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This report explores the recent issue of climate change. It will outline the key elements that make climate change an important issue politically. It will focus on how the issue of climate change is being addressed by both the Australian Labor and Liberal Parties.

1. Why is Climate Change an important issue?

Climate Change has recently become an important issue for the Australian community. For many years, scientists have gone to great lengths to express the impending threat of climate change. These attempts have mostly been unnoticed by the population but recently the real dangers of climate change have become a serious issue for the community. Why are Australians waking up' to this threat now?

The effects of Global Warming on the Australian climate are becoming increasingly noticeable. Climate change has been predicted to affect Australia in several key areas including:

Environment
Population Health
Economy
Agriculture

Australia is already known for its harsh climate with its extreme temperatures, water shortage and droughts. Global Warming, if not causing, is increasing the severity of these issues. This message has finally been received and accepted by the Australian public and government.

Climate change is such a huge issue that it requires strong, concerted, consistent and enduring action by governments' Peter Garrett (Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Heritage and the Arts)

Australian annual mean temperature anomalies (compared to the 1961-90 average) since 1910.

The above graph is taken from the 2006 Annual Australian Climate Statement . The graph clearly demonstrates that the mean temperature in Australia is increasing at an alarming rate. This increase in temperature is having severe effects on the environment. For instance, rainfall levels in Australia are following a strong downward trend in the lower eastern areas of Australia but are increasing in intensity in the North West. The rainfall situation in Australia is matching models that scientists predicted long ago. This certifies that climate change is already affecting Australia. . The dams in the southern capital cities are now being filled to only 50% of their full capacity. This is having a direct effect on Australian agricultural and ecological systems with many of them already stretched to their limits by the current climate. Agriculture has long been established as one of Australia's key industries and a decrease in crop production due to shortage of rainfall will produce a domino

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