Mid Term 2 Flashcards by Kuan Sheng Tan

While estimates vary, a consensus estimate of deforestation and land degradation’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is what %?

2.5% 5% 15% 35%

15%

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Briefly, explain why reforestation programs are not sufficient responses to the effects of deforestation.

Deforestation happened rapidly, but reforestation is slower and need longer term.

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What are two other non-GHG related benefits of reducing deforestation and forest degradation?

I.
II.

I. Protect fishery/ biodiversity
II. Keep soil quality

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What are two primary aims REDD+ seeks for developing countries?

I.
II.

I. Helping countries reduce emissions
II. Provide sustainable practices

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What was the ‘simple strategy’ at the core of REDD+ ambitions?

Rich country pay poor country to protect their forest

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T/F. Absent sufficient funding, REDD+ is merely a voluntary set of guidelines that merely encourage countries to craft national plans, set reference levels, and establish effective monitoring programs according to international standards.

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List three of the criticisms discussed in lecture of the REDD+ program.

I.
II.
III.

I. Insufficient funding
II. Fail to change the economic incentives
III. Accounting problems

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What two organizations are now the primary financial mechanisms for REDD+ programs?

I.
II.

I. Green climate fund
II. World Bank

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NDCs are the core of the Paris Agreement. (a) How often are they expected to be reset? And (b) what are the two requirements for the setting of NDCs?

(a) Every 5 years
(b) Ambitious and Progressive

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T/F. The standards for reporting on NDCs are ‘universal’, meaning that the same accounting standards are used for everybody and everyone is treated equally in terms of accounting capacities.

False

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T/F. The Paris Agreement reaffirmed the financial obligations of developed countries to help developing countries to build clean, climate-resilient societies.

True

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The G_______ C________ F_____ is the central financial institution tasked by the Paris agreement to oversee the allocation of investment, aid, and technology, most especially to the vulnerable developing countries.

Green Climate Fund

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T/F. The Paris Agreement excluded and thus ended the technology transfer program (the Clean Development Mechanism) set up during the Kyoto Protocols.

False

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T/F. While often it has had a minimal focus in previous climate agreements, the Paris Agreement articulates a clear commitment to adaptation, even calling for ‘a balance’ between investment oriented towards adaption and mitigation.

True

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(a) Which type of countries pushed to include in the Paris Agreement a separate section on loss and damage? (b) Which country most strongly opposed such a section? (c) And what was the final compromise?

(a) Small island countries
(b) U.S.
(c) No legal liability

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List three of the key differences between the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.

I.
II.
III.

I. U.S. involved in Paris but not Kyoto
II. Paris agreement not treaty
III. Kyoto has legally binding aspects, Paris does not

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Which of the following does the lecture list as frequently cited positives of the Paris Agreement.

Powerful symbol, recognition of the urgent need for ambitious action on climate
Universal agreement that significantly bridged the divide between developed and developing countries
A major breakthrough in U.S.—China bilateral climate relations
Pledged reductions at least (open question on whether they are kept) are sufficient to reduce emissions enough to keep global temperature rise below 2 degree C

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What are two of the key criticisms of the Paris Climate Agreement listed in lecture?

I.
II.

I. No penalties
II. Poor accountability

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What was the key factor to keep the Paris Agreement intact while the U.S. left the Agreement during the Trump administration?

China step up

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T/F. A recent report suggests that the global economy will suffer 2 billion dollars in losses per day by 2030 due to the impacts of climate change enhanced weather events.

True

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What are two of the significant signs of progress post-Paris Agreement listed in lecture?

I.
II.

I. Paris help shape solar technology
II. Electrical vehicle

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Where was the COP 28 held? And where is COP 29 held? And what does about both of these countries makes them seemingly odd choices to hold a climate conference?

COP 28:
COP 29:
Both of them:

COP 28: Dubai
COP 29: Azerbaijan
Both of them: Petrol State

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What was the major agreement reached at COP 28? And how was it watered down and by whom?

Transition away from fossil fuel, petrol state Saudi Arabia and Russia watered down by facing out transition away

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What are two of the criticisms of this year’s COP host?

I.
II.

I. Petrol State
II. Arthurian government

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COP 29 has been called the “F________ COP.”

Finance

What are the two top issues COP is expected to focus on? I. II.

I. Carbon offset standards II. Increase green climate fund

Briefly summarize the dispute between developed and developing countries over who should bear the burden of climate financing.

Developing countries: developed countries should pay the cost Developed countries: larger countries like China also need to pay

What other abuse in addition to (and likely compounding) the typhoon has contributed to Myanmar’s refugee and disaster response problem?

