A singer-songwriter and guitarist based on Sunshine Coast whose music traverses 'saltwater folk and coastal roots' vibes, Shannon Sol Carroll is also a member of surf rock, roots band Band Of Frequencies.
Later this month, Shannon will plug in for an intimate solo show as part of Horizon Festival's 2023 programme.Shannon is also a Master of Creative Arts by Research candidate at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Supervised by award-winning recording engineer and producer Lachlan 'Magoo' Goold, Shannon is researching musical approaches to the cultural aspects of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Here, he shares five current climate observations alongside a few tips each individual can action to see tangible change implemented.
"Climate observations from around the globe in the last 12 months clearly show that the impacts of climate change are here now and not in a faraway future," Shannon says. "Here are five examples from the news stream that are worthy of attention."
Antarctic sea ice
Declining sea ice formation in the Antarctic has been called a once-in-7.5-million-year event by climate scientists. This year's all-time low follows several years of all-time lows in Antarctic sea ice formation observed since 2016.Tipping points
Thwaites Glacier in the Antarctic contains enough ice to raise sea levels by 60cm. It acts as a buffer for a large part of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, which would increase the global sea level by over three meters if it dislodges and melts.There is concerning evidence that Thwaites Glacier is becoming more unstable due to rapid melting affecting the pinning points that hold it in place.
Broken temperature records
NASA states that June 2023 is the hottest on record. The data comes from a network of global sources, including weather stations, ocean buoys, instruments on ships and Antarctic research stations that are analysed to account for uncertainties. The results are consistent with satellite data collected since 2002.Shifting habitats
A silver-lining story of sorts. For 30 years, passionate Tasmanian fisherman Damon Sherriff has chased snapper in the state's northern waters. In the '90s, he was lucky to catch ten a year. In recent years he caught over 200 snapper every season.Damon is also catching other warm-water species once considered rare in the region, including King George Whiting. It is a trend in shifting habitats due to warmer water temperatures backed up by research from the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies.
Ongoing research
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) synthesis report released in March 2023 summarises the last seven years of in-depth assessments. It confirms that human activity unequivocally increases greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change.It also states that it is not too late to act and that cuts to emissions need to be "deep, rapid and sustained," to limit further warming.
"With all the floods and wildfires happening worldwide, this list of five could quickly become a list of fifty. Although reducing global carbon emissions is a wicked problem with many facets seemingly beyond our control, staying across the research and climate observations can remind us to continue to make simple daily choices that reduce our carbon footprint.
"Increasingly recognised as a cultural issue, effective climate action requires seismic cultural shifts to bring about the changes in values and priorities needed to mitigate and adapt to the realities of climate change experienced now and into the future.
"Here are five simple and practical things we can all do:
• Use a bike or public transport to attend gigs or go anywhere.
• Consume more local produce to reduce food miles.
• Reduce meat and dairy consumption.
• Invest in ethical superannuation that doesn't support fossil fuels industries.
• Make your voice heard by those in power. Write to your local politician demanding climate action (no new coal and gas extraction approvals; stop subsidising fossil fuel corporations).
"Collectively we can apply persistent and prolonged pressure on politicians, governments and corporations demanding climate action. Removing the social license to pollute the commons is one approach to hold corporations to account and influence political will."
Shannon Sol Carroll plays Horizon Festival's Live & Local programme at The Troubadour Wagon stage (3-6pm) at Cotton Tree, Maroochydore (Sunshine Coast) on 27 August.
