aos 1 Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is the primary cause of climate change?
Increasing CO2 levels leading to higher global temperatures
Higher temperatures result in warmer oceans and rising sea levels.
What effect does the greenhouse effect have on a planet’s temperature?
Insulates the planet from losing heat to space, raising its surface temperature
It is caused by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
What are fossil fuels composed of?
Coal, oil, and gas
Burning fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide, a significant greenhouse gas.
What percentage of global energy is derived from fossil fuels?
Over 80%
This highlights the reliance on fossil fuels for energy production.
How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
Releases stored CO2 into the atmosphere
Trees absorb CO2 through photosynthesis; clearing them increases atmospheric CO2.
What percentage of energy-related GHG emissions is attributed to transportation?
25%
Transportation significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions.
What positive impact does global interconnectedness have on climate change?
Facilitates international cooperation
Enables states to collaborate on climate change issues.
What negative impact does global interconnectedness have on climate change?
Increased transportation of goods and services
This proliferation leads to more emissions from trade.
What was the Tuvalu Declaration?
An agreement to limit temperature rises to no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels
17 of 18 member states agreed to this in response to climate threats.
What is Denmark’s goal for renewable energy by 2030?
100% of energy needs met by renewables
Denmark secured 70% of its energy supply from wind and solar in 2024.
What was the USA’s response to the Paris Climate Agreement?
Withdrew from the agreement
This was seen as prioritizing national interests over global cooperation.
What is Greenpeace?
An NGO focused on environmental activism
Founded in 1971, it aims to ensure Earth’s ability to nurture diverse life.
What is the role of the United Nations in addressing climate change?
Promotes peace, security, human rights, and global cooperation
Established to create international laws and agreements to combat global issues.
What is the key principle of the UNFCCC?
Common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities
Acknowledges that developed nations are primarily responsible for climate change.
What was the goal established at the COP21 Paris climate conference?
Limit global warming to below 2°C
Aims to drive efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C.
What is the Green Climate Fund?
A commitment to provide USD 100 billion per year to assist developing states
This fund aims to help developing countries adapt to climate change.
What are Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?
Pledges made by states on their climate action plans
NDCs form the basis of the Paris Agreement.
What is the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF)?
A system for states to report transparently on climate actions
It creates peer pressure for compliance and encourages competition.
What challenges hinder the resolution of climate change?
Reliance on fossil fuels, national interests, lack of cooperation
Dramatic lifestyle changes are also needed.
What does the perspective of realism emphasize regarding global actors?
Prioritizing their own interests over the needs of others
This approach often leads to nationalistic policies.
What are the consequences of climate change for political stability?
Increased conflict, resource scarcity, climate migration, weakening state legitimacy
These factors can lead to social unrest and competition for resources.
