Intro to PE // CC Flashcards
What is the PE of CC?
Energy system has become a bedrock for sustaining capitalism
Who wins & loses in distribution and consumption
Problems = the energy poor and the high carbon emitters
What are the core drivers of CC?
Population growth & consumption = core drivers of CC
What is the role of the UNFCC?
UNFCCC organises negotiations, provides technical expertise, monitors implementation of agreements and informs the larger agenda
Why is the PE of CC important?
Provides safe, reliable and cost effective energy = vital for political success
What is COP?
Conference of the Parties = ultimate decision-making body who meet to review progress on climate commitments and update in light of annual scientific developments
What is the IPCC?
IPCC established in 1988 to assess science and inform UNFCCC. Countries organise into coalitions and working groups - eg OPEC, G77, China & EU
What is wrong with the IPCC?
Heavily politicised from the start: severity of the threat, causal mechanisms, probable impacts, economic costs, political responsibility
Identify some North-South struggles of CC
Climate change largely caused by industrial North states, but least privileged countries experience the worse consequences. A problem of social justice and equity.
UNFCCC ‘common but differentiated responsibility’: aid and technology transfer issues. Over time, divisions appeared: increased emissions from ‘BASIC’ countries, role of forests for carbon sinks;.
China now tops CO2 charts, but not in the historical cumulative record. Atmosphere only cares about the cumulative volume.
By 2010s before Trump: more cooperation - US and China - calmed some politics, but resurfaced again in Biden’s term.
Paris Agreement - key facts
Overall temperature and emission goals: <1.5-2C global warming.
Peak emissions ASAP with zero by 2050
Renew pledges every 5 years - 2020 = increased pressure
Financing for poorer countries - 100B/year to aid clean energy and adaptation cost. POTENTIAL compensation for displacement
Transparent reporting and monitoring systems - counter potential claim-making
Hybrid - pledges are not legally binding but supporting structure is
