Climate Change Flashcards

Question

Why is the U.S leaving the Paris agreement a big deal?

Answer 1

US and China are the ones who not only releases a lot of CO2 but also tres peuplés. Alors we have to get these two countries on board if we wanna ameliorer climate change. so US, leaving is a big deal because of their major role in climate change. après some countries like in the Middle East, eminent bcp plus de co2, mais less peuplé alors impact nest pas le mm.

Answer 2

Electricity and heat productivity (25%), and in second place: agriculture, forestry and other land use (24%)

Answer 3

Réduire les emissions de tous les modes de transport, by shifting towards electricity a la place de fossil fuels.

Answer 4

Carbon leakage refers to a situation where efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in one country or region result in an increase in emissions elsewhere. This typically happens when industries or businesses move their operations to countries with less strict environmental regulations to avoid the costs of complying with tougher climate policies.

Answer 5

Tarrifs. So what tarrifs do is bring manufactures back home (by increasing importing goods prices), but the problem is that Laura plus de cheap labor, alors high prices. Carbon leakage: our carbons emissions leak in china instead of in the us or canada! but we are still responsible for it..., après we are also the ones buying it. So yea our manufactures have shifted off shore, and now tariffs are poussing us to bring them back here. So yea this is the reason why as of right now the developing world emits more CO2 emissions than the developed world (et ca c recent hein avant les manufactures were not in the developing world)

Answer 6

1. We didn't have container ships 2. we didn't have communication all over the world, now we do!

Answer 7

Because lifespan of a politician is very short, so they're more likely to think in the short term than long term....

Answer 8

The Kyoto Protocol (1997) was an international agreement where countries committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to fight climate change. It focused on industrialized nations cutting emissions. Key Reactions: U.S.: Signed but didn’t ratify because of economic concerns and worries it was unfair to the U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney said conservation wasn’t enough for energy policy. Canada: Ratified but later withdrew, citing harm to the economy. Alberta’s Premier Ralph Klein called it “the goofiest thing” a Canadian government had done (acres Alberta, oil.... lots of money you know). Main Issue: Countries felt cutting emissions could hurt their economies, making it hard to reach global agreement. **The U.S. signed the Kyoto Protocol (agreed in principle) but didn’t ratify it (didn’t legally commit to it).

Answer 9

The Copenhagen Agreement (2009) and the Kyoto Protocol (1997) are both international efforts to address climate change, but they are not the same. Here’s a quick comparison: Kyoto Protocol (1997): Legally Binding: Required industrialized countries to reduce emissions by specific targets. Focused mostly on industrialized nations, excluding many developing countries from strict commitments. Example: The U.S. didn’t ratify due to economic concerns. Copenhagen Accord (2009): Non-Binding: Countries made voluntary pledges to reduce emissions but were not legally obligated to meet them. Involved both developed and developing nations, including major emitters like China and India. Aimed for global cooperation but was criticized for being too weak and lacking enforcement. Key Difference: The Kyoto Protocol had mandatory targets for some countries, while the Copenhagen Accord was more about voluntary cooperation with no legal requirements.

Answer 10

We have signed and ratified, but havent really met the goals we set:( United States have withdrawaed. The Paris Agreement (2015) is a global pact to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming. It replaced the Kyoto Protocol as the leading international climate framework. Key Points: Goal: Keep global warming well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. Global Participation: Includes both developed and developing nations, unlike the Kyoto Protocol. Almost every country in the world signed the agreement. Voluntary Targets: Each country sets its own emission reduction goals, called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Countries must update and strengthen their NDCs every five years. Accountability: Regular reporting on progress is required, but there are no strict penalties for failing to meet targets. Financial Support: Wealthier nations pledged to provide $100 billion annually to help developing countries transition to clean energy and adapt to climate impacts. c’est ça qui inquiète les scientifiques et les décideurs. L'objectif de l’Accord de Paris était de maintenir le réchauffement en dessous de 1,5 °C en moyenne sur plusieurs décennies, mais les chiffres montrent qu’on atteint déjà cette limite, et même parfois au-delà, en moins de 10 ans. (on est a 1,6 degrés au dessus la !)

Answer 11

1. Climate change is a "wicked"problem: - Each stakeholder hopes for a different solution - Involves trade-offs, no clear winner, not a transactional relationship (Climate change isn’t a problem with a simple "cause-and-effect" or "one-size-fits-all" solution.) IN OTHER WORDS: The idea that climate change is a "wicked" problem means that it is extremely complex and difficult to solve because of the following reasons: 1. Different Stakeholders, Different Solutions Stakeholders (e.g., governments, businesses, individuals, environmental groups) all have different perspectives and priorities. Some focus on economic growth, others on environmental protection, and some on social equity. Example: A coal-dependent country may prioritize jobs over reducing emissions, while others push for rapid renewable energy adoption. 2. Trade-Offs, No Clear Winner Solving climate change involves compromises where someone often loses something. Example: Reducing emissions may mean higher energy costs or job losses in fossil fuel industries, while inaction risks severe environmental and social impacts. There’s rarely a solution that makes everyone happy or satisfies all goals equally. 2. Effects are difficult to predict - Global Climate Models (GCMs) - poor understanding of complex systems 3. Rate of change will be faster than we have experienced in the past : - positive feedback loops : methane (livestock) and ice

Answer 12

Because Gaia hypothesis, cycles all interact with eachother.

