The earth’s atmosphere contains atmospheric (or greenhouse) gases like carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour which act like a large blanket, keeping in some (but not all) of the heat from the sun that bounces off the earth’s surface. This is known as the greenhouse effect, and it’s the reason why our planet is full of life.

The concern around energy use is that the burning of fossil fuels, such as electricity from coal and natural gas use - increases the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and reduces the amount of heat that can escape. As a result we are experiencing unprecedented increases of global temperatures that are negatively changing our climate.

Source: Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) Website.

In the past 100 years, we’ve already experienced 0.7 degree increases in global temperatures. To avoid a major impact on our way of life, including food and water availability; we must keep this change below 2 degrees Celsius. To do this we must reduce current greenhouse emissions by 60% within 20 years or risk facing a catastrophic change by 2050.

You can make a significant change to the way we use and source energy to combat climate change.

What you can do
Reducing Greenhouse Emissions

Programs

We provide a number of programs throughout the year that can help residents, schools and businesses become more environmentally sensitive. Get Involved.

Further Information

Find out what the State Government doing about Climate Change
The GreenPower scheme
The Alternative Technology
The Federal Government’s energy labelling program
CityPower and Powercor's educational resources are a great resource for schools incorporating energy into their curriculum.

For more information 9249 4000 or email environment@brimbank.vic.gov.au