Australia failing to protect Great Barrier - myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Australia failing to protect Great Barrier. Answer: Introduction: The term international relations can be determined as a division of political science that can be adopted for developing connections between two economies and also with international policies. The concept is further observed demonstrating the study of foreign affairs and international conflicts among the regions that include the roles and obligations of the economies intergovernmental, NGO, and multinational corporations. Global bonds can be both moot and public policy field and can be both optimistic and normative as it analyze and frame the foreign policies of the particular economy. Further, the concept is also concerned about the in explaining the connections of the states in the global regional system, and this approach also attempts to describe the interactions of others whose behavior originates within one economy and is targeted towards member of other countries. In simpler terms the study of international relations is totally focused and is based on explaining the behavior a cross the borders of different economies. The below presented essay has been analyzed for describing Australias climate change efforts. The essay has been focused on the climate change and global relations. As per the given scenario Australia has been proven unsuccessful to oblige an adequate role in the global response to climate change. Climate change and international relations: On the basis of the report presented by International institution of Governance program (2013), it has been observed that the climate change is one of the most empirical issues in the list of threats faced by the world. According to the research executed by American Metrological society it has been stated that there is a high range of probability of rising in global temperature from 3.5 to 7.4 degrees Celsius (6.3 to 13.3 degrees Fahrenheit) in less than one hundred years. These minor shifting in the environmental conditions can become reasons for widespread disasters such as rise in sea levels, violent and volatile weather patterns, famines, droughts, desertification etc. In November 2011, a warning was given by the International Energy Agency that the world may be fast moving towards a sloping point of change in climate and also it was suggested that the coming future will be prove vital for reduction in the efforts for greenhouse. According to The United Nations Framework Convention on climate change (UNFCCC) it has been defined as a change of climate that is accredited unswervingly or indirectly to human practices and due to making modifications in the international atmosphere. Activities that lead to contamination are arising from the engineering practices and other sources that are held responsible for the emission of greenhouse gases. These gases include carbon dioxide and other harmful gases and also have the ability of absorbing the spectrum of the infrared light and contribute in the warming of the environment. These gases once produced remains imprisoned in the atmosphere for decades. There are number of reasons for the changes in the climate that are adversely affecting the climate or the surrounding. The prime reason behind the climate change is the emission of the dangerous gases and pollutants such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases. It has been observed that the greenh ouse is the cycle due to which the mentioned pollutants and gasses gets imprisoned in the atmosphere and heat the planet. It has been observed that in the year 1827 Joseph Fourier a French mathematician and physicist projected that the worming process of earth is acted in the same way as a greenhouse traps heat. A procedure of noticeable lights and imperceptible radiations, in which the earths atmosphere is acting as a glass barrier, and the observable radioactivity from the sun that badges through the Earths environment will be engrossed by the land, water and vegetation but there are some pollutants and infrared radiations gets imprisoned in the atmosphere and remains in the environment. And it has also been noted that the oxygen and nitrogen and also the other natural key elements are unable to absorb infrared radiation. The mentioned gases feed-off the heat energy and a second source of radiation is emitted for warming the surface of the earth. This heat energy remains imprisone d in the environment and deteriorates the depending on the level of gases that are able of absorbing it. An increase in the level of greenhouse gases will make a growth in the absorbing power and that will make more absorption of more infrared radiation On the basis of the research it has been inferred that Australia has made commitments for taking strong domestic and international actions for the changes in the climate. It has been observed that the Australian governing authorities has been making implementation of national policies for reducing emission of pollutants and cope up with the effects of the climate change in relation to the co-ordinated international practices. Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris (30 November to 12 December 2015) am historical global climate agreement was made (dfat.gov 2018). A durable and dynamic framework has been set by the Paris agreement for all the nations for taking climate action from 2020, development of existing global efforts in the duration of 2020. The prime outcomes of this agreement include: A global goal has been developed for holding the average temperature hike to well below 2C and efforts are pursued for keeping the warming level below 1.5C above per-industrial level. Mitigation targets are set by each and every nation from 2020 and targets are also required to be reviewed from a time interval of 5 years. Vigorous transparency and accountability norms for providing confidence in the nations practices conducted and also tracking the progress towards the desired targets. Promotion of the practices to be adopted and also building elasticity to climate change. Further, in the Paris conference, nations were send invitations for submitting indicative posts-2020 targets and that were termed as intended nationally determined contributions (INDCS). It has been observed that targets have been set by all the member nations to the UNFCCC. That comprise of all the G20 member nations. These set goals included 96% of international emission, over 39 percent of international GDP and this also included 99.8 % of the Australias two way trade. Mainly, these goals comprise significantly more that the Cancun agreements (2010) and under this agreement more than 100 countries took participation and made pledges for minimizing and setting limits to the greenhouse gases emission by the duration 2020 (dfat.gov 2018). Making reduction in the emission by 26-29 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 has been considered as