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Bilateral Reflection - Pimlico State HighSchool, Australia and Yadavindra Public School, India
1. What were the notable differences between your two countries in relation to climate change and water? By Jordan Rose and Dylan Fields
In relation to the differences between Australia and India, it would appear as though India, specifically the state of Punjab, holds a significantly higher focus on the preservation of water in comparison to Australia. It is apparent that our country’s attention is currently more directed towards the overall effects of climate change on the economy, the industry and the individual as a pose to water as a whole. Our first teleconference with Yadavindra Public School introduced a number of topics, including (but not limited to):
- -Water pollution due to agricultural pesticides (especially considering the significance of farming within Punjab)
- -Variants in geography that cause less retention of water and have an influence on overall communal wellbeing
- -India’s focus on necessity of education about water preservation and sustainability
- -The quantity of potable water in relation to the population and location of settlements
- -The damage to resources from neglected infrastructure and man-made floods
- -The prevalence of unemployment due to a lack of water supply
- -The spread of waterborne diseases due to incorrect treatment or lack of hygienic awareness
- -Yadavindra’s perspective on the pollution and destruction of the Great Barrier Reef
Our team on the other hand provided our collated information, which took into consideration climate change as a whole as a pose to the conservation of water in our communities. Our most important points mentioned were:
- -Drought and its effect on Australian communities (specifically rural)
- -Water restrictions utilised in preservation attempts
- -The presence of floods and natural disasters due to rapidly changing climate conditions
- -The destruction of natural processes and habitats through direct and indirect human influences
- -Australia’s limited attempts at meeting international commitments by reducing emissions.
- -Lack of empathy amongst Australian populous towards the issue (especially due to government and media influence)
Through the analysis of these points, it is clear that both Australia and India present many similarities in relation to climate change and water. However, Australia has devoted its focus to the economy instead of the environment; whereas India is attending the issue of conservation of water with more urgency. It is now important that both countries realign their focus when it comes to the economy and the environment, as significant change can only occur through the active cooperation, participation and collaboration of every influencing factor.
2. What factors do you think influenced this decision? By Valentine Bester & Jeong Oh Park
It would seem that the students from Yadavindra Public School were more focussed on the supply of water to the people and the conservation of the water. There was less of a focus on water and natural disasters associated with water and climate change than our focus in Australia. This is understandable as the issues surrounding water security have had a major impact on their local area as it is a very real threat to agriculture and the people’s wellbeing throughout India. Australia on the other hand does have water security and while we have droughts we are able to deal with access to clean reliable sources of water. Australia, in recent times, has never seen devastating effects of these issues, especially in urban and suburban areas where the majority of this occurs.
Australia, like India, experiences many natural disasters which are related to, or are being exasperated by climate change including droughts, floods, climate change and rising sea levels. Australia seems to be more focussed on these events as they tend to have a major impact on the psyche of Australians as well as the economic, social and environmental effects. Australians tend to believe that we can fight, overcome or mitigate these events whereas India may be more accepting of them. However, both countries are fully aware of the impact of such events and the toll in terms of human life.
It is also obvious, for both groups of students, that our personal experiences, our economic situation and the specific places we live, in our countries, has had an immense influence on our perceptions of climate change. Recent and on-going events in both countries as well as similar issues facing both our peoples, highlights the common issues we both face but often the different approaches we may have to the same problem.
STUDENT REFLECTIONS - Thirsty or Flooded: Changing Hydrological Systems
QUESTION: How does the assigned BlueYouth Theme relate to your country?
