Carbon Flashcards
(13 cards)
Amazon Rainforest – Tropical Rainforest Carbon Store
Significance: Covers 40% of South America; one of Earth’s largest organic carbon stores.
Carbon Sequestration: Absorbs approximately 17% of all terrestrial carbon.
Threats: Deforestation and climate change reduce its capacity as a carbon sink
🏔️ Arctic – Permafrost and Carbon Release
Carbon Store: Permafrost contains vast amounts of organic carbon.
Climate Impact: Warming leads to permafrost thaw, releasing CO₂ and CH₄, enhancing the greenhouse effect.
Feedback Loop: Positive feedback accelerates climate change.
China – Industrial Emissions and Energy Transition
Emissions: Largest global CO₂ emitter due to heavy industrialization.
Energy Mix: Historically reliant on coal; significant investments in renewable energy and electric vehicles.
Policy Goals: Aims to peak emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060
Canada – Tar Sands and Carbon Emissions
Resource: Holds 166 billion barrels of oil in tar sands.
Environmental Impact: Extraction is energy-intensive, leading to high GHG emissions; 2013 data shows 8.5% of Canada’s GHGs from tar sands.
Economic Benefit: Significant contributor to national economy and employment.
Brazil – Deepwater Oil Exploration
Discovery: Pre-salt oil fields found beneath a 1-mile thick salt layer.
Production: 5 million barrels per day; estimated reserves of 100 billion barrels.
Economic Impact: Potential to fuel Brazil for 100 years; creates industry and demand
USA – Shale Gas and Fracking
Resource: Significant reserves of shale gas; 2015 data shows 25% of energy from shale gas.
Method: Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) enables extraction from fine-grained rocks.
Concerns: Environmental issues include groundwater contamination and induced seismicity.
OPEC – Oil Production and Global Influence
Members: 12 countries controlling 2/3 of global oil reserves.
Function: Coordinates oil production to influence global oil prices.
Impact: Significant role in global energy security and carbon emissions.
France – Nuclear Energy and Low Emissions
Energy Mix: 41% from nuclear power; 10% renewable energy.
Emissions: Lower per capita CO₂ emissions compared to fossil fuel-dependent countries.
Policy: Commitment to reducing carbon footprint through nuclear energy.
UK – Energy Mix and Transition
Current Mix: 30% fossil fuels, 23% renewables, 20% other sources.
Trends: Shift away from coal; increased use of gas and renewables.
Goals: Aim to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Paris Agreement – Global Climate Initiative
Objective: Limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
Commitments: Countries set nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to reduce emissions.
Status: Entered into force in 2016; ongoing global participation.
What was Indonesia’s 2011 forest moratorium, and what were its effects?
A ban on new permits for clearing forests (timber, pulp, palm oil), backed by a $1B UN-Norway fund. By 2013, emissions fell ~2%, but illegal logging persisted, with only a 15% drop in forest clearance.
How has Sweden changed its electricity sources since 1970?
In 1970, 75% of electricity came from oil; now it’s only 20%, with the rest from hydro, nuclear, and wind power
What are the key features and impacts of the Gilgel Gibe Dam in Ethiopia?
Located on the Omo River; part of a major HEP project (Gilgel Gibe I, II, III).
Aims to boost Ethiopia’s electricity supply and economic development.
Exports power to neighboring countries (e.g. Kenya).
Environmental concerns: reduced river flow affects ecosystems and Lake Turkana.
Social impact: displacement of local communities and changes to traditional livelihoods.
