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also have the advantage of being able to be angled to suit the breeze strength, therefore less chance of breaking.

Building with strong materials that are well-insulated aides in cooling a building, as well as reduces structural damage in high winds that are forecast as a result of warmer oceans. The high winds are already playing havoc in many parts of the world. The same code is applicable to homes in fire-prone, highly wooded areas. Photographs of the homes destroyed in Victoria by fire recently show that the brick chimney and fireplace were the only materials that withstood the phenomenal heat and gas explosions. Does it not say something about how these homes need to be rebuilt?

The very reliance on gas for heating and cooking etcetera, proved to be detrimental as the gas tanks exploded, adding excessive fuel to the already raging fire. Had these homes been fitted with solar heating and cooking facilities, the carnage and structural damage would have been far less. Had temperatures not been rising and the drought been so long as a result of Climate Change, the fires would not have raged so fiercely, which would have resulted in far less loss of life, homes and traumatised victims who now have to try and come to terms with their massive losses.

This is where we see the social effects of Climate Change. All over the world there are masses of dead from flooding, tornadoes, cyclones, fires and diseases that are borne out of these disasters. Not only is it the structural cost, but also the fiscal cost, ongoing traumatised minds, poverty increase, but the problem of dealing with the vector and water-borne diseases with in many cases, no remedy available in time to save many from death.

In North Queensland, Australia, whilst thousands of homes are inundated with the worst ever floodwaters over thousands of hectares, there is the worst outbreak of dengue fever and Ross River virus being inflicted upon already suffering locals. Gaining medical attention is further impeded by the floodwaters and damage to roads preventing immediate medical attention for sufferers.

Fresh food and water supplies running dangerously low in many townships puts even greater stress on communities, creating more despair and trauma. In Australia alone at present, the social dilemmas are enormous as so many are grieving not only the loss of loved ones, but of their livelihood, homes, pets and dignity. The ongoing social problems will continue throughout the lifetime of each generation that has been affected by these disasters. There will be some positive aspects on the community as a whole as people become more hospitable towards each other and help each other rebuild their homes and lives, or mop up the mess. However, overall, it will take a very long time to recouperate from these disasters, and with increasing extreme conditions forecast, they may be put in the same position in coming years unless drastic action is taken, or building codes change and governments increase funding for alternate energy sources. Considering the world is in a recession, no-one will escape the effects of Climate Change, as prices soar for foods and industries that have been affected by the worst environmental disasters to date.

There are so many other ways both social and environmental situations are affected by Climate Change, but my word count has already exceeded the limit.

Learn more about this author, Barbara Gibbs.
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