Climate Change Exam 3 Flashcards
(156 cards)
1
Q
Why are ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’ important for climate treaties?
A
- It requires rich countries to transfer resources to poor countries
- It requires the largest emitters of carbon dioxide to make the largest cuts in emissions
- It brings fairness or equity to climate mitigation agreements
- It requires all countries to participate, but not in identical ways
These principles aim to address the disparities in capabilities and responsibilities among nations in combating climate change.
2
Q
What do you need to know to determine if it is more cost-effective to address climate change now or in the future? Choose two.
A
- The inflation rate: how much today’s money will be worth in the future
- The investment rate: how much more money will be available in the future
Understanding these factors helps in assessing the economic implications of timing in climate action.
3
Q
Which approach to reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide is likely to have the lowest cost to industry and consumers?
A
Polluter pays: carbon taxes or cap and trade programs
This approach incentivizes reductions in emissions by making polluters financially accountable.
4
Q
Directly manipulating the climate system
A
Geoengineering
5
Q
What was the biggest difference in requirements between rich and poor countries in the Kyoto Protocol?
A
It required emissions reductions from industrialized countries, but not from developing countries
This distinction aimed to recognize the different capabilities and responsibilities of nations.
6
Q
In the United States, which part of the country is likely to suffer the largest economic setbacks due to climate change?
A
The southern US
Regional impacts of climate change can vary significantly based on geographical and socio-economic factors.
7
Q
Which statements are true about carbon capture and storage technology (CCS)?
A
- CCS decreases the energy output and therefore increases the price of electricity generated
- Emitted carbon dioxide must be stored permanently
- Fossil fuels are burned in a way that the carbon dioxide emitted does not go into the atmosphere
CCS aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but has economic implications.
8
Q
Why hasn’t geoengineering been widely used to reduce global warming?
A
Geoengineering poses risks such as international tensions and unintended consequences.
9
Q
Which of the following is NOT part of the Green New Deal?
A
Legislation to require compliance with emissions standards
The Green New Deal focuses on broader economic and environmental reforms rather than strict compliance mandates.
10
Q
What options does the United Nations (UN) have to enforce international climate treaties? Choose all that are correct.
A
- Peer pressure
- Legal action
- International good will
The UN’s enforcement mechanisms rely heavily on diplomatic and cooperative strategies.
11
Q
Why is the Montreal Protocol considered a milestone success in climate treaties?
A
- It resulted in a global phase-out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
- Countries across the world agreed on the science of ozone depletion and actions that should be taken
The protocol effectively addressed a significant environmental threat and demonstrated international cooperation.
12
Q
Which of the following is NOT considered to be caused by climate change?
A
Acid rain
Acid rain is primarily caused by other pollutants, not directly by climate change.
13
Q
What are two personal actions you can take to mitigate global warming?
A
- Reducing my carbon footprint by using public transportation or walking instead of driving
- Making my diet more plant-based
Personal choices can significantly impact overall carbon emissions.
14
Q
Which statements are true about exponential growth? Choose all that are correct.
A
- It increases rapidly with time
- It forms a curve on a graph of quantity over time
- The growth rate depends on the quantity that is growing
Exponential growth is a key concept in understanding population dynamics and resource consumption.
15
Q
Rank the following fossil fuels from the one that produces the most CO2 for 1 unit of energy to the least.
A
- Coal
- Diesel fuel
- Gasoline
- Natural gas
This ranking indicates the carbon intensity of various fossil fuels.
16
Q
What is the biggest reason that the free market has not provided a solution to climate change?
A
Costs are spread among all people, profits are limited to emitters
This economic disparity hinders the development of effective market-based solutions.
17
Q
What are the requirements for each participating country under the Paris Agreement?
A
- Submit an emissions target called a ‘nationally determined contribution’ and update it every five years
- Develop a strategy to keep global temperatures from reaching a threshold of 2°C above pre-industrial averages
The Paris Agreement emphasizes transparency and accountability among nations.
18
Q
Which climate treaty outlined the idea of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’?
A
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC)
This concept was crucial for establishing equitable climate action frameworks.
19
Q
Which activity emits the most carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?
A
Electrical power generation
This sector is a major contributor to overall greenhouse gas emissions.
20
Q
What is the goal of mitigation in climate policy?
