Qld has cool idea for climate change

Tuesday October 23

Queenslanders have been urged to set their fridge temperatures to four degrees celsius to help combat climate change.
The state government launched on Tuesday its new 'Cool it by Degrees' campaign, which aims to tackle global warming by changing simple household habits.
Premier Anna Bligh, who launched the initiative at Sea World's polar bear shores on the Gold Coast, said climate change was everyone's responsibility.
"Polar bears are among the most threatened species as a result of changes in our temperature and changes in our climate," Ms Bligh told reporters.
"If we had every Queenslander change the temperature of their fridge by one degree, it would be the equivalent of taking 11,000 cars off the road.
"While climate change is a very significant global issue, the solution lies in our own households and in our own hands."
Ms Bligh said four degrees celsius was a safe level for storing food.
"You don't need to have your fridge on the coldest possible temperature," she said.
The initiative is part the government's Climate Smart Living campaign and follows last month's Change A Lightbulb Day.
Ms Bligh urged all households to set their fridges to four degrees celsius by November 16 - Cool it by Degrees Day.
"Our reduction in water use here in south-east Queensland is an inspiration I think to people across the state and across the country that you can change your behaviour to make a big impact on the environment," she said.
A television commercial will screen in the coming months and 50,000 free thermometers will be handed out as part of the campaign.