An issue which threatens to continually hinder the quest for
cities to become more sustainable is the notion of 'out of sight, out of mind.'
Even though cities are the primary contributors to green house gas emissions,
the effects of their actions are felt elsewhere first and often hardest. The
recent IPPC report illustrates the need for a united approach to mitigate the
impacts of climate change. Without immediate action, consequences will be later
exacerbated, and in regards to Australia, these include, but are not limited
to, loss of mountain ecosystems and native species, the decline of fresh water
resources and reduction in agricultural production.
Seemingly disconnected from urban life, aforementioned
facets come back to haunt urban dwellers through the health and economic
impacts of heatwaves, floods and bushfires. Coffee for instance, is a product
expected to suffer by the increase of global temperatures. With forecasts of
between 2-2.5 degrees of warming, changes in rainfall patterns and the spread
of plant diseases and pests, suitable growing land will contract significantly.
This disruption to production will effect processes of supply and demand, and
ultimately increase the price of a latte in inner city cafes.
Arup, R, Wood, A, 2014. Temperature rise could hit coffee
drinkers in the hip pocket. Sydney Morning Herald, 31 March. 6.
Comment, 2014. Inaction on climate change is no laughing
matter. Sydney Morning Herald, 01 April. 14-17.
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