Sell with Confidence
Read More
News

Climate deal to save the reef

By Mark Beale

THE first universal climate agreement has been passed, and is hoped to have significant impacts across the world, including here in the Whitsundays.

The historical agreement requires countries across the globe to limit global warming to well below two degrees, with a goal of 1.5 degrees. The reduction in temperature will help limit the impact climate change has on the Great Barrier Reef, preventing coral bleaching and ocean acidification, caused by emissions of greenhouse gases, through the burning of fossil fuels.

A transition away from fossil fuels and onto renewable energy such as wind and solar are some of the changes we can expect to see.

“The impacts of climate change are already being felt by the reef,” Tony Fontes of the Environment Council of Central Queensland explained.

“We had had significant coral bleaching events in 1998 and 2002 (and) we have a very large El Nino weather pattern this year which could lead to significant bleaching this summer,” he said.

“For the past 20 years the world as a collective has done little to combat climate change. Although late in coming, the reef really needs this climate deal.”

Mr Fontes said the Paris agreement was also great news for the tourism industry, dependent on a healthy reef, worth $6 billion annually, and supporting over 63,000 sustainable jobs.

“Scientists have made it very clear that if we are to avoid exceeding a two degree rise in temperature, then 80% of the currently known fossil fuel reserves must stay in the ground,” he said.

“For Australia, this means no new coal mines, and locally that includes the Carmichael Mine in the Galilee Basin.

“We should look at this as an economic opportunity, as the Whitsundays can become an energy entrepreneur, with ample wind and solar.”

Up to Date

Latest News

  • Mandatory Self-Resolution In Community Titles

    By Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management on April 10th, 2025 Living in a community titles scheme can come as a surprise to many new residents. It can take some time to adjust. Perhaps the most striking difference is the proximity to others in your scheme. Life in a body corporate … Read more

    Read Full Post

  • Interest rates on hold

    Nerida Conisbee Ray White Group Chief Economist After a remarkably swift recovery in January 2025, Australia’s property market faces several possible paths as global economic uncertainties continue to evolve. While structural factors like persistent housing undersupply create a solid foundation for long-term growth, various scenarios could play out over the … Read more

    Read Full Post