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What are the potential effects of global warming in terms of climate change and how can they be arrested?

Global warming has been a big issue among the scientist up to the extent that it is said that global warming is caused by both human and he environment. Professor Bob Carter of James Cook University, Queensland in his interview in Nzone Tonight said that every scientist does believe that humans have an effect on climate change. However, he also mentions that some places are warming and some places are cooling. Over the last century, our planet Earth has been increasing its temperature without bound. The average surface temperature of the Earth rose 0.6 to 0.9 degrees Celsius (1.08°F to 1.62°F) between 1906 and 2006, and the rate of temperature increase nearly doubled in the last 50 years.(Holli Riebeek, 2007) This is one of the evidence showing global warming is occurring at a rising rate.

As we slowly let global warming becomes uncontrolled, some studies show the potential occurrences to our beloved Earth. One inevitable consequence of global warming is sea-level rise. The problem is serious because as much as 10 percent of the world’s population lives in coastal areas less than 10 meters (about 30 feet) above sea level. (Holli Riebeek, 2007) If this is probably to happen, as sea levels rise, these communities will become increasingly vulnerable to storm damage and flooding. Among the most vulnerable countries is Bangladesh, which has low elevation, a high population density, and is one of the world’s poorest nations. And it will be a hard blow to them as they do not have resources to fend off changes in climate. Water expands as it warms so, as the oceans are heated, the water they contain takes up more volume, and this makes the level of the seas rise. The seas also rise when glaciers and ice sheets melt, feeding more water into the oceans. (Chris Woodford, 2006) According to Al Gore in “An Inconvenient Truth”, he said that the maps of the world also would have to be redrawn as a result of the sea level rise.

Global warming paradoxically causes not only more flooding but also more droughts. (Al Gore, 2007) One of the reasons is that global warming not only increases precipitation worldwide but it also relocates the precipitation. This is to show that the Earth’s temperature is predicted to rise even higher in the future. Global warming will result in more hot days and fewer cool days, with the greatest warming happening over land. Longer, more intense heat waves will become more frequent. (Holli Riebeek, 2007) The warming will enhance coastal erosion, extend the growing season, and melt the ice caps and glaciers. As for now, even mosquitoes are able to climb higher altitudes, not only mosquitoes, but even vectors of infectious diseases spreading. And there has been appearance of new diseases in the last quarter century like SARS, who knows there could be more in the near future. Consequently, species those are not able to adapt the sudden climate change are likely to face extinction. The ultimate consequence of this is hurricanes will likely increase in intensity due to warmer ocean surface temperatures.

As Al Gore said that we are the cause of global warming, we can also contribute to help in reducing the factors of global warming. To reduce the impact of climate change, we need to reduce global warming. (Chris Woodford, 2006) In another meaning, it can be done by producing fewer carbon dioxide emissions and it might mean using less energy or using it more efficiently. To reduce carbon dioxide emission, we should use electric-efficiency appliances by replacing incandescent lamps in our homes with energy-saving fluorescent lamps. We should also consider in buying a hybrid car or a higher mileage cars to help in reducing carbon emission. Use bicycle or walk when you can, rather than driving your car. Other than that, we should plant more trees, recycle useable items. Lastly, we should also join international efforts to stop global warming.

On and all, global warming is causing havoc to human and the environment. We can consider the “climate change skeptics” that they say it is an environmental phenomenon. Nonetheless, we also play a big role in handling this contentious issue. We are to be blamed for our mistakes when the whole world is facing the consequence in the future that is if we do not take immediate actions from now. Prevent is better than cure. Therefore, we have to thrive in the responsibility to make the Earth a better place to live for the sake of our children that will too, live in this world.

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Australia Bulletin FM - Episode 4

Faith, hope resonate in Black Saturday anniversary

From : The Australian, February 17, 2010

A MINUTE’S silence has been observed to marked the first anniversary of the Black Saturday bushfires tragedy that claimed 173 lives.

At a special interfaith church service in Melbourne, politicians, dignitaries and the families and friends of the Black Saturday victims joined Australians around the nation in silence as a mark of respect to those who suffered in the fires.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Victorian Premier John Brumby are among those at the service at Melbourne's St Paul's cathedral.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce and Victorian Governor David de Kretser are also at the service.

The head of the Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Christine Nixon said there could be no underestimation of the “enormous pain, trauma and grief” thousands of Victorians had experienced since Black Saturday.

“The worst national disaster in Australia's history has left an indelible scar on families, friends, neighbours and relatives and strangers across the world,” she said.

“People have seen and heard things they hope never to see again.

“Through all this the Australian spirit has been there in spades.”

Ms Nixon said she was amazed at the ability of people in affected towns and communities to take on leadership roles to rebuild.

“I spoke to one local in an area decimated by fire ... he had been to 17 funerals in a row, it's hard to comprehend.

“He spoke of being lucky, to be alive and rebuilding the town he loved.”

The Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne Dr Philip Freier told the congregation the first anniversary of the bushfires was an opportunity for thanks as well as for grieving.

Dr Freier said the anniversary was a reason to understand that tragedies such as Black Saturday need not be annual events.

“The best that we see at these times gives us a glimpse of a world that has healed and restored,'' he said.

As part of the service, candles were lit as, Dr Freier said, “a symbol of light and hope for the future''.