A
To avoid climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Mitigation strategies are essential for addressing the impacts of climate change.
21
Q
What level of emission reductions is required by 2050 and 2100 for effective mitigation?
A
50–80% reduction by 2050; near-zero emissions by 2100.
These targets are crucial for stabilizing global temperatures.
22
Q
What does the IPAT equation stand for?
A
Impact = Population × Affluence × Technology.
The IPAT equation highlights the factors contributing to environmental impact.
23
Q
How can population contribute to mitigation?
A
By reducing population growth through demographic shifts, though this can conflict with cultural/religious traditions.
Population control measures can be sensitive and controversial.
24
Q
How does reducing affluence help mitigation?
A
Consuming fewer goods/services uses less energy, though many equate consumption with well-being.
Affluence can drive higher energy consumption and emissions.
25
What are two tech-based approaches to reduce emissions?
* Use less energy-intensive goods/services
* Switch to less carbon-intensive energy sources.
## Footnote
Technological advancements are vital for sustainable practices.
26
What are co-benefits of energy efficiency?
Saves money and reduces air pollution.
## Footnote
Improving energy efficiency can lead to both economic and environmental benefits.
27
What are two types of solar power?
* Photovoltaic (light → electricity)
* Solar thermal (light → heat → steam → electricity).
## Footnote
These technologies harness solar energy for different applications.
28
What are two challenges of solar power?
* It's intermittent
* Has large space requirements.
## Footnote
Solar power generation can be affected by weather and land availability.
29
What is a major benefit of wind energy?
A few hundred turbines can replace a conventional power plant.
## Footnote
Wind energy can provide significant power generation with fewer installations than fossil fuels.
30
What’s a major environmental concern with wind turbines?
Bird mortality, though modern turbines and mitigation strategies have reduced this.
## Footnote
Wildlife impacts are an important consideration in wind energy development.
31
Why is biomass considered renewable?
Because the carbon released is reabsorbed as new biomass grows.
## Footnote
Biomass energy relies on the natural carbon cycle.
32
What are drawbacks of biomass?
* Land use conflicts
* Deforestation
* Pollution.
## Footnote
Biomass can create competition for land and other resources.
33
Why is hydroelectric power becoming less reliable?
Droughts and changing rainfall patterns reduce water availability.
## Footnote
Climate change can significantly impact hydroelectric resources.
34
What are two benefits of nuclear energy?
* No greenhouse gas emissions
* Reliable power output.
## Footnote
Nuclear energy is a low-carbon energy source but comes with its own risks.
35
What are three major drawbacks of nuclear energy?
* Risk of meltdowns
* Radioactive waste
* High costs.
## Footnote
Addressing these drawbacks is critical for public acceptance of nuclear power.
36
Why is China ahead in EV manufacturing?
Government investment in EV production, batteries, and infrastructure.
## Footnote
China has made significant strides in electric vehicle technology and market penetration.
37
What is the goal of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?
To capture CO₂ before it enters the atmosphere, especially from coal.
## Footnote
CCS aims to mitigate emissions from fossil fuel use.
38
Where can captured carbon be stored?
* Depleted oil/gas fields
* Unmineable coal beds
* Deep salt formations.
## Footnote
Storage sites must be carefully selected for safety and effectiveness.
39
What is a major challenge of CCS?
It uses 10–40% of the energy it generates.
## Footnote
The energy cost of CCS can affect its overall efficiency and viability.
40
What does Solar Radiation Management (SRM) aim to do?
Reflect sunlight to cool the Earth (e.g., by injecting sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere).
## Footnote
SRM is a controversial geoengineering approach with potential risks.
41
What are risks of SRM?
* Alters precipitation
* Does not reduce ocean acidification
* Poses geopolitical risks.
## Footnote
The implications of SRM must be carefully evaluated.
42
Name 3 methods of carbon dioxide removal.
* Planting trees
* Ocean iron fertilization
* Direct air capture.
## Footnote
CDR methods aim to actively reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels.
43
What is direct air capture?
Technology that removes CO₂ from the air and stores it underground.
## Footnote
Direct air capture is a promising but expensive technology.
44
What are concerns with Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)?
* High cost
* Energy demands
* Possible unintended ecosystem impacts.
## Footnote
Implementing CDR technologies requires careful consideration of their broader effects.
45
What three approaches were considered to address climate change?
