Climate Change Final Flashcards
Absolute targets
- Concrete goals to eliminate emissions
- Formula: total emissions - yearly emissions / total emissions
Intensity Targets
- linked to the performance metric of the organization
- formula: emissions / yearly visitors
Reduction Targets
- Amount of GHG emissions that an organization commits to reducing
- 3 steps:
1) Establish a base year - benchmark against which to compare current emission
2) Determine a target year - year by which company will achieve reductions
3) Set target reduction
Why should a company set a target for reducing its GHGs?
- motivate staff
- help drive long-term strategies
- save money through energy efficient projects
Carbon Neutral
- By offsetting entire footprint, a company can achieve a net zero carbon footprint
Carbon Offsets
- Emission reduction credit purchased to compensate for GHG emissions
- Removal of emissions occurs outside of company operations
- Supplement internal reductions
- Purchased through certified carbon offset retailers
What are some examples of actions a company can take to reduce its GHGs?
- fuel efficient cars/regular maintenance on current company cars
- purchase carbon offsets
- more conference calls/Skype/etc…instead of flying
- recycling programs / turning lights off when leaving a room / printing less
- energy efficient appliances - ENERGY STAR for computers/monitors/servers/printers/fax/copiers
- incentives to take public transit/carpool/bike
- set heating to a minimum overnight and weekends when no one is in the office
Why is it important to differentiate between direct and indirect emissions?
To avoid accounting for the same emissions twice.
What benefits can a company expect from reducing its GHG’s?
- Financial example: saving money on energy costs OR attract investors
- Non-financial example: enhance competitive position/reputation OR attract/retain best employees
Indirect Emissions
- Emissions that result from organizations activities but the sources are owned or controlled by a separate organization
- Scope 2: emissions are from the use of purchased electricity, steam or heat
- Scope 3: all other emissions. Examples: business travel in a non-company car, employee commuting, paper usage, waste disposal & outsourced activities
Direct Emissions
- Scope 1.
- Generated from sources that an organization owns.
- Examples: company cars, natural gas boiler
In calculating a company’s GHG’s, what is the difference between direct and indirect emissions?
Direct emissions are generated from sources a company’s owns while indirect emissions are generated from company activities but are owned/controlled by a separate organization
What are the pros and cons of carbon offsets? How can the cons be overcome?
Cons:
- not addressing the root cause - emissions are still being produced by doing that activity
- marketing tactic to get people to still use that product e.g. Flying
Pros
- money goes back into community, non-profit, good causes that reduce emissions
- form of mitigation since money is being used to mitigate climate change e.g. Tree planting
What are the steps in calculating a company’s GHGs?
Activity Data X Emissions Factors = GHG Emissions
How is an individual company affected by climate change? Examples of physical and non-physical impacts.
Monetarily Labour shortages Demand for safer, healthier products Environmental strategies Energy efficient appliances, lighting Recycling Purchasing practices Reduce waste Avoid long haul offering Green construction Low carbon products
How is the tourism industry affected by climate change? What tourism regions and activities will be impacted positively and negatively.
Regional and seasonal shifts in tourist flows
Long-haul destinations will be effected most with higher costs to fly
Canada, USA, Europe and New Zealand will be effected positively, others will be on losing side.
Extreme weather conditions will effect tourist attractions and destination decisions.
Hot destinations are expected to be even warmer, which will effect tourist travel
Mitigation
Action to reduce long-term effects of climate change.
Preemptive measures.
Ex. Stop driving, eat local, less meat, renewable energy
Adaptation
Adjustment of a system to climate change.
Cope with consequences.
Ex. Build dykes and levees for rising water levels, investing in 4 season activities, rain barrel.