Jordan Rose and Dylan Fields
Hydrological systems refer to the transfer, movement and general interaction of water within an environment. These systems include man-made irrigation systems such as sewerage, as well as natural deposits or supplies such as creeks. Here in Australia, the necessity of water varies greatly depending on location, time of year and usage. For such a drastically changing country, it is not uncommon to find certain regions at risk of flash flooding, whereas other areas have implemented water restrictions or are forming new infrastructure in order to ensure the preservation of the limited water supply. As recently as September, 2016, Australia was victim to an extreme storm that ravaged the south in a few short days. In the Adelaide hills, 800 SES calls were recorded overnight with 80 properties damaged. Uraidla recorded 100mm of rain, and several water reservoirs exceeded their storage limits. On top of water damage, several thousand citizens were left without power for days and the storm was comparative to a tropical cyclone. In contrast, one can take a look at Townsville, QLD. The entire region has recently endured one of the driest periods on record, with level 3 water restrictions being enforced to limit water usage; with the potential of level 4 restrictions to follow. This involves the reduction of household water usage, the disability of automatic irrigation systems and an "evens and odds" system with time constraints to prevent waste. These are just two examples of how Australia suffers from terrible extremes of climate, causing a tremendous variation in how we view our water. This shows the requirement for a reconsideration of hydrological systems to better suit the environment, economy and citizens of our country.
Robert Van Dyk
Our theme of Thirsty or Flooded: Changing Hydrological Systems applies to Australia greatly. Often, Australia is seen by other countries as dry, and desert like. This is very true, however, is only true for certain seasons, and places. Australia is a very diverse country, in biodiversity and environments and throughout the year, as the conditions become extremely different, different wildlife and plants grow and flourish and the environment you may have once known may look completely different.
Along with these environmental changes, the weather changes dramatically throughout the year. While other countries may experience low rain in summer and high level of rains in winter, the opposite is known for the people of Australia. Generally, summer is known as the wet season, and large amounts of rainfall are expected, along with storms and cyclones, while in winter, it is generally very dry with few spells of rain. During a typical wet season, a large amount of floods are to be expected and typically cost cities millions of dollars to repair the damage caused (Average Figures are often $300 - $400 Million http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-57_u-479_t-1306_c-5030/qld/sose-geography/disasters/natural-hazards/floods-and-a-flood-in-australia ). Currently the area of North Queensland is having a drought, while lower areas such as Victoria, have had record rainfall, and major flooding occurring. Stark opposites in the same country are typical for Australia, but as time goes on, these opposites have been becoming more severe, with longer or more severe droughts, and longer, faster and more powerful and severe floods, rainfall and storms.
Lily Hunt & Emily Robson
Our theme is thirsty or flooded. This theme relates to us as they are primary problems that Australia faces every day. It states that the country is never problem free when it comes to water, saying we either have too much or too little. For example, in the last year it has become quite apparent. Unprecedented floods have been affecting New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania with severe levels of water in the last 6 months. Coastal communities such as the Torres Strait are becoming more vulnerable to rising sea levels and increasingly intense storm surges, caused by more extreme weather. On the opposite scale, the interior deserts, Northern Territory and part of the dry tropics are suffering from droughts, where the states are experiencing rainfall deficiencies over periods of 12 months or less.
Riley Smithers
The assigned BlueYouth theme for Australia and India is ‘Thirsty or Flooded: Changing Hydrological System’, which is extremely relevant to both countries at this point of time. Particularly, in Australia, different regions of the country are affected by severe inundation or severe droughts, exemplified by the recent weather in Southern Australia compared to that in Northern Dry Tropics. The Australian continent is commonly affected by the hydrological system – the movement and interaction of water within an environment. The hydrologic cycle brings sustenance for life’s resources as well as the devastating events of floods and droughts to the nation, destroying communities and habitats
QUESTION: How does it relate to your country pairing?
Jordan Rose and Dylan Fields
Our bilateral pairing is India, which shares a number of similarities when it comes to hydrological systems. Although having a less-advanced irrigation system, India shares a huge variation in climate and there are several regions that have suffered from both drought and excess water levels. This is visible through issues similar to Australia, such as India's recent floods caused by monsoonal rains. This precipitation caused rivers and deposits to burst their banks, submerging rivers, washing away crops, decimating roads and disrupting power/phone lines. Additionally, at least 300 people were left dead with another 6 million people adversely affected. Once again this country has a contrast to this, as India is also presently suffering from severe drought. Out of the 36 states/territories of the country, 19 are experiencing a water deficit of at least 50%, and a further 4 areas have deficits of 60-90%. Water levels are at their lowest point in over a decade, and aquifers are experiencing extreme supply drops (these supply 85% of the country's drinking water). On top of this, the destruction of agriculture has left thousands in need of employment or means of survival, and the drop in water levels across the country have dramatically reduced the level of hydropower production. "Water scarcity and blinding heat are causing havoc in the farm and energy sectors, the two largest users of water in India," (Circle of Blue, 2016) Through this destructive processes it is clear the India, in spite of its distance and difference from Australia, presently suffers at a similar level to Australia in terms of hydrology and its influence.