Answer 13

Doesn't mean no emissions. it means a balance between emitting and absorbing (by Mother Nature; trees, rocks and oceans). Cause right not we are overwhelming them!!!!! such a fast rate.

Answer 14

shift in climate zones freshwater availability loss of sea ice in the far north greater acidity in oceans Loss of biodiversity increased storm activity increased death rates due to heat increased spread of disease Loss of many small islands developing states (SIDS)

Answer 15

Yes: 1. Scientific solutions 2. Adaptation 3. The market 4. Mitigation Two broad aims: 1. mitigation (reducing our impact) 2. Adaptation (adapting to warmer climates)

Answer 16

Geo-engineering refers to large-scale projects aimed at deliberately modifying the environment to counteract climate change. Here are two main types: 1. Absorb or Store CO2: Sequestration: Capturing carbon dioxide from the air or emissions and storing it underground or in other places to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. explanation: Absorb or Store CO2 (Sequestration) is a process where carbon dioxide (CO2) is captured from the air or directly from emissions and stored in a way that prevents it from entering the atmosphere. There are two main methods: 1. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): CO2 is captured from power plants or industrial processes before it can be released into the atmosphere. Once captured, the CO2 is compressed and transported to a storage site, often deep underground, in rock formations or old oil and gas fields where it is securely stored. 2. Direct Air Capture: CO2 is directly extracted from the air using machines that filter it out. Once captured, the CO2 can either be stored underground (like in CCS) or used in products like building materials, synthetic fuels, or other industrial applications. 2. Reflect Sunlight: Space Mirrors: Placing mirrors in space to reflect some sunlight away from Earth to cool the planet. Sulfate Particles: Injecting particles (like sulfur) into the upper atmosphere to reflect sunlight and reduce warming. The Problem: There’s still a lack of knowledge about the long-term effects of these solutions. They could have unintended consequences, and we don’t fully understand the risks yet

Answer 17

1. Dykes to Keep Water Out: Dykes are barriers built along coastlines or riverbanks to prevent flooding caused by rising sea levels or extreme weather events (e.g., storms). In response to climate change, flood protection becomes essential to protect communities, especially in low-lying coastal areas and regions prone to flooding. 2. New Food Varieties: Climate change can affect crop growth, so scientists develop new food varieties that are more resilient to heat, drought, or other climate-related stresses. These varieties help ensure food security in regions that face unpredictable or changing weather patterns, like drought-prone areas or regions with increased rainfall. 3. Developed vs Developing Regions: Developed regions have more resources to implement adaptation measures like dykes or advanced crop technologies. Developing regions may struggle because they often have fewer resources, making it harder to protect against climate impacts or shift to new agricultural methods. They may need international support for things like better infrastructure and more resilient crops. (WE HAVE THE MONEY...) 4. Plants and animals Climate change forces plants and animals to adapt or move to new areas. Bref are they gonna be able to survive this...

Answer 18

How the Market Can Help Climate Change Imagine there’s a price tag on pollution. If companies have to pay to pollute, they’ll try to pollute less because it saves them money. This encourages them to use clean energy or invent new ways to reduce pollution. It’s like turning climate change into a money game, where polluting less is the way to win. What is Cap-and-Trade? Think of Cap-and-Trade like a big game with pollution permits: The government sets a limit (cap) on how much pollution companies in an area (like California) can create. This cap gets smaller over time. Companies get or buy pollution permits that let them pollute a certain amount. If a company pollutes less than their permit, they can sell their extra permits to another company that needs them. Example: A clean company earns money by selling its extra permits to a polluting company. Why Is This Good? Companies are motivated to pollute less because they can save or make money. Over time, the cap lowers, so everyone pollutes less overall. California even uses the money earned from permits to fund green projects, like building solar panels or planting trees.

