THIS IS MY TRUTH.

by Anna TranYear 10 Hurlstone Agricultural High School

“We swallow greedily any lie that flatters us, but we sip only little by

little at a truth we find bitter. ” Denis Diderot

“We swallow greedily any lie that flatters us, but we sip only little by

little at a truth we find bitter. ” Denis Diderot

“We swallow greedily any lie that flatters us, but we sip only little by

little at a truth we find bitter. ” Denis Diderot

Here is the truth: the climate’s changing, on a long term basis.Here is the truth: the climate’s changing, on a long term basis.Here is the truth: the climate’s changing, on a long term basis.

Another truth: it’s destroying our planet. Rapidly.

Another truth: it’s destroying our planet. Rapidly.

Another truth: it’s destroying our planet. Rapidly.

They can talk…

…but without action, their words are cheap.

Here’s the facts they tell you

“Our climate is changing, largely due to the observedincreases in human produced greenhouse gases... found tobe the primary cause of observed changes in the climatesystem over the 20th century. These changes include increases inglobal average air and ocean temperature, widespreadmelting of snow and ice and rising global sea levels. Theextra heat in the climate system has other impacts, such asaffecting atmospheric and ocean circulation, whichinfluences rainfall and wind patterns...Another seriousimpact... is ocean acidification. Around a quarter of human-produced carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans. thecarbon dioxide dissolves in sea water it forms a weak carbonic acid,making the ocean more acidic. There are early indications thatsome marine organisms are already being affected by

ocean acidification.”–Department of Climate Change and Efficiency

“Our climate is changing, largely due to the observedincreases in human produced greenhouse gases... found tobe the primary cause of observed changes in the climatesystem over the 20th century. These changes include increases inglobal average air and ocean temperature, widespreadmelting of snow and ice and rising global sea levels. Theextra heat in the climate system has other impacts, such asaffecting atmospheric and ocean circulation, whichinfluences rainfall and wind patterns...Another seriousimpact... is ocean acidification. Around a quarter of human-produced carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans. thecarbon dioxide dissolves in sea water it forms a weak carbonic acid,making the ocean more acidic. There are early indications thatsome marine organisms are already being affected by

ocean acidification.”–Department of Climate Change and Efficiency

“Our climate is changing, largely due to the observedincreases in human produced greenhouse gases... found tobe the primary cause of observed changes in the climatesystem over the 20th century. These changes include increases inglobal average air and ocean temperature, widespreadmelting of snow and ice and rising global sea levels. Theextra heat in the climate system has other impacts, such asaffecting atmospheric and ocean circulation, whichinfluences rainfall and wind patterns...Another seriousimpact... is ocean acidification. Around a quarter of human-produced carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans. thecarbon dioxide dissolves in sea water it forms a weak carbonic acid,making the ocean more acidic. There are early indications thatsome marine organisms are already being affected by

ocean acidification.”–Department of Climate Change and Efficiency

“Our climate is changing, largely due to the observedincreases in human produced greenhouse gases... found tobe the primary cause of observed changes in the climatesystem over the 20th century. These changes include increases inglobal average air and ocean temperature, widespreadmelting of snow and ice and rising global sea levels. Theextra heat in the climate system has other impacts, such asaffecting atmospheric and ocean circulation, whichinfluences rainfall and wind patterns...Another seriousimpact... is ocean acidification. Around a quarter of human-produced carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans. thecarbon dioxide dissolves in sea water it forms a weak carbonic acid,making the ocean more acidic. There are early indications thatsome marine organisms are already being affected by

ocean acidification.”–Department of Climate Change and Efficiency

“Our climate is changing, largely due to the observedincreases in human produced greenhouse gases... found tobe the primary cause of observed changes in the climatesystem over the 20th century. These changes include increases inglobal average air and ocean temperature, widespreadmelting of snow and ice and rising global sea levels. Theextra heat in the climate system has other impacts, such asaffecting atmospheric and ocean circulation, whichinfluences rainfall and wind patterns...Another seriousimpact... is ocean acidification. Around a quarter of human-produced carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans. thecarbon dioxide dissolves in sea water it forms a weak carbonic acid,making the ocean more acidic. There are early indications thatsome marine organisms are already being affected by

