Flooding in Australia: 2011 Brisbane Floods

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Recommended: Human impact on the ecosystem

Any discussion of contemporary environmental crises, which result from humanities interaction with the environment, can be a tricky discussion. Many international reports and conferences are indicating that global environmental problems are intensifying (Bailes, 1985) . A German writer in the 18th century summed up our predicament when he said “ nature, we are embraced by her , and are powerless to separate ourselves from her” (Bailes, 1985), this is representative of the essentiality behind human interaction towards nature, not only for our survival , but for the maintenance of nature itself. Environmental history as a discipline itself is relatively new, however its roots stem from the beginning of recorded history within any piece of writing recording and discussing environmental problems resultant of humanity’s interaction with the environment (Skabelund, 2001). Essentially it the culmination of written observance relating to the relationship between human society and the natural environment throughout recorded history(Bailes, 1985). I believe that by appreciating the role of environmental history in the reform of our relationship with the environment, we gain greater understanding of modern environmental issues. The focus of this essay will be around the Issue of flooding in Australia, with a focus on the 2011 Brisbane floods.

Flooding of settled areas within Australia has become such an inherent event, it is expected yearly during the rainy season. This is due to a mixture of fact that the severe wet season, running from March-April, and October-November, Features cyclones and heavy monsoon rains(Govt, 2013), as well as the composition of the majority of Australia’s coasts being developed due to their great property poten...

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...D. O. 1974. brisbane flood

MOORE, T. 2013. Grantham home relocation saved 'tens of millions [Online]. Available: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/grantham-home-relocation-saved-tens-of-millions-20130204-2dut3.html.

MURRAY, L. 2011. Australia floods of 2010–11 [Online]. encyclopedia britannica Available: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/new-plan-to-save-brisbane-from-floods/story-fn3dxiwe-1226870508349

NORMAN, B. 2013. smart planning for urban growth can minimise food risks [Online]. Available: http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/4492512.html.

QLD., C. S. 2012. How do we manage flood risks? [Online]. qld. Available: How do we manage flood risks?

SEQWATER 2012. wivenhoe dam.

SKABELUND, A. 2001. A Basic Guide to Resources on Environment History [Online]. Available: http://www.columbia.edu/~hds2/BIB95/00environment_skabelund.htm#introd.

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