one of the ambitious targets of Australia. This builds on the target of 2020 target minimizing or eliminating emissions approximately by 5% below levels of 2020. The attainments of the goals of Australia will be done by credible policy suite that has been made already engaged in the process of eliminating the emission, encouraging the technological development, etc. Australias response for climate change: In Australia, scientific evidence related to global warming is clearly available, and for preventing the general and dangerous impacts of climate change strong and strict actions are required by policy makers and industries. Response of departments related to the mitigation clearly state the need to reduce the rate of warming in the global climate system. On the other hand, adaptation response are necessary for the purpose of reducing the impact of current and future climate related issues and for managing the risk related to changes occurred in future climate (Durrant, n.d.). In 2016, Paris Agreement was enforced and the main purpose of this agreement is to strengthen the global response in context of risk related to climate change. For meeting its initial target in regards of Paris agreement, Australia committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28% in comparison of 2005 by 2030. Experts believe that mitigation and adaptation efforts conducted by Australia will be strongly enhanced by the adoption and development of science and technology innovations and these innovations must be supported by government policies. With strong leadership from government and active participation from industries, Australia is meeting the challenges and become the leader in grabbing the opportunities in context of climate change (ATSE, n.d.). However, there is one more side of coin which reflects that Australia is failed to address the issues related to climate change. Experts from military and climate department warned the government that there is possibility that Australia faces various disaster consequences because of the changes occurred in climate which ultimately results in other natural disasters and forced migration of 10 million peoples across the region. Chris Barrie, Former defense force chief Adm stated that ability of Australia to reduce and respond to the impacts of climate change is affected by the political shyness. Climate change regulations of Australia have suffered from serious lack of political leadership. Approval to Adanis new coal mine is the perfect example for that. When world is coming together for the purpose of reducing the carbon emissions to prevent global warning, at that moment governments of Australia are chasing new proposals of coal mine of Adani. Government gives approval to the proposal of Adani which would result in the open up of complete Galilee Basin for poison generated by new mines (Stop Adani, n.d.). This mine is not only the biggest coal mine in Australia, but it is equal to almost five times the area of Sydney Harbour. This is the time when there is need to take efforts for reducing carbon pollution, but this mine complete takes the efforts of Australia in the new direction (The Guardian, 2017). It must be noted that, Great Barrier Reef already experience the shocking coral bleaching from rise in sea temperatures because of the global warming. In case current trends of the climate will continue, then it is estimated that Great Barrier Reef will experience serious coral bleaching in every 2nd year. Changes occur in climate also upturn because of the land clearing for building the mine. Almost, 20,200 hectares of land which is equal to 28,000 soccer fields or 200,000 quarter-acre blocks is cleared for Adani mills. Over half of the land which is clear for this mine is mature woodland and bush land which is considered as important territory for number of animals and it also includes some threatened species such as koalas and echidnas and endangered birds (Coates, et. al, 2014). Heat waves generated from mines which cause serious health issues which result in more deaths in Australia in comparison of deaths occurred from natural disasters since 1890. Longer, hotter, and more intense heat waves in Australia are being determined by changes occurred in climate. Research stated that number of deaths in summer are increasing as compared to deaths occurred in winters which clearly states that changes occurred in climate affects the mortality rate. New mine project of Adani make this situation worse. Australia and other countries of the world already bear the consequences of polluting air and water, and we area also facing the dangers which cause because of the changes occurred in climate. We must conduct actions which ensure changes from polluting coal, oil, and gas to 100% renewable energy to stop greenhouse gas emissions which already reach to more dangerous levels. The first step in this context is the prevention of Australias biggest coal mine proposal, before it gets started. Greenhouse gas emission is not the only issue, coal mine also robs billions of liters of water and this water will be taken from the ground water systems and Queenslands inland rivers. This mine use up to 9500 million liters of groundwater which is draining into a vast coal pits and underground mines each year. Governments also take actions to make sure that Adani gets the groundwater for free, and for this purpose government also deprive farmers from their rights to file appeal against Adani for taking their groundwater (agarwal, 2017; Env law, 2015). This step of government results in permanent changes in the groundwater system and water table will also drop. In other words, Adani not only rob the local farmers but it also drain water from the rare and ancient Doongmabulla and Mellaluka springs which provide support to the native animals and plants. Coal mine of Adani also get permission to draw water from aquifers and for this purpose Adani dig deep. This water will be sprayed on the mine for getting billowing clouds of coal dust which will be generated by this project, and it will also be used for washing the coal which prepared for export. Mines of Adani create big risk for the water resources of Queensland (Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, n.d.). Shortage of fresh water results in famine, and starving people becomes the serious problem for Australia. Historical evidence suggests that under these situations there are chances of mass migration (The Guardian, 2017). After considering the above facts, it can be said that political system of Australia in context of climate change is corrupt, and it fails to fulfill its obligations. Australia also fails to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions which are combined with its investment in new coal mining projects, and these new investments threatening the long term future of the Great Barrier Reef. In 2016, almost 22% of the corals died in the reefs and these deaths occurred in the