Robert Van Dyk
India, the bilateral pairing for Australia, is very similar in terms of having extremes, of having extremes happen constantly, either having heavy flooding and rainfall, or having severe droughts, however, what makes it different from Australia is these conditions have an effect on a larger portion of India. Along with this Australia’s floods are considered as dangerous; however low amounts of people die, with ‘low’ amounts of damage. However, in comparison, in India, floods are rapid and dangerous, and can easily kill large amounts of people. In Australia, it is a rare occurrence if people die, and is often reported on the news if somebody does die, with amounts as small as fifteen people considered as terrible, and labelled as an extremely dangerous flood, while in India; fifteen people will be as a very good flood, as only a few people died.
Lily Hunt & Emily Robson
Our bilateral pairing, the Indian school, have very similar issues relating to climate changes effect on water but are less developed issues than Australia’s currently are. Roughly 5 years ago, Australia was in a situation that they currently have, where there is sufficient water but not enough awareness, leading to water misuse. Their solutions for climate change affecting water are focused on the present state of their country, preserving the water they have now, and are working on a personal, school and business level. They are using new technology to lower their usage of water but they have suffered massive traumatic experiences for the overwhelming amount of water they had in the past, increasing the amount of people who are getting behind their solutions with full support. A few years ago, there was a mass amount of water in their part of the country and so people developed bad usage habits which wasted water, resulting in heading down the road of running out of water in the future. The school is continuously thinking about the way they use water to prepare for future generations, because they understand every consequence that involves overusing their water supply.
Riley Smithers
India, similar to Australia, is affected by both devastating floods and extensive droughts with low water cleanliness and high water scarcity. The changing hydrological system is currently ravaging through the Indian subcontinent, ruining crops, lives and residencies. It was reported by the Indian Government that 330 million local citizens were affected by the results of the water scarcity crisis throughout 2015. Contrariwise, it was established that 3 million people were isolated due to the 2015 Southern Indian Floods. Therefore, the BlueYouth theme ‘Thirsty or Flooded: Changing Hydrological System’ directly relates to India in the present time.
QUESTION:What is the current state of this BlueYouth Theme?
Jordan Rose and Dylan Fields
In relation to the BlueYouth theme (thirsty or flooded), Australia is presently experiencing a combination of the two. Throughout the last decade, the introduction of unsustainable processes combined with a growing society have forced Australia into a frequent equilibrium of devastating natural flooding and straining dry spells (84% of Australia is currently in drought).
Robert Van Dyk
The Blue Youth Theme: Thirsty or Flooded, applies substantially to Australia, due to the vastness of the country, there are very different environment and conditions. Australia currently has quite stark opposites of weather and conditions, areas such as the northern part of Australia and central part of Australia, are currently experiencing harsh droughts, while southern regions such as Victoria and South Australia have just experienced high level of flooding in the last two months. These examples highlight the different weather that Australians experience, and highlights the significance of the Blue Youth Theme, thirsty or flooded, in Australia. Along with that, most of the areas that are having droughts now use to have large amounts of flooding throughout their wet season (Summer in Australia- December, January, February) having stark contrasts of the different weather they experience and live with.
Lily Hunt & Emily Robson
In relation to our theme (thirsty or flooded), Australia’s is currently experiencing both areas. States including Northern Territory and part of Queensland are suffering from droughts as unsustainable restrictions on usage and minimal awareness has led to a mass loss of water. However, down South in states such as New South Wales and Victoria are experiencing natural floods, sometimes unprecedented, and cause destruction to houses, businesses, properties, crops and many other areas.
