environmental+lobbyist

You have a strong interest in ensuring that actions we take as humans have as little environmental impact as possible. Now you, perhaps more than most, will understand the delicate nature of the environment in Australia. Now you need to get a mental picture of the key issues that might impact on this goal. Remember to include links to websites you have used.

Back to ecological issue page. Oliva Sandler and Lisa Reichenberg

**Key Question #1: Is desalination the “greenest” alternative? **

Information from websites The desalination plant means that 90 megawatts of power will be needed.That means that one million tonnes of CO2 a year will be added to the atmosphere. That is just like putting 280,000 new cars!

It is largely due to global warming that our rainfall has decreased.

http://www.foe.org.au/resources/chain-reaction/chain-reaction-editions/chain-reaction-102-april-2008/victorias-proposed-desalination-plant

“Large desalination plants might rapidly become ‘the new dams’ and obscure the importance of real conservation of rivers and wetlands,”

“Desalinating the sea is an expensive, energy-intensive and greenhouse gas emitting way to get water,” says Jamie Pittock

http://www.panda.org/news_facts/newsroom/index.cfm?uNewsID=106660

Using techniques as close to natural as possible, such as wetlands and lagoons uses the least energy. This then only creates a small amount of green house gases.

http://www.abc.net.au/science/expert/realexpert/watercrisis/09.htm

"Desalination should remain the last resort, and should onlt be applied after cheaper alternatives in terms of supply and demmand management have carefully been considered." - World Bank

http://www.yourwateryoursay.org/2008/08/02/hand-out-victorias-desalination-project/

Response

Desalination is not the "greenest" alternative. It will just produce more green house emissions and will increase gloabl warming. This would be a terrible thing to our world!

**Key Question #2: Where could desalination plants be built? **

Information from websites

Desalination planrts could be put downtown melbourne where there is no urbanisation.

http://forums.envirotalk.com.au/Desalination-plant-Victo-t8208.html

Response

**Key Question #3: Why is/isn't desalination the answer? **

Information from websites __Answer:__

__Not the answer:__ http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/06/australia_to_bu.php http://www.yourwateryoursay.org/category/why-not-desalination/
 * We have serious droughts,reservoirs are drying out and we have water restrictions. The desalination will help aid this problem.
 * This will provide Australia with more drinking water.
 * Convenient solution
 * Water bills could double to fund it!
 * Desalination takes up alot of energy and emits a lot of greenhouse gases.
 * Will threaten the marine life.

Response

Read above :)

Focusing your Evidence: an Action Plan
By examining the proposition of using desalination as a source of sustainable water in Victoria from an Environmentalist's perspective, you have become an expert on the issues that relate to the impact of desalination plants on the environment and sustainable energy use. Your Action Plan should be a clear statement about what should be done to ensure environmental sustainability and protection. It should be thoughtful and succinct.