Climate Change in the ACT

A global and local challenge

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face, both globally and locally.

The ACT Government is committed to working with Canberrans to address climate change, prepare for our future and ensure we remain a prosperous community in a healthy environment.

Environmental changes

The ACT is likely to experience:

• higher temperatures; 
• increased winds in the summer months;
• drier average seasonal conditions;
• increased frequency of extreme weather events including storms; and 
• increased risk of bushfire.

Are we experiencing some of these changes now?

The key cause of climate change is greenhouse gas emissions from human activity. The Government has several programs in place to help reduce emissions in the ACT.

Most of the ACT greenhouse gas emissions are created by our heavy and increasing use of electricity (and gas) to heat, cool and light our houses, offices and other buildings, and operate our transport system.

We can all play a part in changing our everyday actions to reduce our emissions.

We can all make a difference by taking simple steps like ...

1. Get a home energy audit through ACT EnergyWise to reduce your energy use.
2. Get a free GardenSmart service to reduce your water use.
3. Recycle our waste at home and at work.
4. Replace regular light bulbs with energy saving light bulbs.
5. Switch to GreenPower.
6. Insulate your home, seal door and window gaps and move your thermostat down two degrees in winter and up two degrees in summer.
7. Avoid using air conditioners and where cooling is required, use fans or evaporative air conditioners.
8. Choose energy efficient appliances when making new purchases and use energy saving settings where possible.
9. Start a compost or worm farm to reduce your waste.
10. Turn off electronic devices at the switch and avoid standby mode (standby on a TV costs $100 a year).
11. Reduce the number of kilometres you drive. Walk, cycle, carpool or take public transport wherever possible.

The ACT Climate Change Strategy Weathering the Change provides an overview of climate change science, the predicted impacts on the ACT and the Government’s vision and direction for responding to climate change.

• ACT Government Climate Change News
• For free advice on every use and efficiency or to register for an ACT EnergyWise Audit Phone 6260 6165 or go to the Heat website at: www.heat.net.au
• For more information on reducing your water use or registering for GardenSmart Phone 6242 1111 or go to the Thinkwater website at: www.thinkwater.act.gov.au
• For more information on how to reduce your waste or start composting Phone 13 22 81 or go to the NoWaste website
• More information on the ACT Climate Change Policy