Answer 19

1. The Core Idea Cap-and-Trade or carbon taxes make pollution more expensive to encourage companies to reduce emissions. But the extra costs of reducing pollution often get passed down to regular people through higher prices for goods and services (like electricity, gas, or food). 2. How It Affects Poor People Poorer people spend a larger part of their income on basic needs like energy, heating, and food. When prices go up because companies are paying for pollution permits or carbon taxes: Rich people can still afford it without much trouble. Poor people struggle because they have less money to absorb these higher costs. 3. Examples Energy Prices: If energy companies have to buy pollution permits, they might raise electricity bills. Poor families may have to cut back on essentials to pay for heating or cooking. Food Costs: Agriculture might get more expensive because of taxes on fuel or fertilizers, which makes food pricier—hurting poor people more than the rich. 4. The Bigger Problem While the market system is designed to cut emissions, it doesn’t always address inequality. Poorer countries and people: Don’t emit as much carbon, but they still face the economic burden of rising costs. Often can’t afford to invest in cleaner technologies to reduce their emissions.

Answer 20

the carbon tax rate is usually the same for everyone, but the amount each company pays depends on how much carbon dioxide (CO₂) they emit. Here's how it works: Same Rate, Different Impact The Tax Rate: The government sets a fixed price per ton of CO₂ (e.g., $50 per ton). This rate applies equally to all emissions. The Difference: Companies pay based on how much they pollute: A company emitting 1,000 tons of CO₂ will pay more than one emitting 500 tons, since the tax is tied to emissions.

Answer 21

ChatGPT said: Not exactly—carbon tax and Cap-and-Trade are both market-based tools to reduce emissions, but they are fundamentally different in how they work. Let’s clarify: Carbon Tax What it does: Puts a price on carbon emissions. How it works: Companies pay a fixed amount per ton of CO₂ they emit. There’s no limit (or "cap") on total emissions; it’s about making emissions more expensive to discourage pollution. Key Point: The focus is on pricing carbon, not directly controlling how much is emitted. Cap-and-Trade What it does: Puts a limit (cap) on total emissions. How it works: Companies must have permits to emit CO₂. The number of permits is limited, and companies can trade them (buy or sell) if they emit more or less than their allowance. Over time, the cap gets lower to reduce total emissions. Key Point: The focus is on limiting emissions, with a market system for permits.

Answer 22

1. Number of Carbon Credits (Cap-and-Trade) What this means: In a cap-and-trade system, the total number of carbon credits (permits to emit CO₂) is critical. The issue: If too many credits are issued, companies can keep polluting because the price of permits stays low. If too few credits are issued, it can cause high costs for businesses and consumers. ** If too few carbon credits are issued in a cap-and-trade system, it creates a scarcity of permits, which increases their price.** 2. Reduction Targets What this means: These systems only work if governments set ambitious and achievable goals for reducing emissions. The issue: Some countries or industries might lobby for lower targets to avoid economic impact, which slows progress on climate change. 3. Value of Taxes (Carbon Tax) What this means: The price per ton of CO₂ (in a carbon tax) needs to be high enough to push companies to reduce emissions. The issue: If the tax is too low, companies might just pay it and keep polluting. If the tax is too high, it can hurt businesses and lead to higher costs for consumers. 4. Often Affects the Poor the Most What this means: Market-based solutions can increase costs for essentials like energy, transportation, and food. The issue: Wealthy people can afford these higher costs, but low-income households feel the impact more, as they spend a bigger portion of their income on basic needs. Without proper support (like subsidies or rebates), these solutions can create inequality.

Answer 23

1. Protecting forests ( half-cutting and reforest) 2. Energy conservation (Market incentives come in) 3. Migrate to new forms of energy: solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, nuclear?

Answer 24

The energy we dont use. The phrase "the cheapest energy is the energy we don't use" means that the most cost-effective way to reduce energy expenses and environmental impacts is to avoid wasting energy in the first place

Answer 25

1. oil is so energy dense...

Answer 26

The Great Reversal refers to efforts to reverse the trend of deforestation and environmental degradation by protecting and restoring forests. Forests play a critical role in combating climate change, supporting biodiversity, and maintaining ecological balance. The Reversal: The Great Reversal focuses on: Protecting existing forests to prevent further loss. Reforestation: Planting new trees in areas where forests have been cleared. Afforestation: Creating forests in areas that were not previously forested.

Answer 27

1. Reduce Energy Consumption What you can do: Turn off lights, electronics, and appliances when not in use. Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs (like LEDs). Unplug chargers and devices when they're not in use. Why it helps: Saves energy, which reduces CO₂ emissions, especially if the energy comes from fossil fuels. 2. Eat More Plant-Based Foods What you can do: Incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet (vegetables, legumes, grains) and reduce meat consumption. Buy locally grown, seasonal produce to lower the carbon footprint of your food. Why it helps: Animal agriculture produces significant greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing meat consumption lowers the demand for it and reduces land use and deforestation. 3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle What you can do: Avoid single-use plastics and opt for reusable bags, bottles, and containers. Recycle properly and buy products with less packaging. Repair and repurpose items instead of throwing them away. Why it helps: Reduces waste sent to landfills, conserves natural resources, and lowers energy use in the production of new items.