Myths:
Myth: Climate change isn't real – it was made up by the media
Reality: Ongoing droughts, water shortages, bushfires and record-setting temperatures are all direct results of climate change and have become an unwelcome reality in all of our lives.
The average temperature in Australia has increased by 0.7°C over the past century, together with marked declines in rainfall particularly along the east and west coasts of the country. These seemingly small changes have widespread and ongoing consequences for Australia.
Australia is experiencing significant climate upheaval as a result of carbon pollution from human activities, including the consumption of coal-fired electricity. In NSW over 90% of electricity comes from coal-fired power stations and households use around a third of all NSW's electricity use.
Continuing to use carbon pollution-producing fossil fuels as our main source of power will change the climate in ways that could very likely make things difficult for future generations.
Even if all carbon pollution stopped today, the Earth's temperature would still rise by between 0.2–1.0°C by the end of the century.
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Myth: There's nothing I can do about climate change,
I won't really make a difference
Reality: Sometimes the scale of a problem can be overwhelming, leading to inaction through a belief that individuals are useless against such a huge issue. But when you remember that households are responsible for one third of NSW's electricity use, you'll soon find you really can make a difference.
Consider this: the electricity used by the average household every year causes twice as much carbon pollution as driving the family car for a year. So by reducing your power use at home, you can make a big impact on climate change and save money at the same time.
Everyone can do simple things to make a difference. Simply turning off appliances at the power point rather than leaving them on stand-by reduces household power use by about 10%. And there are lots of other simple actions as well. Multiply that across all the households in NSW and significant power and carbon pollution savings will be achieved.
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Myth:Energy efficiency is too expensive
Reality:Replacing unsustainable habits for a lifestyle that is sustainable doesn't cost the earth. Simple changes, like switching off appliances when they are not in use, cost nothing. In fact they save you money.
When it comes time to purchase new appliances, buy energy efficient models that significantly lower your power consumption and your initial investment will be returned quickly in terms of lower power bills.
You can make a difference. The power is in your hands!
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Learn more about climate change.