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Climate Change: At the frontline of the real thing

Credited to Getty Images

The real world in relation to climate change and how it effects people on the ground is addressed from 2 different sources.

First, from The Independent:

"Irrigated by one of the world's mightiest river systems, the Murray-Darling Basin yields nearly half of Australia's fresh produce. But the basin is ailing, and scientists fear that as climate change grips the driest inhabited continent, its main foodbowl could become a global warming ground zero.

The signs are already ominous: in the Riverland, one of the nation's major horticulture areas, dying vines and parched lemon trees attest to critical water shortages. Farmers have had their water allocations slashed during the recent crippling drought; 200 sold up, and many of those who hung on are struggling.

In Renmark, the region's oldest town, tales of hardship abound. Some families have spent their life savings; others are drowning in debt."

Secondly, John Nichols, writing for The Nation, in Australia, to report on the upcoming election [this Saturday]:

"Australia will hold national elections this week and there is no question that climate change is a front-and-center issue. I've appeared on a number of panels to discuss the election, and the matter of global warming has come up every time.

First off, it's a serious issue.

Second, the fight over how to address it has forced leadership changes in both major parties here.

Third, and most important, tens of thousands of Australians—including Bob Brown, the leader of the Green Party that could hold the balance of power in the Australian Senate after the voting is done—took to the streets for mass demonstrations demanding action".

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