1) Adapt no matter what, 2) Slow the rate of change, 3) Stop or reverse climate change.
46
What’s needed to make climate action work in the real world?
Behavior change through rewards and punishments (incentives), affordable and stable policy, compatibility with global goals.
47
What is the primary energy transition needed?
Switch from fossil fuels to carbon-free energy sources like wind, solar, nuclear, and carbon capture and storage (CCS).
48
What was Senator Chuck Hagel's position on climate policy?
He favored market-based solutions and incentives over regulatory caps.
49
Did Hagel’s bills pass and were they successful?
They passed as amendments to the 2005 Energy Policy Act, but evidence suggests they weren’t sufficient to stop rising emissions.
50
What is the free market argument for solving climate change?
Consumers pay for electricity, incentivizing energy efficiency, pressuring manufacturers to innovate.
51
What is the argument against relying solely on the free market?
The costs of climate change affect everyone, but only manufacturers bear the costs of efficiency—leading to underinvestment in solutions.
52
What is an externality?
When a third party bears the cost of someone else’s actions (e.g., pollution).
53
What is market failure in environmental systems?
When companies minimize costs in ways that degrade the environment, while cleanup costs are shared by society.
54
Name four environmental issues that illustrate market failure.
1) Overfishing, 2) Fracking, 3) Logging, 4) Greenhouse gas emissions.
55
Why is dumping carbon into the atmosphere considered a market failure?
It is free for companies but costly for society, creating no incentive to reduce emissions.
56
What is the Superfund program?
A U.S. taxpayer-funded effort to clean up hazardous waste sites, with legal power to pursue polluters.
57
What happens if polluters no longer exist or are bankrupt?
The public bears the cleanup costs.
58
What does 'internalizing the externality' mean?
Making polluters pay for the damage they cause, shifting costs back to emitters.
59
Who can implement changes to internalize externalities?
Individuals, businesses, and governments—all play roles, but governments have the most authority.
60
How do governments incentivize climate-friendly behavior?
Tax credits for EVs, subsidies for manufacturers, consumer perks like premium parking and reduced registration fees.
61
Which country currently manufactures most of the world’s EVs and why?
China, due to strong government subsidies.
62
What recent changes have threatened U.S. EV policy momentum?
Executive orders pausing Inflation Reduction Act funds and removing renewable energy incentives.
63
What are mitigation policies?
Options that governments can use to improve energy efficiency and convert our energy system to primarily utilize carbon-free sources.
64
What is the main goal of mitigation policies?
To avoid large climate changes in the second half of this century and beyond.
65
What are conventional regulations in the context of mitigation?
Rules that limit industries to specific technologies and pollutant emission levels.
66
What is a disadvantage of conventional regulations?
Specified technologies may not be the best and can remove incentives for the development of new technologies.
67
What is a market-based regulation?
A system where emitters pay for their emissions and can choose how to reduce them.
68
What is a carbon tax?
A tax charged to emitters based on the amount of carbon they inject into the atmosphere.
69
What is the incentive for emitters under a carbon tax?
To reduce carbon emissions if that costs less than the tax they would pay if they didn’t.
70
What is the cost of installing carbon capture systems per ton?
$3 per ton.
71
What is the cost to stop leaks of carbon emissions?
$1 per ton.
72
What happens if the tax is lower than the cost to reduce emissions?
Emitters will not have the incentive to reduce emissions.
73
What is cap and trade?
A system where permits to emit greenhouse gases are issued, and companies can trade these permits.
74
What is the cap in cap and trade?
The total number of permits available each year.
75
What are the two options for distributing permits in cap and trade?
* Auction
* Allocation
76
What is a potential problem with too few permits in cap and trade?
It can cause significant economic disruption.
77
What is an offset in terms of emissions?
An activity that removes some or all of the carbon produced by an emitter.
78
What is a potential verification issue with offsets?
How to verify how much carbon is being absorbed by trees or other activities.
79
What is the main difference between a carbon tax and cap and trade?
A carbon tax sets a rate for emissions, while cap and trade sets a limit on the total amount of emissions.
80
What is a significant advantage of the carbon tax method?
It costs less to industry and allows flexibility in reducing emissions.
81
True or False: Both carbon tax and cap-and-trade end up with industry paying the government.
True.
