Wednesday 7 October 2009
Our guest speaker was Andrew Petersen, son of Rotarian PP Allan Petersen who introduced him to the club. Andrew was born at Wagga Base Hospital and did his secondary education at Hurlstone Agricultural College. He then completed 2 degrees at Sydney University including a Masters degree in Environmental Science. He is currently a Equity Senior Partner with Price Waterhouse Coopers. The subject of Andrew’s address was Climate Change - The Undiscovered Country.
There is no doubt that the current topic which is on every thinking persons mind is the subject of Climate Change. It is an issue that is extremely divisive even amongst the scientific brains of our community and certainly the whole question of Climate Change can cause bewilderment amongst the general public.
Climate Change is the challenge of the current generation at both the Scientific and Economic level and most certainly at the Political level. What is contributing to the increasing level of greenhouse gases? Firstly the burning of fossil fuels - a process that has been occurring since stone age man discovered fire but which has dramatically increased over the last two hundred years with the industrialisation of the world. Secondly the industrial processes which have been developed more recently including the growth in combustion engines in motor vehicles, thirdly the leakage of refrigerants, fourthly the growth in cattle numbers along with increased deforestation and lastly decay and decomposition of biological matter. In the 2007 year it was estimated that globally 34 billion tones of carbon dioxide equivalents were emitted. For Australia this figure was 559 million tonnes which is less than 0.2% of the worlds emissions.
To view Andrew's slides that accompanied his presentation click the photo
The level of scientific consensus is high to very high currently but is less certain on future effects. Scientists agree that the increase in greenhouse gases is caused by an increase in the burning of fossil fuels since the industrial revolution and further that CO2 levels are 31% above pre-industrial levels also greenhouse gases trap more heat in the atmosphere but have different degrees of consensus on what the effect on mean average temperatures will be over the next 50 to 100 years. The long term goal is to limit atmospheric concentration of CO2 to 500 to 550 parts per million. The current figure is 380 ppm.
Carbon minimisation will affect the demand, price and costs of many products and services. Energy intensive sectors face continued regulation and transport emissions are the next big policy problem. A range of actions are required to stabilise emissions. These include an increase in industrial energy efficiency, a dramatic increase in wind power generation, switching from coal to gas power generation and finally a dramatic growth in power generation from nuclear power stations. There is no silver bullet only a portfolio of actions required.
What is Australia’s position? The current government aims to pass legislation to commence emissions trading in 2011. It will impose mandatory reporting of emissions and energy production and energy consumption. It targets a reduction of 5% in emissions by 2020 and a scheme to source 20% of the nations electricity from renewable sources by 2020. What will be the effect of these proposed changes? Some businesses who are high emitters will find it difficult to stay in business. Consumers will have to face up to higher prices for some goods and services.
Andrew’s very professional presentation drew a substantial number of both questions and comments from club members and it was obvious that we are as divided as the community on this whole subject.
Andrew was thanked for his presentation by his mother Welwyn.
Following the thanks we were privileged to see Andrew honoured with a Paul Harris Fellow in the name of his parents.
