by Sweetpea

Created on: March 06, 2007   Last Updated: April 19, 2007

Many of us are still ignorant about the basics of greenhouse gas emissions and coal-burning for electricty and CO2 being released into the environment. A polluting coal-fired power station in Victoria is responsible for 17 million tonnes of greenhouse pollution each year. Governments may still approve new coal mines and expand existing ones in three years' time, and by this our greenhouse gas emissions are estimated to rise by over 22% in the next decade from then. The culprits? Us human beings.

Up until now, my answer to every question thrown to me about having a second baby, is about my discomforts and problems during pregnancy and post-delivery, or not comfortable financially. Today, I add global warming to this list. Why bring another life into the unknown future? I can nurture and protect them right now, but what happens when I am not around anymore? What will happen 30 years from now? What will the lives of their children be?

Melbourne is reaching the Stage 4 water restriction soon. And it is predicted that Melbourne can expect four degrees Celcius higher than now in 60 sixty years. It doesn't sound much, but considering that just 1.8 degrees may wipe out a wetland habitat, or losing our alpine zones, this is very devastating. But wherever we are, I think each and everyone of us should be playing a part in our children's future, and their children.

Things are already happening : Heat waves and periods of unusually warm weather causing droughts and fire, which is getting worse every year here in Australia, ocean warming, sea-level rise and coastal flooding, glaciers melting, Arctic and Antarctic warming. And with all these there are possibilities of diseases spreading, change of climates, coral reef bleaching, downpours and flooding. Netherlands may be submerged if sea level keeps rising and the world map will have to be withdrawn. Don't these changes frighten anyone?

I think we should be paving a better place for our children, not harming them. Value your quality water, unplug main switches when not in use and recycle. Try doing your bits. Think of your them everytime you do something that may potentially harm the environment.

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