ocean acidification.”–Department of Climate Change and Efficiency

“Our climate is changing, largely due to the observedincreases in human produced greenhouse gases... found tobe the primary cause of observed changes in the climatesystem over the 20th century. These changes include increases inglobal average air and ocean temperature, widespreadmelting of snow and ice and rising global sea levels. Theextra heat in the climate system has other impacts, such asaffecting atmospheric and ocean circulation, whichinfluences rainfall and wind patterns...Another seriousimpact... is ocean acidification. Around a quarter of human-produced carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans. thecarbon dioxide dissolves in sea water it forms a weak carbonic acid,making the ocean more acidic. There are early indications thatsome marine organisms are already being affected by

ocean acidification.”–Department of Climate Change and Efficiency

“Our climate is changing, largely due to the observedincreases in human produced greenhouse gases... found tobe the primary cause of observed changes in the climatesystem over the 20th century. These changes include increases inglobal average air and ocean temperature, widespreadmelting of snow and ice and rising global sea levels. Theextra heat in the climate system has other impacts, such asaffecting atmospheric and ocean circulation, whichinfluences rainfall and wind patterns...Another seriousimpact... is ocean acidification. Around a quarter of human-produced carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans. thecarbon dioxide dissolves in sea water it forms a weak carbonic acid,making the ocean more acidic. There are early indications thatsome marine organisms are already being affected by

ocean acidification.”–Department of Climate Change and Efficiency

“Our climate is changing, largely due to the observedincreases in human produced greenhouse gases... found tobe the primary cause of observed changes in the climatesystem over the 20th century. These changes include increases inglobal average air and ocean temperature, widespreadmelting of snow and ice and rising global sea levels. Theextra heat in the climate system has other impacts, such asaffecting atmospheric and ocean circulation, whichinfluences rainfall and wind patterns...Another seriousimpact... is ocean acidification. Around a quarter of human-produced carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans. thecarbon dioxide dissolves in sea water it forms a weak carbonic acid,making the ocean more acidic. There are early indications thatsome marine organisms are already being affected by

ocean acidification.”–Department of Climate Change and Efficiency

“Our climate is changing, largely due to the observedincreases in human produced greenhouse gases... found tobe the primary cause of observed changes in the climatesystem over the 20th century. These changes include increases inglobal average air and ocean temperature, widespreadmelting of snow and ice and rising global sea levels. Theextra heat in the climate system has other impacts, such asaffecting atmospheric and ocean circulation, whichinfluences rainfall and wind patterns...Another seriousimpact... is ocean acidification. Around a quarter of human-produced carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans. thecarbon dioxide dissolves in sea water it forms a weak carbonic acid,making the ocean more acidic. There are early indications thatsome marine organisms are already being affected by

ocean acidification.”–Department of Climate Change and Efficiency

“Our climate is changing, largely due to the observedincreases in human produced greenhouse gases... found tobe the primary cause of observed changes in the climatesystem over the 20th century. These changes include increases inglobal average air and ocean temperature, widespreadmelting of snow and ice and rising global sea levels. Theextra heat in the climate system has other impacts, such asaffecting atmospheric and ocean circulation, whichinfluences rainfall and wind patterns...Another seriousimpact... is ocean acidification. Around a quarter of human-produced carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans...thecarbon dioxide dissolves in sea water it forms a weak carbonic acid,making the ocean more acidic. There are early indications thatsome marine organisms are already being affected by

ocean acidification.”–Department of Climate Change and Efficiency

“Our climate is changing, largely due to the observedincreases in human produced greenhouse gases... found tobe the primary cause of observed changes in the climatesystem over the 20th century. These changes include increases inglobal average air and ocean temperature, widespreadmelting of snow and ice and rising global sea levels. Theextra heat in the climate system has other impacts, such asaffecting atmospheric and ocean circulation, whichinfluences rainfall and wind patterns...Another seriousimpact... is ocean acidification. Around a quarter of human-produced carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans...thecarbon dioxide dissolves in sea water it forms a weak carbonic acid,making the ocean more acidic. There are early indications thatsome marine organisms are already being affected by