Critique : At first, I thought that there's a special day for the black Australian. Then, i realize that this is a day to mourn the lives lost on February 7, 2009. It has been clarified as the country's worst national disaster ever recorded. And it seems that people that survived the Black Saturday bushfires tragedy thrived quickly to rebuild the town. Its a spirit that can trigger people throughout the country in the significance of helping each other to perform a greater unity. Overall, this article is easy to understand even though the hindsight its not quite clear to first time readers of this issue.

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Not observant enough???

A lecturer teaching medicine was giving a classoom observation. He took out a jar of yellow liquid. "This," he explained,"is urine. To be a doctor, you have to be observant of color, smell, sight, and taste."

After saying so, he dipped his finger into the jar and put it into his mouth. His class watched in amazement, m...ost in disgust.

But being the good students that they were, the jar was passed, and one by one, they dipped their finger into the jar and put it into their mouths. After the last student was done, the lecturer shook his head.

"If any of you had been observant, you would have noticed that I put my second finger into the jar and my third finger into my mouth."

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Australia Bulletin FM - Episode 3

New nude group record set as 5200 Australians get naked in Sydney
From : Australian Times, March 2, 2010

More than 5,000 people have stripped off at the Sydney Opera House to get naked in the name of art.

By : Ashlea Maher

The participants braved a chilly Autumn early morning to shed their clothes, and posed naked for renowned American nudist photographer Spencer Tunick.

People came in all shapes and sizes and one heavily pregnant woman even postponed the birth of her twins so she could take part.

Titled Mardi Gras: The Base, the installation had been commissioned by the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, which took place over the weekend.

Mr Tunick, 43, who has taken nude crowd pictures all around the world, said the project was about sending a positive message that no one should shun other people.

"Gay men and women lay naked next to their straight neighbours and this delivered a very strong message to the world that Australians embrace a free and equal society," he said told the crowd.

In his greeting to participants, Tunick said it was great that the "straight community wanted to get naked with the gay community". The organisers had only expected about half the number of people to turn up, but were impressed by the outcome. .

"It took a certain resolve to get out of bed at 3.30am and join a queue that stretched from the Opera House forecourt and around Circular Quay to the Museum of Contemporary Art. The wind was nippy," Matthew

Westwood told The Australian. "Humankind was revealed in its naked magnificence,with contemporary modifications: tattoos, piercings, intimate hairstyles, the tanlines of late summer."

Critique : Well, overall, i'm quite fascinated of what are these people trying to do. I mean, come on, for me, this is like giving my dignity away. But, i respect their decision to do that for the sake of showing Australians are free and equal society and in the name of art. Well of course they must be purportedly aware that they can actually see each other's private parts during that event, and this maybe can lead some 'unwanted' event after this particular event. Or, maybe they have he sheer fondness amongst them, who knows.=)

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Australia Bulletin FM - Episode 2

Vegemite halal spite From : Australian Times, March 8, 2010

The iconically Australian Vegemite jar now displays a halal endorsement. The move has sparked bitter outcry and protest with a suspiciously racist flavour.

Ashlea Maher

Vegemite is labelled as iconically Australian and now classic gold and red branding is to include another label too.

Vegemite has gone halal in a bid by parent company Kraft to promote the national ‘treasure’ to Muslim Australians.

Halal describes what is ‘fit and proper’ for Muslims to eat. It gives a range of beverages and foods (including meat) that are acceptable.

The move by Kraft has been described as ridiculous political correctness by some commentators and has stirred up a debate about Australia’s relationship with the Muslim community.

“Islamic communities are proud Australians and they want to be able to eat our national icon as well,” Kraft spokesman Simon Talbot said.

“We don’t own Vegemite. The people of Australia own Vegemite. We’re just the custodians and we want to make sure Vegemite is available for everyone.”

Muslim leaders have congratulated Kraft for introducing the labels, but Family Council of Victoria secretary Bill Muehlenberg questioned the company’s motives.

“This is a private company trying to make money,” Mr Muehlenberg told News Corporation.

“Why do we have to keep bending over backwards to please minority groups? There are only 300,000 Muslims in Australia out of 22 million people, which is a very small percentage.

“Of course, there’s a case for making allowances for different cultures, but aren’t we getting a bit carried away with political correctness here? It’s ridiculous.”

Yasser Soliman, Islamic Council of Victoria past-president and executive director of Diversity Connect International, said the halal certification on Vegemite was a sign Muslims were “becoming more Aussie”.

Since the labels were changed, Kraft’s head office has received regular phone calls from people complaining about the halal labelling on Vegemite.

Thirteen groups and many more associated pages have been created on social networking site, Facebook.

The ‘DON’T PUT HALAL STAMP ON VEGEMITE!!’ page has nearly 5000 ‘fans’.

Facebook group ‘Boycott halal labelling on Vegemite!’ claiming to be: “for people who like Vegemite who don’t want to be part of the halal” is driving a campaign encouraging Australians to write letters of complaint to Kraft.

“The halal food industry has infiltrated our home and lives. Halal meat products have been proven to be cruel and cause suffering to the animal,” their front page reads.

While the group denies claims to have been formed purely in a move of racial extremism, it is also linked to another Facebook group called ‘Fuck off, we’re full’.

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