Combatting Climate Change on a National Scale Flashcards
What is the current target of the UK (AC) regarding climate change?
The current target of the UK is to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
What is the Climate Change Act of 2008?
The Climate Change Act of 2008 holds the UK government responsible for progress on climate change. It requires the government to report every 5 years, with the report called the “UK Climate Change Risk Assessment.”
What is the ten point plan of the UK (AC) to combat climate change?
The ten point plan of the UK outlines mitigation strategies to achieve net zero emissions. It includes greening the energy mix, promoting electric vehicles, investing in public transport, promoting heat pumps, implementing carbon capture and storage (CCS), and continuing their own emissions trading system (ETS) after leaving the EU.
What are some aspects of greening the energy mix in the UK?
The UK has adopted offshore wind as part of greening the energy mix. However, onshore wind has not been widely adopted. The UK has also invested in nuclear power with projects such as the £100 million Sizewell C plant and the Future Nuclear Enabling Fund with another £120 million.
What are the goals related to electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK?
The UK aims to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. They are also setting up infrastructure to incentivize switching to EVs. However, the success of this goal depends on the energy used by EVs being green as well.
How is public transport addressed in the UK’s ten point plan?
The UK has pledged a total of £9.2 billion to improve public transport, buses, cycling infrastructure, and creating walkable cities.
What is the target for heat pump installations in the UK?
The UK aims to have 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028.
What is the goal of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the UK?
The UK aims to capture 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year through CCS. This is necessary to achieve the goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5C.
What is the current target of China (EDC) regarding climate change?
The current target of China is to reach net zero emissions by 2060 and to start decreasing emissions by 2030.
What is China’s cap and trade scheme?
China has implemented its own cap and trade scheme, inspired by the EU. However, the scheme is still relatively new, having started properly in 2021.
What are some challenges with China’s cap and trade scheme?
State-owned Enterprises undermine the system, and there is greater market volatility due to economic transition.
What is the Green Wall of China?
The Green Wall of China is an afforestation scheme in which China has tripled the coverage of trees compared to the 1970s. Deforestation has also been banned. Over 35 billion more trees have been planted, and 12 of the 23 provinces have had almost all of the barren hills and wastelands suitable for afforestation covered. The forested area in China has increased from 12% in 1978 to 23% in 2020.
What are some mitigation efforts by Bangladesh (LIDC)?
Bangladesh aims to reduce emissions by 22% by 2030. They are investing in zero carbon growth and have set out a national ‘climate prosperity plan’ (Mujib plan) that includes stopping plans for 10 new coal-fired plants, aiming for 30% of energy from renewables by 2030, developing offshore wind, and getting banks to offer favorable terms to green infrastructure projects.
What is the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF)?
Bangladesh is a founding member of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), which is a global partnership of countries that are particularly badly hit by climate change. Within the CVF, there is a smaller block called the V20, which consists of the most vulnerable 20 nations.
What promise was made in the Paris Agreement regarding climate assistance for countries like Bangladesh?
The Paris Agreement promised $100 billion annually of climate assistance to countries like Bangladesh. However, this promise has not been upheld.