ocean acidification.”–Department of Climate Change and Efficiency

“Our climate is changing, largely due to the observedincreases in human produced greenhouse gases... found tobe the primary cause of observed changes in the climatesystem over the 20th century. These changes include increases inglobal average air and ocean temperature, widespreadmelting of snow and ice and rising global sea levels. Theextra heat in the climate system has other impacts, such asaffecting atmospheric and ocean circulation, whichinfluences rainfall and wind patterns...Another seriousimpact... is ocean acidification. Around a quarter of human-produced carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans...thecarbon dioxide dissolves in sea water it forms a weak carbonic acid,making the ocean more acidic. There are early indications thatsome marine organisms are already being affected by

ocean acidification.”–Department of Climate Change and Efficiency

“Our climate is changing, largely due to the observedincreases in human produced greenhouse gases... found tobe the primary cause of observed changes in the climatesystem over the 20th century. These changes include increases inglobal average air and ocean temperature, widespreadmelting of snow and ice and rising global sea levels. Theextra heat in the climate system has other impacts, such asaffecting atmospheric and ocean circulation, whichinfluences rainfall and wind patterns...Another seriousimpact... is ocean acidification. Around a quarter of human-produced carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans...thecarbon dioxide dissolves in sea water it forms a weak carbonic acid,making the ocean more acidic. There are early indications thatsome marine organisms are already being affected by

ocean acidification.”Department of Climate Change and Efficiency

Here’s the facts they don’t

“Coal takes a million years to create”interestingenergyfacts.blogspot.com

“The duration period for carbon dioxide moleculesin the atmosphere is somewhere between 100 and 500years...not all carbon dioxide molecules will stay in the atmosphere

that long, but on average the duration may be around 200-

300 years.”Argonne National Laboratory

“World coal consumption is more than 5.3 billion tons annually

of which three quarters are used for generating electricity...”interestingenergyfacts.blogspot.com

“Coal is mined in more than 100 countries.”interestingenergyfacts.blogspot.com

“There is enough coal to last us around 119 years at current rates

of production”World Coal Association

“Coal-fired power plants are the largest source of human-generated mercury pollution in the U.S....Mercury

emission...continues to rise...Mercury in mothers’ bloodand breast milk can interfere with the developmentof babies' brains and neurological systems and can leadto learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, problems with

coordination, lowered IQ and even mental retardation”Coal is Dirty

“The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 12,000 coalminers died from black lung disease between 1992 and

2002”Coal is Dirty

“Coal mining requires an estimated 70 to 260 million gallons

[265 to 984 million litres] of water every day.”Coal is Dirty

“Coal is inherently higher-polluting and more carbon-

intensive than other energy alternatives”Pew Center on Global Climate Change

“Australia is the world’s largest coal exporter. It

exported over 259Mt [259 000 000 tonnes] of hard coal in

2009…Australia is also the largest supplier of coking coal,

accounting for 54% of world exports.”World Coal Association

“In 2006 The Australian Government gave $175million [of] taxpayer dollars to large coalcompanies...The funds were…for untested and unproventechnologies that are likely to be decades away fromcommercial implementation. These companies are highly

profitable and quite capable of funding their own

research and development without taxpayer’s help.”About Carbon

“Avoiding...the adverse effects of climate change...will

generate direct benefits for species and habitat conservation,

saved lives...limiting future increases in atmospheric CO2...wouldreduce 21st century global warming...effectively avoiding the moreextreme climate changes. Lower stabilisation levels...[of]CO2 would reduce future warming even further...For