areas of northern part of the reef. Climate change is considered as biggest reason for the declining health of reef, which is increasing the ocean temperatures and acidification. World Heritage Organization pushes the nations, especially Australia to take actions to protect their coral reefs. World Heritage Convention wants that Australia take all necessary actions and use appropriate resources for the purpose of protecting its coral reefs. Clear evidences are present which reflect that climate changes endangered the coral reefs, but still Australia make new investments in the coal mines projects. Instead of fulfilling its obligation for protecting the Great Barrier Reef from the future events of coral bleaching, Australia is failing to take actions which are fair and help the government in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, it can be said that Australia fails to meet its obligations under the Paris Agreement (Davy, 2017). Tourism policy of Australia fails to support climate change: International journal of sustainable tourism reflects that only 21% of the tourism policies of Australia contain provisions related to the climate change, and these provisions only acknowledge the climate change as an issue. Instead of the fact that tourism is very important for the economy of Australia and its worth billions of dollars, and has been found by scientists that it also contributes in the climate change, only five tourism strategies of Australia recognize the impact of this sector on changes occurred in climate. After considering the documents related to the policy, it is found that tourism strategy of Australia mainly focuses on the adaptation strategies accompanied with mitigation. Documents further stated that certification and accreditation are also considered as adaptation measures by the tourism industry. State government of Australia is less proactive in considering the impact of tourism on climate change, and this can be understood through example, NSW fails to mention anything about the climate change in their tourism state level strategies. Experts stated that tourism sector has significant potential to improve and take action for preventing climate changes. In other words, tourism sector can develop mitigation and adaptation strategies. There are number of opportunities available to the tourism industry for the purpose of contributing in the sustainable management of climate change such as they can develop more green products and they can implement more environment friendly practices (QUT, 2017). Review of Climate change policies of Australia: In 2017, government of Australia reviewed its climate change policy for the purpose of ensuring that they are effective in achieving the target set for 2030 and obligation stated under Paris Agreement. This review was conducted by the Department of the Environment and Energy. As per this review report, government of Australia committed to addressing the climate change issues and at similar time they are taking steps to maintain the energy security and affordability and the competitiveness of our industries. The government recognizes that while reducing the emissions and for meeting the international obligations there is need to balance the economic impacts (DEE, 2017). However, reality is different from this review, as Lawyers while addressing the serious concern of UNESCO in context of coral bleaching and mortality rate related to the Great Barrier Reef caused by the changes occurred in climate stated, that Australia is not fulfilling its international obligation to protect the coral reef from the impacts of climate changes. Documents released by UNESCO show serious concern about the coral bleaching and mortality on the Great Barrier Reef caused by the Climate change (Environmental Justice Australia, 2017). As stated by the international and Australian lawyers To the UNESCOs World Heritage Committee must ask the Australia to do its fair share for the purpose of protecting the reef in the future. Recommendations: In light of the above stated facts, it is recommended to the authorities at international level to take following actions: International authorities must express their concern on serious note in context of coral bleaching and increasing mortality rate. Authorities must make call on Australia for not supporting and approving the new development projects that will directly or indirectly cause harm to the environment. Authorities must make request to the Australian government to monitors its current strategies and make necessary changes in it (SMH, 2017). Australia must review its progress in context of climate change on continuous basis and with honesty. Conclusion: This report mainly focuses on the climate change and international relations in Australia. As stated by the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change (UNFCCC), change of climate is directly or indirectly related to human practices and because of altering the international atmosphere. Australia fail to address the issues related to climate change in different areas such as greenhouse gas emissions. Experts from defense and climate department warned the Australian government that country face various disaster consequences because of the changes occurred in the climate. After considering the above facts, it can be said that political system of Australia in context of climate change is completely corrupt and this system fails to fulfill its obligations. Australia also fails to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and instead of taking efforts Australia is investing in new coal mining projects, and these new investments threatening the long term future of the Great Barrier Reef. As stated above, Australia accept the obligations under Paris agreement but it fails to meet these obligations, and this fact is provided by different evidences such as approval of Australia government to the proposal of Adani new coal mine. In other words, instead of fulfilling its obligation for protecting the Great Barrier Reef from the future events of coral bleaching Australia is welcoming the proposals of new coal mines. References Agarwal, K, (2017). Adanis Australia Story: Whats the Fuss All About?, Retrieved on 21st February 2018 from: https://thewire.in/188092/adanis-australia-story-whats-the-fuss-all-about/. ATSE, Australias Response to Climate Change. Retrieved on 21st February 2018 from: https://www.atse.org.au/content/publications/policy/australias-response-to-climate-change.aspx. Coates L, et. al. (2014). Exploring 167 years of vulnerability: an examination of extreme heat events in Australia 18442010. Environmental Science Policy. 42:33-44. Davy, C, (2017). Australia failing to protect Great Barrier Reef, Retrieved on 21st February 2018 from: https://www.chinadialogue.net/blog/9666-Australia-failing-to-protect-Great-Barrier-Reef-/en. DEE, (2017). Review of Climate Change Policies. 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