introduction to socc Flashcards
lectures
what does climate change as a high- profile policy issue aim to do?
limit the increase in temperature to 1.5 degrees celcius above pre- industrial levels
cut emissions by 68 percent by 2030, relative to 1990
achieve net zero emissions by the middle of the century
why is climate change a campaign issue? - importance? - what will happen temp…
if we keep on the current track then the temperatures will go up by 2.7 degrees or more by the end of the century
what do we mean by climate change?
climate change is a large-scale, long term shift in the planets weather patterns and average temperatures (UK MET OFFICE)
between what years has global temperature risen?
1850-2022
what is causing the warming?
The primary cause of the warming observed in Earth’s climate system is human activities that increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These activities include burning fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial processes, livestock agriculture, and waste management practices. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect and subsequent warming of the planet.
what is the role of the atmosphere?
The atmosphere plays a vital role in regulating Earth’s climate system. It facilitates the greenhouse effect, which keeps the planet warm enough to sustain life by trapping heat from the sun. Additionally, the atmosphere acts as a protective shield against harmful solar radiation, transports heat and moisture to drive weather systems, and regulates temperature variations across the globe. Overall, it is essential for maintaining Earth’s habitable conditions.
what does the carbon cycle involve?
The carbon cycle involves the movement of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed from the atmosphere by photosynthetic organisms such as plants, algae, and cyanobacteria during photosynthesis. This process converts CO2 into organic carbon compounds, which are stored in plant tissues and passed along the food chain to animals.
Upon death and decomposition of organisms, carbon is released back into the atmosphere as CO2 through respiration and decay. Some organic matter may be buried and converted into fossil fuels over millions of years, storing carbon underground. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and land-use changes, disrupt the carbon cycle by releasing additional CO2 into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
what is a positive feedback?
process where an initial change leads to further amplification of that change, creating a self-reinforcing cycle. For example, as global temperatures rise due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, it can trigger feedback mechanisms that further enhance warming. One such mechanism is the melting of ice and snow, which reduces surface reflectivity (albedo), leading to more absorption of solar radiation and further warming. Positive feedback loops can exacerbate climate change impacts, making it crucial to understand and address them in mitigation and adaptation strategies.
what is recent climate change largely driven by?
increase in greenhouse gas concentrations
what does future climate depend on and how do we characterise it?
depends on future emissions which we have to characterise through scenarios
what is the international climate policy article 1?
definition of climate change
what is the international climate policy article 2?
commits parties to stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
what were past aims of climate policy?
UNFCCC in 1992 Rio “ we must avoid dangerous climate change”
COP3 1997 Kyoto - set up “binding” emissions targets for some countries, plus some mechanisms
COP15 2009 Copenhagen - aimed to agree new global deal
COP21 2015 Paris - reached a new deal
what does international policy give us? AND who does it raise questions for?
targets for climate change :
allowable increase in temperature
net zero emissions
a framework for national targets
HOWEVER RAISES QUESTIONS FOR SCIENCEA
IPCC definition
the intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) - is a body set up by WMO and UNEP