Australia…would give natural ecosystems...greater time toadapt to changing environmental conditions, reduce the

likelihood of major adverse consequences for

agriculture and forestry, help ensure Australia’spublic health infrastructure can keep pace with

emerging health challenges…prudence dictates that GHG

[greenhouse gas] mitigation activities be pursued”CSIRO

“However, coal is so inexpensive that one can spendquite a bit on pollution control and still maintain

coal’s competitive position.”Pew Center on Global Climate Change

People we need to think about

“…Australia’s annual average temperatures are projected

to increase 0.4–2.0 °C above 1990 levels by...2030...Averageprecipitation..projected to decline further... Australia’s

coastlines will experience erosion and inundation from

an…increase in global sea level...changes in climate will have

diverse implications for Australia’s environment,

economy, and public health. The biodiversity, ecosystems,

and natural habitats..will be exposed...the Great BarrierReef...has experienced unprecedented rates of coralbleaching...additional warming of only 1 °C is anticipated to

cause considerable losses...of species associated with coral

communities”CSIRO

“Australian crop agriculture and forestry…changesin precipitation and, subsequently water management, are

particularly critical factors affecting the future productivityof the Australian landscape. The declines in precipitationprojected over much of Australia will exacerbate existingchallenges to water availability and quality foragriculture as well as for commercial and residential

uses”CSIRO

“Future changes in climate extremes…would degradeAustralian infrastructure and public health…Globallarge-scale singularities, such as…the collapse of the icesheets of West Antarctica or Greenland, would also have important

long-term implications for Australia’s climate and

coastline”CSIRO

People we forget to think about

“...scientists have intensified their studies of…the effects ofclimate change on humans…the world is a veryunequal place...people most at risk from climatechange live in countries that have contributed least to the

atmospheric buildup of carbon dioxid...[the] mostvulnerable countries also tend to be the poorest. And

the countries that face the least harm - and are best

equipped to deal with the harm they do face - tend to be the

richest.”New York Times

“ ‘The original idea was that we were all in thistogether, and that was an easier idea to sell,’ said RobertMendelsohn, an economist at Yale University.

‘But the research is not supporting that. We're not in it

together.’”New York Times

“ ...a bigger factor [as to why developed countries are more resilient]

is their wealth - wealth built at least partly on a century ormore of burning coal, oil and the other fossil fuels that

underlie their mobile, industrial, climate-controlled way of life.”New York Times

“ The United States, where just 4 percent of theeconomy is in agriculture, can endure a climaticsetback far more easily than a country like Malawi,where…about 40 percent of the economy is driven by rain-

fed agriculture.”New York Times

“Disparities..have prompted a growing array of…expertson climate, environmental law and diplomacy to insist that the firstworld owes the third world a climate debt.

‘We have an obligation to help countries prepare forthe climate changes that we are largely responsiblefor,’ said Peter Gleick, a co-founder of the Pacific Institute for Studiesin Development, Environment and Security in Berkeley, California.

...wealth ..enabling some countries to gird against climatic and

coastal risks while poverty, geography and history are

placing…world's most crowded, vulnerable regions

directly in harm's way”New York Times

One truth we must never forget about

We, as people, can always do something.It is never too late to act.

Take steps towards creating a more environmentally-friendlyenvironment in your home and workplace. Some tipsavailable at the Greenpeace website.

There are also several consumer guides available atGreenpeace that can help you to make green choices thatwill impact the environment less:

•Truefood Guide: find food brands that are free ofgenetically engineered ingredients.•Good Wood Guide: buy ecologically responsible timberusing this online guide.•Energy Retailers Guide: see how your energy retailerrates on coal.•Seafood Red List: know which fish to avoid buying.

A Greener Existence

Take steps towards creating a more environmentally-friendlyenvironment in your home and workplace. Some tipsavailable at the Greenpeace website.

There are also several consumer guides available atGreenpeace that can help you to make green choices thatwill impact the environment less:

•Truefood Guide: find food brands that are free ofgenetically engineered ingredients.•Good Wood Guide: buy ecologically responsible timberusing this online guide.•Energy Retailers Guide: see how your energy retailerrates on coal.•Seafood Red List: know which fish to avoid buying.

