Sustainability & Climate Action
Climate change is the defining environmental challenge of the 21st century. Year 12 students who understand climate science, global agreements, and local action are equipped to contribute to solutions in their careers and communities.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Climate change is caused primarily by greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture
The Paris Agreement (2015) aims to limit warming to 1.5-2°C above pre-industrial levels through nationally determined contributions
Australia is particularly vulnerable: more frequent extreme weather, coral bleaching, bushfires, and droughts
Individual, community, business, and government action are all needed — systems thinking is essential
Key Vocabulary
greenhouse effect
The natural warming of Earth's surface caused by gases trapping heat from the sun
Paris Agreement
A 2015 international treaty where countries committed to reducing emissions to limit global warming
carbon neutrality
Achieving a net zero carbon footprint by balancing emissions with removal or offsets
renewable energy
Energy from sources that are naturally replenished: solar, wind, hydro, geothermal
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
What is the primary human cause of accelerated climate change?
Question 2
The Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise to:
Question 3
Which of the following is a renewable energy source?
Question 4
How is Australia specifically affected by climate change?
Question 5
What does "carbon neutrality" mean?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Climate change is caused primarily by greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture
- ●The Paris Agreement (2015) aims to limit warming to 1.5-2°C above pre-industrial levels through nationally determined contributions
- ●Australia is particularly vulnerable: more frequent extreme weather, coral bleaching, bushfires, and droughts
- ●Individual, community, business, and government action are all needed — systems thinking is essential