0.01 million tons annually.

Many voices in the sustainability community point out the limitations of CCUS and CDR. Critics state that while these technologies sound promising, they remain expensive and aren’t yet ready for large-scale implementation.

Marine Life and Sustainability

Amidst these discussions, issues like overfishing also come to light. Bottom trawling, a fishing method known for its destructive impact, results in 60% of caught marine life being bycatch. This high rate raises serious questions about environmental responsibility. Not only does this harm sea life, but it’s also unsustainable for human consumption.

Final Thoughts

Water, emissions, and marine life are interconnected topics that demand urgent action. Rethinking how we value our natural resources is essential for sustainable development. By addressing these challenges, we can work toward a better future for both the planet and its inhabitants.

For more insights, check out the Global Commission on the Economics of Water and Oil Change International.

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