CLIMATE CHANGE AND EXTINCTION RISK

A recent study in Science by Associate Professor Mark Urban (University of Connecticut) claims that one in six species will face extinction as a result of climate change.  Most heavily impacted will be Australia, New Zealand and South America because of the number of endemic species in these areas.

The study shows that the rate of biodiversity loss is not just increasing with climate change but it is accelerating.

According to Urban if humans follow their current business as usual trajectory, a temperature rise of 4.3 degrees celsius is predicted.  This would lead to a loss of one in six species. But  even this temperature rise may be under-estimated according to most experts.

Urban says that it is not too late to limit warming.  "We can still control our greenhouse gas emissions, work to predict those species most at risk, and design and implement conservation strategies that protect the most threatened species."

AUSTRALIA ZOO WILDLIFE HOSPITAL

In 1970 Bob and Lyn Irwin established what is now the multi-award winning Australia Zoo, which employs hundreds of people in a wide variety of jobs. Lyn's main dream though was to build a hospital dedicated solely to Australian native animals. In 2004, after Lyn's death, their famous son, Steve, with wife Terri, first opened the doors of the Australia Wildlife Hospital in a disused avocado packing shed behind the zoo.

Today Queensland's famous wildlife hospital employs veterinarians, vet nurses, staff and cleaners, and can take up to 100 emergency calls for injured wildlife daily. In its first 10 years 50,000 animals covering 500 different species, most victims of cars and domestic pets, had been treated at the hospital. From the largest kangaroo to the smallest newborn bat, the policy is that nothing is too big, too small, or too commonplace for specialist treatment and care.

With treatment of just one animal costing between $400 to over $1000, this alone shows the incredible effort going into helping our native wildlife. However the hospital is also involved in research into animal diseases, migratory patterns, quarantine and management of diseased animals, and specialises in koala care. With each koala costing up to $5000, and 70 koalas on average admitted monthly, this takes the value of this first class facility to an astonishing level. The fact that it relies heavily on the generosity of the public to keep operating only further seals its position as a true giant in wildlife care. 

Besides all this, a rescue unit based at the hospital works around the clock collecting sick, injured and orphaned native animals, further ensuring them quick and professional attention. And at the end of their time in care a series of beautiful rainforest enclosures makes sure each animal is well prepared for return to its natural environment. 

This hospital is indeed an amazing place. Any young person with a passion for animals is advised to keep on eye on their website, where lists of jobs and posts of positions vacant are regularly updated.

-          P Edwards

This post was originally published in the "Voices for the Earth" column in The Daily Examiner on April 27.

THE BIG THREE POWER COMPANIES AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

The renewable energy industry sector is still waiting on a Federal Government decision on the Renewable Energy Target (RET).  This is vital to the health of an industry which has been losing investment because of uncertainty about its future.

As the mining boom eases and unemployment increases, it would make sense for the Government to promote a clean industry which already employs many Australians and has the potential to employ many more if the right incentives are in place.  The fact that it seems determined to ignore both the employment and climate positives of an expanding renewables sector suggests a "dinosaur" ideological mindset.

Late in March John Hewson, former Liberal Party Leader, showed his concern about the situation of the Australian renewables industry. He delivered a stinging attack on Australia's three major power companies – Origin, Energy Australia and AGL.  

Hewson was concerned at the part these three, who control more than 70% of the energy retail market in Australia, are having in thwarting the development of renewable energy . He believes that these companies' influence encouraged the Federal Government's inquiry into the RET which was headed by climate sceptic Dick Warburton.   Unsurprisingly the inquiry recommended the cutting of the RET, something the Abbott Government has been determined to pursue despite its pre-election promise to keep the RET at 41,000GWh.

According to Mr Hewson the big three retailers claim to support renewable energy while they are lobbying to undermine it.  He is also concerned that they have been "getting away with screwing households by hitting customers with almost obscene profit margins as energy retailers."

He said, "But here's the good news.  The Australian public, the vast majority of us who support cleaner and cheaper power from renewable energy and are opposed to dirty coal and damaging coal seam gas, have the ability to reclaim control over our public policy.

"In order to stop vested interests like Origin, AGL and Energy Australia who have much to gain by halting the growth of renewable energy, all we need to do is switch our energy provider to a company backed by 100% renewable energy."

            - L Blain

This article was published in the "Voices for the Earth" column in The Daily Examiner on April 13.