Riley Smithers
As mentioned above, depending on the region involved, the BlueYouth theme is in various current states. The monsoonal areas are classified as ‘thirsty’ while southern-central areas are presently in phases of ‘flood’. However, as a whole nation, Australia is receiving less rainfall, as temperatures are increasing. The country experienced the fifth-warmest year on record with the annual national mean temperature 0.83oC above the average. Additionally, Australia’s mean rainfall in 2015 was 5% below the average of 465.2mm with 443.7mm of rain (Bureau of Meteorology, 2016). Therefore, based on the data present, Australia can be classified under the ‘Thirsty’ category of the hydrological system.
QUESTION: In what direction does this theme seem to be evolving in your country and how does this compare with how you would like to evolve?
Jordan Rose and Dylan Fields
The Australian government as of right now appears to take minimal steps to sustain water levels. This can be seen through the local enforcement of things like water restrictions as previously mentioned. Of course, there are numerous more economically and environmentally viable solutions that could be implemented that would ensure Australia's water security is sustained. These include, but are not limited to (research).
It is fundamental to the fluent continuity of Australia that those who are in charge understand the importance of balancing economic success with environmental protection. Furthermore, there is an obvious need for our approach to hydrological systems to evolve in order to maintain an equal state of living across our country.
"As a young person who lives in an area with water restrictions, I would like to see the local government take more steps to ensure a more sustainable and equal distribution of water across our region. I can understand the difficulty of implementing new technologies, however steps as simple as better irrigation, investment in new purification technology (research) and clearer cut and enforced restrictions could greatly reduce the impact we have on our environment." - Jordan Rose, 2016
"Townsville is currently experiencing a considered ‘drought’ period, which explains the implementation of level three water restrictions to reduce our water usage. However, are these water restrictions actually lowering our water usage? Despite having fines in place for those who don’t follow the restrictions, not everyone in Townsville abides by these rules. Therefore, it’s important that the local government implement a variety of strategies to reduce the use and consumption of water across the city. By doing this, we could greatly reduce our water usage and the impact we have on the climate.” – Dylan Fields, 2016
Robert Van Dyk
The current Blue Youth theme seems to be evolving in Australia in the direction of ignorance. Many Australian’s understand droughts, and the negative effects they have, however these same people, often know about major flooding and rainfall. A large majority of Australian’s do not believe that humans have any impact on the environment as “the environment emits much more carbon than we humans do”, and stand by this attitude towards climate change. Not only that, but due to the weather patterns that occur in Australia, with patterns that mean most areas will experience high levels of rainfall during certain time periods of the year, most Australian’s believe that water usage is not an issue. However, it has been shown that the carbon cycle, with natural levels, continuously exchange carbon, producing very low changes in the carbon in the atmosphere, however, when human’s emit carbon it disrupts the natural carbon cycle and produces quite rapid changes as nature cannot cycle all of the extra carbon. Australia needs to start to focus on changing the attitude of its population and raise awareness of what climate change is, and the results of what will happen if nothing is done.
Lily Hunt & Emily Robson
Currently, as Australia is experiencing both flooding and droughts, it is heading in opposite directions, where some areas have too much water and others have too little. In an ideal world, it would be preferable if the areas suffering from droughts got a sustainable amount of rain over a period of time. The rain should not come all at once, like a heavy downpour for days on end, otherwise places are at jeopardy of other issues, such as erosion on dam banksides. In comparison, areas experiencing floods would like to continue rain but in lesser amounts, where there is no flooding but there is still plenty of water in dams and other water storages.
Riley Smithers
As mentioned above, depending on the region involved, the BlueYouth theme is in various current states. The monsoonal areas are classified as ‘thirsty’ while southern-central areas are presently in phases of ‘flood’. However, as a whole nation, Australia is receiving less rainfall, as temperatures are increasing. The country experienced the fifth-warmest year on record with the annual national mean temperature 0.83oC above the average. Additionally, Australia’s mean rainfall in 2015 was 5% below the average of 465.2mm with 443.7mm of rain (Bureau of Meteorology, 2016). Therefore, based on the data present, Australia can be classified under the ‘Thirsty’ category of the hydrological system.