A Greener Existence

You don't need to get off your seat on the couch or in front of thecomputer to help us defend our planet Earth. You can write letters,send emails, voice your opinions in online media debates, call talkbackradio and use your powerful social-networking powers (ie. MySpace,Facebook, Twitter, Flicker, Bebo, your blog/s etc.) to spread theenvironmentally-friendly word for positive change. In fact, there are anumber of web campaigns and online petitions on right now that youcan sign and become a part of and many will give you email updatesabout their happenings.

Act Out - From the Safety of Your Home

Fight Back Directly at the Scene with GreenpeaceYou can sign up with Greenpeace as an activist, meaning you willactually be present at the scene."Peaceful, non-violent direct action is at the heart of Greenpeace'senvironmental wins. From closing down dirty coal-fired power stations toconfronting pirate fishers on the high seas, our non-violent direct actionis what makes us unique." GreenpeaceThere are also jobs available in their offices and many stations aroundthe world, both paid positions and volunteer work. This is a greatopportunity, and to learn more, visit the Greenpeace website.

Act Out - From the Safety of Your Home

Fight Back Directly at the Scene with GreenpeaceYou can sign up with Greenpeace as an activist, meaning you willactually be present at the scene."Peaceful, non-violent direct action is at the heart of Greenpeace'senvironmental wins. From closing down dirty coal-fired power stations toconfronting pirate fishers on the high seas, our non-violent direct actionis what makes us unique." GreenpeaceThere are also jobs available in their offices and many stations aroundthe world, both paid positions and volunteer work. This is a greatopportunity, and to learn more, visit the Greenpeace website.

Act Out - From the Safety of Your Home

Act Out - In Your Community (Bring YourFriends)Want to do more than just clicking abutton? Then you can become acommunity activist. That means gettingmobile around your neighbourhood andspreading the news around. You canorganise events, rallies and informationstalls; visit your local MP-office orparticipate in rallies and community-basedevents.Greenpeace can help you get started withtips, information and the materials youneed:Register as a community activist on the siteRead their tips on starting starting andrunning campaigns in your local community

Act Out - From the Safety of Your Home

Donate to a Good CauseMany independent organisations like Greenpeace, We Can Solve It andGetUp depend on donations to continue to fund projects and campaigns.

Act Out - From the Safety of Your Home

Hold Your Own FundraiserLet loose and hold a fundraiser for organisations such as Greenpeace, WeCan Solve It and GetUp. It's easy and fun, and your whole family canbecome involved.Create your own fundraising page

Act Out - From the Safety of Your Home

Don't be afraid to voice your opinion,whether they be for or against what otherstell you is right and wrong. Don't be afraid toact out and don't be afraid to want a betterfuture.

Don’t Be Afraid

Don't be afraid to voice your opinion,whether they be for or against what otherstell you is right and wrong. Don't be afraid toact out and don't be afraid to want a betterfuture.

Don’t Be Afraid

But this is my truth.

The one they don’t mention in their speeches.

The one they don’t remember as they burn their coal.

And this is it.

I want to give my children a future. Not just any future, but a beautiful one. I want to give them a beautiful world where

they’ll never feel uncertain about what lies ahead of them.

A world of trees and flowers and oceans and beauty.

And I want my grandchildren to look outside their windows and know that the beautiful blue sky

they see is the same one their grandmother saw as a girl.

And I want them never to be afraid of losing the planet they

love.

Not like I do.

So what is ‘the truth’?

Not the sugar-coated one that we are fed to calm our nerves

and win our votes

Not the embellished one we are told to distract ourselves as

they reach for our wallets.

Not the understated, underplayed one that we tell ourselves to justify our own

wrong doings.

Just ‘the truth’.

The world needs change.

Not a change in climate.

Not a change in location of ‘global talks’ such as

Copenhagen, that do nothing but waste time chattering,

whilst the world is left to burn.

Not a change in channel or a simple dismissal.

The world needs a change in attitude.

The world needs a change within people.

One where everyone will selflessly change to save the

world we have left.

For their loved ones.

For my grandchildren.

GOLD SILVERPLATINUM

BRONZE

WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE SPONSORS OF THE 2010 CREAM OF THE CROP COMPETITION