L9 - Climate mitigation Flashcards
(14 cards)
describe the difference between adaptation and mitigation
- MITIGATION = efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of GHG
- ADAPTATION = adjusting to actual or expected climate change effects to minimise harm
example of mitigation with air quality co-benefits
switching from diesel vehicles to electric vehicles:
- mitigation benefit = reduce CO2 emissions
- Air quality co-benefit = reduced NOx and particulate matter, improving respiratory health
Example of mitigation with air quality disbenefits
use of biomass for energy:
- Mitigation goal = lower fossil fuel use
- disbenefit = can increase particulate emissions and indoor/outdoor air pollution if not well managed
climate change-driven risks faced by the uk
- increased flooding = more intense rainfall
- heatwaves affecting health, especially among the elderly
- droughts impacting water supply and agriculture
how do we plan to mitigate or adapt in the UK + is it effective
Improving urban drainage systems and restoring wetland for example
- effective as it absorbs excess rainwater, reduces flood risk and supports biodiversity
- success is measured by reduction in flood damage costs and frequency of flood events
how do we measure GHG emission reductions overtime
- emissions inverntories (CO2 levels)
- renewable energy adoption
- air quality improvements
what risks to Africa face due to climate change
water scarcity from changing rainfall patterns
food insecurity due to drought and reduced crop yields
increased disease spread (e.g. malaria in new areas due to increased temps)
what are mitigation and adaptation plans for Africa
Adaptation = investment in drought-tolerant crops and rainwater harvesting
effective as it matches the environmental context and boosts food resilience
what information is needed to plan for climate impacts in Africa
- climate projections
- agricultural data (e.g. crop types, yields)
- socioeconomic data (poverty and access to resources)
- health vulnerability data
why is expanding access to climate-smart agriculture effective
builds long-term resilience, boosts productivity and supports livelihoods
what are the effects of climate change on agriculture
- temperature rise = heat stress reduces crop yield
- rainfall change = droughts/ flood disrupting planting and harvests
- extreme weather = storms destroy crops/livestock
results in reduced food availability, higher process and malnutrition risks
social and economic impacts on vulnerable groups
indigenous communities = lose land and resources critical to cultural survival
low income household = lack resources to recover from disasters
developing countries = bear disproportionate impacts despite contributing least to emissions
give a few more examples of adaptation and mitigation
A = building sea walls, changing crop varieties
M = solar panels, reforestation
how are temperature and emission targets set
set by international bodies = IPCC and UNFCCC e.g. in the Paris agreement
temperature target = limit warming to well below 2 deg C aiming for 1.5 deg C
emissions target = set by national governments (e.g Nationally Determined Contributions)
