Summary

Greenhouse pollution is caused by gaseous pollutants released into the atmosphere through human actions that amplify the greenhouse effect. Gases creating greenhouse pollution include water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride. The enhanced greenhouse effect is now widely accepted as the major cause of global climate change. Australia has one of the highest per capita levels of greenhouse gas emissions in the developed world, in large part due to a heavy reliance on coal to generate electricity. It is estimated that by 2020, Australia¿s greenhouse pollution will be more than 20% above 1990 levels. Some international experts assert that Australia needs to reduce its greenhouse emissions by up to 30% by 2020 to avoid dangerous climate change. What part should international agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol, energy efficiency measures, renewable energy sources and nuclear power play in reducing global emissions? Chapter 1: The Greenhouse Effect: Causes and Impact Chapter 2: Reducing Greenhouse Pollution Glossary; Facts and Figures; Additional Resources; Index