82
What is meant by 'the fine print' in carbon tax applications?
Taxing at the input level instead of output and gradually increasing the tax to avoid market shock.
83
What could be used to refund the costs of emissions to non-emitters?
Tax credits.
84
What are the potential applications of carbon taxes beyond CO2?
* Methane
* Nitrous oxide
85
Fill in the blank: The cost of emitting CO2 is ultimately borne by the _______.
end user.
86
How do policymakers set the number of permits in cap and trade?
By determining the total amount of emissions allowed.
87
What has to happen if too many permits are issued in cap and trade?
The price of permits could go to zero, resulting in little or no emissions reductions.
88
What is an example of an externality that a carbon tax addresses?
The societal cost imposed by climate change.
89
What is a potential benefit of issuing permits for emissions?
Companies have choices to emit and pay or reduce and save.
90
Who first explained the behavior of greenhouse gases in 1820?
Joseph Fourier.
91
What key finding did John Tyndall make in 1859?
Identified water vapor and CO₂ as key greenhouse gases.
92
What did Eunice Foote demonstrate in 1856?
CO₂ traps more heat than regular air.
93
What did Svante Arrhenius calculate in 1896?
First climate sensitivity estimate; proposed theory of human-induced warming via CO₂.
94
Why was CO₂ initially not seen as a problem?
Belief that oceans absorbed most CO₂; water vapor seen as dominant.
95
What environmental view prevailed in early 1900s?
Nature was vast and uncontrollable; human impact was considered minimal.
96
What was the public perception of warming in the 1930s?
Warming was noted but not concerning; Guy Callendar linked it to CO₂.
97
What major pollution event happened in London in 1952?
Great Smog: air pollution caused thousands of deaths.
98
What is the Keeling Curve?
A long-term record of atmospheric CO₂ started in 1958.
99
What is the tobacco strategy?
A method to create doubt about science using tactics like cherry-picking data and attacking credibility.
100
How was the tobacco strategy reused in environmental debates?
Industry used it to deny ozone depletion, acid rain, and climate change.
101
What did scientists discover about CFCs?
They deplete ozone; confirmed in 1980s over Antarctica.
102
What international agreement addressed CFCs?
Montreal Protocol (1988).
103
What did the U.S. National Academy of Sciences state in 1979?
CO₂ increase would cause significant climate change (1.5–4.5°C warming).
104
What is the IPCC and when was it formed?
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, formed in 1988 to assess climate science.
105
What did the first IPCC report (1990) state?
Warming observed was similar to natural variability; uncertain attribution.
106
What was the Kyoto Protocol (1997)?
Required industrial nations to reduce emissions 5% below 1990 levels by 2008–2012.
107
Why did the U.S. reject Kyoto?
Cited economic harm and no targets for developing nations like China.
108
What regional initiatives emerged in the U.S.?
RGGI and Western Climate Initiative (cap-and-trade systems).
109
What did the 2007 IPCC report conclude?
Warming is “very likely” (90% confidence) due to human activity.
110
What did the 2013 IPCC report say?
“Extremely likely” (95% confidence) that humans are the main cause.
111
What was the 2015 U.S.-China climate agreement?
U.S. cuts 26–28% below 2005 levels by 2025; China’s emissions peak by 2030.
112
What was the Clean Power Plan?
Set carbon pollution limits for U.S. power plants.
113
Which fossil fuel emits the most CO₂ per unit energy?
Coal.
114
What industry is the largest CO₂ emitter globally?
Electricity generation (~30% from coal).
115
What are the 3 main goals of the Paris Agreement?
1. Limit warming to well below 2°C
2. Adapt to climate impacts
3. Align financial flows with low-carbon development
116
How did the Paris Agreement differ from Kyoto?
Uses voluntary, self-determined targets (NDCs), not binding obligations.
117
What is the main purpose of the Paris Climate Agreement?
To limit global warming to well below 2°C, pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C, enhance resilience, and align financial flows with low-carbon goals.
118
How does the Paris Agreement define countries' responsibilities?
Each country sets its own emissions target called a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
119
How are countries held accountable under the Paris Agreement?
Through a global stocktake every five years to assess collective progress.
120
What makes the Paris Agreement different from previous treaties?
It uses voluntary, self-determined targets rather than binding emissions reductions.
121
Why are NDCs important?
