Climate Change

		21^st August 2005 Future Shock — The Effect of Global Warming The scientists try not to alarm us unduly but their predictions are grim. Imagine the Palm Beach peninsula vanishing under the sea and waves washing up the Corso in Manly. Dr. Peter Cowell, from the Institute of Marine Science at Sydney University, believes Manly’s surf beach could recede by 85 metres before 2100. Dr Cowell says the cost of protecting all the property at risk from the advancing ocean would be billions of dollars. Governments will be forced to decide which areas will be saved and which will be left to drown. (Click here for the Sun Herald article – PDF 1.3 MB)
		the policy options for managing climate change Peter Cowell (PDF 1.3MB)
		[ ECOS August 2005; Albany, WA ] [ SUNH 2005/08-21/page-25 ] Coastline retreat predictions questioned — (PDF) Cowell — (PDF)
		6^th January 2006 Surf Clubs At Risk Other articles on Manly Surf Clubs: Sands of time are running out Surf clubs 'at risk'
		29^th October 2006 Manly Climate Change Forum &mdash 2006 The message at this forum, organised by Manly Environment Centre, was loud and clear. Science is unambiguous. Global warming is already upon us. Droughts and floods will get worse, sea levels will rise and there will be more destructive storms. Author and scientist Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki steered a panel of experts through a lively discussion on how climate change will affect Manly. “Here’s your chance to think locally,” said Dr. Karl, “because you actually get a chance to make changes in your local area.” (Click here for more information) (Click here for the programme – PDF 558 KB)
		30^th October 2006 Vision Of A Sinking Sydney Dr. Cowell’s team predicts that the road south of the Spit Bridge will be under water before 2100 unless the shoreline is protected. There’s a 50/50 chance the Manly ferry terminal will be cut off from the Esplanade, with waves rolling up the Corso. Problems similar to those at Manly and the Spit will be repeated at thousands of locations up and down the coast. “In each case the problem is manageable,” says Dr. Cowell, “but multiplying the costs along the entire coast may mean an economic impact that constitutes death by a thousand cuts – or at least serious injury.” (Click here for The Sydney Morning Herald article)
		10^th September 2007 Surf Clubs Go Solar Manly’s surf clubs are becoming solar power showcases. On September 10 2007, Mayor Peter McDonald sought council funding for the introduction of solar panels at South Steyne, North Steyne and Queenscliff Surf Clubs. “The three clubs have served the public for many years, becoming icons of our community,” he said, “and it would be wonderful to see them lead by example in becoming environmental icons as well. The clubs will be supplied with solar hot water and photo-voltaic cells will be installed in the roofs to generate all their electricity requirements.” (Click here for the Manly Daily article) (The Mayor's Message – PDF 150 kB)
		2^nd December 2007 Manly Ocean Care Day — 2007 The words on the beach said it all: “Lifesaving Energy.” It was Ocean Care Day (Dec 2, 2007) and thousands of beachgoers gave their time and their bodies to get the message across. Clean Energy for Eternity (CEFE) had its origins in the Bega Valley, where orthopaedic surgeon Matthew Nott invited the local community to form a human sculpture on Tathra Beach. More than three thousand answered the call – about 10 per cent of the population. The campaign spread to other shires and to Manly, where an even bigger crowd spelled out its message of hope. (Click here for the Manly Daily article – PDF 2.3 MB) (The Mayor's Message – PDF 358 kB) Videos of the event are available on YouTube. Watch, “Clean Energy For Eternity,” and, “Ocean Care Day 2007.”
		10^th May 2008 Take a look into the future — it’s scary The latest report on the effects of climate change paints a bleak picture of a watery future. Prepared by the Cardno climate and engineering group, the report predicts that hundreds could lose their homes. Severe storm activity would cause seawater to flood Manly Lagoon, swamping Kerlie, Hinkler and Lagoon Parks, as well as most of the Manly Golf Club. Mackellar Girls Secondary College would be threatened and the floodwaters would cut Balgowlah and Pittwater Roads, virtually isolating Manly from North Manly. For residents of the Clontarf beachfront, a storm would be even more catastrophic. All of Sandy Bay and Clontarf Reserve would be lost, as well as more than a hundred homes. (Click here for the Manly Daily article – PDF) (Click here for the Cardino Report – PDF 8.5 MB)