Energy Use

The issue

• Over 65% of energy comes from coal & only 25% from renewables (solar, wind & hydro)

• Australian homes and businesses are responsible for 18% of our overall energy consumption

• Overall, 1/3 of CO₂ emissions come from electricity use

What you can do

• Switch lights off when not needed and reduce standby mode by turning devices off at the wall

• Replace old light bulbs for LED

• Source renewable energy where possible

How it will contribute

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs can save 6 tonnes of greenhouse emissions per year per household, which is equivalent to planting 90 trees every year to offset your energy usage

• Switch lights off when not needed to cut your energy use by 20% and save 2 tonnes of greenhouse emissions per year per household, which is equivalent to planting 30 trees every year to offset your energy usage

• Choosing to source 50% of your electricity from renewables would save 5 tonnes of greenhouse emissions per year per household, which is equivalent to planting 75 trees every year to offset your energy usage

Latest

Workshops

Focusing on two areas, Climate Action and Wetlands, your school can host workshops with Earthwatch program managers.
ClimateWatch

ClimateWatch is a program that aims to understand how changes in temperature and rainfall are affecting the seasonal behaviour of Australia's plants and animals by monitoring changes in flowering times, breeding cycles and migration movement. Simply by snapping a photo in your backyard or local area, ClimateWatch gives every Australian the opportunity to get involved in collecting and recording data that will help shape the country’s scientific response to climate change.
Tiny Forests

Urban forests play a critical role in maintaining the health and liveability of cities, increasing a city's resilience. Earthwatch Australia is partnering with researchers and social enterprises across Australia to deliver tiny forests, an accelerated and intensive planting process to bring biodiversity back into our cities.
Wetlands not Wastelands

In partnership with Coca Cola Australia Foundation, the Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, and Plastic Collective, Earthwatch provides training to 20 CLCAC Indigenous Land and Environment Rangers and 30 community volunteers to help deliver a first-of-its-kind marine pollution and wetland management program in the Lower Gulf of Carpentaria.

Habitat

Land clearing and habitat loss is an everyday occurrence where scientists estimate almost half of the trees on Earth since the start of civilization are gone.
Biodiversity

We are facing a sixth mass extinction having lost over seventy-five per cent of our species in a relatively short geological interval.
Shopping Habits

Australia’s population has increased by 17 million in just 70 years, dramatically increasing the demand on local resources and supply chains.
Travel

Australia's demand for oil has risen steadily over recent decades, largely driven by increasing demand in the transport sector.
Waste

20 million tonnes of waste ends up in landfill every year in Australia.
Science & Research

Knowledge is the basis for efficient decision making and developing robust frameworks for a sustainable society, yet there are large gaps as to how nature responds to pressure and change.
Awareness

When people understand the impact of unsustainable practices on nature and our livelihood, they are more likely to adapt to and adopt more sustainable attitudes and behaviours.

Save the Reef and Oceans

From biodiversity and food supply to the livelihoods of millions, so much depends on our oceans. Coral reefs are home to one quarter of all life in the oceans, and provide humans with immense benefits such as coastal protection, fisheries, and tourism.
Global Impact

Earthwatch is committed globally to inspiring action for a net positive impact on the environment.
Plastic Pollution Solutions

By 2050 it is predicted there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. We need to act now to stop plastics entering our oceans and we can't do it without your support.
Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef

Help Earthwatch scientists in active recovery efforts on and around Magnetic Island on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Why It Matters

The global climate crisis is the most pressing environmental challenge humanity now faces. Earthwatch can help you be a part of the solution and together we can keep ahead of climate change.
Protect our Unique Wildlife

Australia is renowned for its unique wildlife, with more than 70% of our species found nowhere else on earth. We can stop the decline of our wildlife by helping people reconnect with nature.
Save the Bees

Global honey bee populations are decreasing at an alarming rate. To understand and prevent colony collapse, Earthwatch is putting tiny ‘backpacks’ on our bee friends to find out more about them.
Expedition Team Leader

Do you have a passion for science, biodiversity and education? We are looking for an Expedition Team Leader for our Bush Blitz Expedition at Fowlers Bay.
ClimateWatch

ClimateWatch is a program that aims to understand how changes in temperature and rainfall are affecting the seasonal behaviour of Australia's plants and animals by monitoring changes in flowering times, breeding cycles and migration movement. Simply by snapping a photo in your backyard or local area, ClimateWatch gives every Australian the opportunity to get involved in collecting and recording data that will help shape the country’s scientific response to climate change.
Corporate Sustainability

Earthwatch helps businesses understand their environmental impacts, build resilience and demonstrate leadership in sustainability.