They provide flexibility for countries to set realistic goals based on national circumstances and encourage participation.
122
What does the global stocktake do?
Assesses collective progress toward meeting the Paris Agreement goals and encourages countries to be more ambitious.
123
What is the goal of COP summits?
To evaluate progress, update climate commitments, and agree on actions to meet global climate targets.
124
What role does climate finance play in international agreements?
It helps developing countries adapt to climate change and implement mitigation strategies.
125
How do policies encourage emissions reductions without binding targets?
By relying on transparency, peer pressure, and periodic reporting to build momentum and trust.
126
What are examples of mitigation strategies promoted by global agreements?
Expanding renewables, improving energy efficiency, reducing methane, and phasing out fossil fuels.
127
What is adaptation in climate policy?
Preparing for unavoidable climate impacts through infrastructure, conservation, and community resilience.
128
What is the Green New Deal?
A U.S. policy proposal aiming to achieve net-zero emissions while promoting economic justice and green jobs.
129
How does the Green New Deal propose to cut emissions?
Through renewable energy, building retrofits, sustainable agriculture, and improved transit.
130
What are criticisms of the Green New Deal?
Concerns about cost, scope, and government overreach.
131
What is the Inflation Reduction Act’s role in climate policy?
It invests in clean energy, manufacturing, and environmental justice to reduce U.S. emissions.
132
How does the Inflation Reduction Act support emissions reduction?
By offering tax credits, rebates, and funding for green technology and infrastructure.
133
What is the UAE Consensus?
A COP agreement to transition away from fossil fuels, triple renewables, and halt deforestation.
134
What are challenges facing global climate policy implementation?
Lack of enforcement, rising emissions in developing economies, and insufficient ambition.
135
Why is transparency crucial in climate agreements?
It builds trust, enables accountability, and informs the global stocktake.
136
How can international agreements succeed without enforcement?
By fostering collaboration, setting norms, and relying on reputation and peer pressure.
137
What is the primary driver of long-term climate policy?
Balancing the costs of action versus inaction through economic, scientific, and ethical lenses.
138
Why is acting on climate change despite uncertainty reasonable?
Worst-case climate outcomes are irreversible and catastrophic; precautionary action is prudent.
139
What are the two major responses to climate change?
Mitigation (reducing emissions) and adaptation (coping with impacts).
140
What is the economic argument for climate mitigation?
If the long-term costs of inaction exceed the upfront costs of action, mitigation is justified.
141
Why is the 2°C threshold used in climate policy?
It represents a balance between avoiding severe impacts and maintaining political feasibility.
142
What is a carbon budget?
The total amount of CO₂ that can be emitted to stay within a temperature threshold.
143
What does 'overshoot' mean in climate strategy?
Allowing temperatures to temporarily exceed a target before returning below it.
144
Why is energy intensity important in climate policy?
Reducing energy use per GDP unit is key to decarbonizing the economy.
145
Why is carbon intensity crucial for emissions reduction?
It measures how much CO₂ is emitted per unit of energy produced.
146
What does 'decarbonizing for 2°C' involve?
Reducing global emissions ~50% by 2050, reaching net zero by 2080, possibly requiring negative emissions.
147
What role does technology play in decarbonization?
Improving efficiency, scaling renewables, and replacing fossil fuel infrastructure.
148
What is a carbon price and what does it do?
A financial cost on emitting CO₂, encouraging cleaner alternatives.
149
How does carbon pricing help with equity?
Revenues can fund programs for affected workers and low-income families.
150
What are the elements of a coherent climate policy?
Carbon pricing, regulations, R&D funding, international cooperation, and flexible treaties.
151
What is the role of adaptation in climate policy?
Preparing for unavoidable impacts to reduce long-term harm.
152
What are the trade-offs of doing nothing?
Short-term savings but long-term societal, ecological, and financial costs.
153
Why is it hard to rely on economic models alone?
They struggle to assign value to human suffering, catastrophe, or irreversible loss.
154
What is the significance of equity in climate action?
Wealthier nations and individuals must bear greater responsibility for emissions reduction.
155
What should a long-term climate strategy consider?
Scientific uncertainty, fairness, adaptability, and both short- and long-term consequences.
156
How can individuals contribute to climate solutions?
Advocate, vote, reduce personal emissions, and lead by example.