QUESTION: What strategies to combat climate change and address these interrelated issues do you think are the best/ worst for your country?
Jordan Rose and Dylan Fields
As of right now, research indicates Australia is already taking various steps as per its commitments to reduce carbon emissions. This includes the reduction of hydro fluorocarbons, the prevention of catastrophic wildfires through controlled burns and the government support of carbon neutrality and renewable innovation, to list a few. The reduction of carbon will contribute towards better sustenance of water levels, however Australia could embrace more direct approach towards this issue to better maintain it. Individually, Australians can be driven to better control their own usage of water through restrictive technologies (i.e. low-consumption hose nozzles). To better increase industrial savings, companies may need to introduce water conservation incentives, better educate employees, become more aware of their sourcing and better control how their company utilizes water for internal business procedures (i.e. cleaning, irrigation and plumbing). In regards to Australia as a nation, the government is now prompted to increase their own input on this issue. This would include more efficient irrigation throughout urban and rural settlements to ensure minimal loss of resources and equal distribution. Furthermore the country may focus on making use of water through technologies such as hydroelectric dams to maximize the water that is being consumed. However, this strategy may propose further issues in terms of emissions and influence on natural hydrological processes, especially if executed on a national scale, and therefore should be treated with a tremendous amount of caution.
Robert Van Dyk
Currently Australia is trying to reduce carbon emissions by using strategies such as reducing the hydro fluorocarbons, increasing awareness, creating controlled situations, such as controlled burns, and increased innovation towards creating renewable technology. The Australian government are trying to decrease the hydro fluorocarbons released from air conditioners, fridges and freezers by creating and improving the technology used in these machines. The Australian government is also trying to raise awareness of climate change and water, for a long time, the government of Australia have been promoting switching off the tap while brushing your teeth, and have had many different campaigns promoting saving water. These strategies are reducing the carbon emissions from Australia and reduce water wastage. Australia also reduces the effect from increased danger from natural disasters such as bushfires, floods and cyclones by making flood and cyclone proof houses and using controlled burns, which reduces the amount of grass and reduces the danger and severity of bushfires. Along with that, Australia is promoting the creation and use of renewable energy, and new technology, which are more eco-friendly.
Lily Hunt & Emily Robson
Climate change is, unfortunately, no longer a big issue in the media, government and politics at the moment, though it was a few years ago. The issues and topic eventually faded away and the problems were swept to the side. Australia needs to act now to spread awareness of climate change and its affects, life-threatening or not, and also educate kids at schools. As kids grow up, they continue the acts of how they are brought up. If parents are educated and modify their living style to be environmentally stable and avoid activities that contribute to global warming, they will raise children who learn how to do that as well. This is educating future generations. So by both teaching students about climate change all throughout their school life and educating families and parents on how to create an environmentally friendly lifestyle, many more people will begin to make a difference.
Riley Smithers
The topic of climate change is in the forefront of all major political and environmental discussions with Australia, due to the threat of losing the natural heritage sites surrounding the country. As a result, focus has been shifted from whether is a fact or myth, to how to prevent the devastating effects and conserving the natural beauty and well-being of the environment. The best strategies evolve from recognising the causes, effects and consequences of climate change and how to limit the results. Many towns within Australia currently experiencing a severe drought, have employed water conservation methods through water restrictions. Conversely, the worst possibility for the future preservation of the Australian climate and environment is ignorance from significant roles in Australian governing and high carbon emitting and water consuming businesses and residents. This could not only affect the Australian environment through flooding and droughts but also the Australian citizens through water shortage and inundation.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES RELATING TO OUR BILATERAL BLUE YOUTH THEME: Thirsty or Flooded
Harvey N, Hopley D, Smithers SG, Woodroffe CD (2007) Chapter 21 Vulnerability of geomorphological features in the Great Barrier Reef to climate change. In Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef, eds. Johnson JE and Marshall PA. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Australian Greenhouse Office, Australia
BoM (2016). ‘Annual Climate Statement 2015’. Accessed fromhttp://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/annual/aus/2015/
https://www.skepticalscience.com/human-co2-smaller-than-natural-emissions-intermediate.htm
