Canada Bay to Install Climate Change Tidal Markers

Canada Bay Council at its meeting of 16 October resolved to install tidal markers in select locations along with information signs on global climate change and sea level rise.

“Climage change is real and disastrous sea level rise will occur unless action is taken soon”, said Greens Councillor Bernard Rooney, who moved the motion. “A rise in global temperatures of between 2 and 3 degrees Celsius risks runaway global warming. And a rise above 3 degrees has a very high risk of runaway warming. As an indication of the crisis, we already have a 0.8 degree rise in place, which is certain to go higher due to a lag effect as more gas has already been pumped into the atmosphere.”

Greens Candidate for Lowe Dr Marc Rerceretnam welcomed Canada Bay’s action: “The value of this Resolution is in helping educate the public about the urgency of the issue. All levels of Government must act to address climate change, local government, State and of course Federal.”

“Action is needed now”, said Dr Rerceretnam. “Emissions must be cut by 80% from 1990 levels by 2050, and 30% by 2020. No more coal-fired stations must be built, energy conservation needs to be implemented and renewable energy production needs to rapidly come on stream. Carbon pricing, preferably in the form of a carbon tax or a well designed carbon trading scheme must be introduced.”

Text of Resolution:

1. THAT Canada Bay Council recognises the actual and potential consequences of rising sea levels caused by climate change.

2. THAT Canada Bay Council install tide line markers displaying summer and winter solstice tide lines in strategic points of bays such as Iron Cove Bay, Exile Bay, Five Dock Bay and Brays Bay;

3. THAT Canada Bay Council install signage beside these tide markers specifically aimed at raising public awareness about climate change and the potential for rising global sea levels, explaining that the line will continually rise if we do not seriously reduce our carbon emissions. This tide marker will also show where the line was in 1950, and where it could be in 2100 with a indicators at ground level of where the shoreline could potentially end up. Signage will also have dot points on what councils are doing to address the impact of climate change, and how we can all reduce CO2 emissions.

4. THAT Canada Bay Council highlight in the signage described in point 3;

• The importance of changing to renewable energy, switching to energy efficient light globes and electrical appliances, and preventing energy inefficient habits in the home and workplace.
• Reducing car use
• Using public transport, bicycles and walking
• Using renewable technologies Making representations to all levels of government in Australia pushing for better infrastructure that supports environmental initiatives such as the expansion and enhancement of the public transport system

5. THAT Canada Bay Council calls on Federal, State and Local Governments to ensure their planning and infrastructure guidelines reflect the potential future impact of rising sea levels.

Dr Marc Rerceretnam contact no: 0414 467 222