Civil war

What two effects of the typhoon were responsible for most of the over 300 deaths in Vietnam? I. II.

I. Flooding II. Land loss

T/F. Around 20 major storms and typhoons batter the Philippines every year.

True

What is the nickname of the Amazon, given for its role in the world’s oxygen-carbon dioxide cycle?

Lungs of the planet

T/F. While the drought in the Amazon is a currently serious issue, its scale and intensity are historically ‘unexceptional’ say scientists, noting the frequency of droughts in the region.

False

The Amazon contains what percent of the world’s species?

10%

Deforestation is undermining what two ways trees naturally help protect against higher temperatures in the Amazon? I. II.

I. Produce its own clouds, more moisturizer II. More sunlight/ heat into the forest floor

In a sign of progress, the rate of deforestation has declined during Lula’s presidency, and he has pledged to halt all deforestation in the Amazon by what year?

2030

T/F. Droughts can effect coffee plants by causing flowers to not bloom, fail to produce cherries, and produce lower quality beans.

True

What is the world’s second largest producer of coffee? And which market for coffee does it dominate?

Vietnam, Instance coffee.

How to storms this year affect future coffee production?

Need couple years to take back normal level after facing natural disaster

Increased coffee demand from what region is also contributing to rising world coffee prices?

Asian consumers, more middle class

What are the two ways that climate change is damaging coffee harvests? I. II.

I. Extreme weather II. Less available land

T/F. Reports on the ground in Portugal suggest recent fires are displaying unprecedented intensity and violence.

True

The intensity of the fires is indicated by Portugal achieving its highest ever total what?

Highest total carbon emissions

What does PM stand for? What is its relationship to fires and public health?

Particulate matter (PM2.5), fire produce PM, PM gets into human lungs and blood

T/F. More than 20 years of NASA satellite data showed that severe burns more than doubled in frequency between 2003 and 2023.

True

Forest scientists argue that some of the damage from the fires is due to changes in Portugal’s forest management, including a shift in many areas away from a M________ landscape towards a M__________.

Mosaic, Monoculture

Give three reasons why Florida’s Big Bend region has become so susceptible to hurricanes. I. II. III.

I. Warming ocean water II. Sea grass act as natural breaks for hurricanes III. Long continental shelf

Increases in storm speeds of 35 mph in a 24 hour period are called a R_______ I_______________, and more and more large storms are undergoing this process.

Rapid Intensification

While normally storms weaken as they move over land, Helene at times strengthened as it moved over areas already wet from ‘P_____________ R_______’. This is a destructive phenomenon scientists have identified in many large storms in recent years, which they now call the B_________ O_________ E_____________.

Precursor Rain, Brown Ocean Effect

T/F. Luckily, in contrast to many poor countries in which post-disaster response is hampered by areas affected by poverty and lack of development, the U.S. response has not struggled to reach any of the places hit by the storm.

False

T/F. The recent shutdown of its last coal-fired power plant makes Britain first among the world’s major, industrialized economies to wean itself off coal.

True

T/F. As they done when surrounding coal mining operations that used to feed the plant were shut down back in the late 80s, local labor unions criticized the decision and wanted the plant to remain open.

False

While by 2023 coal had fallen to only 1 percent of Britain’s power source, it had fueled its Industrial Revolution and even in 1990 it accounted for _____% of Britain’s electricity.

80%

What two countries now consumer the vast majority of the world’s coal?

India and China

What turning point is the IEA hopeful for in 2024?

China coal consumption will peak this year

What is so contentious about the nuclear site Microsoft is helping to reopen?

1979 disaster

To power what kind of operation is Microsoft signing a 20 year lease with a nuclear energy company?

Data centers

T/F. Currently Microsoft is the only large tech firm trying to secure nuclear energy rights, as all others consider it too ‘non-green’ to support.

False

What is the main reason that so many Pakistani businesses have been recently rushing to put solar panels on their rooftops?

Increase energy prices by the state own companies

In addition to domestic cost considerations, what two other motivations does the owner of Forward Sports cite as main motivations for rapidly increasing its green energy sources?

I. Facing low cost competitors (China and India) II. Buyer want supply chain to be green

T/F. Pakistan is now buying huge amounts of solar panels from China, even while many of the investors in its traditional energy grid (investors they are now struggling to pay in part because of the increased solar panels) are also from China.

True

Explain why the poor in Pakistan have been suffering the most from this shake-up in the energy sector.

Poor people unable to swift to solar panel because they can’t afford it and also need to face the high prices of energy

How does the deal the Pakistani government signed to save its traditional energy grid now prevent it from investing in new green technologies?

They need to use money to pay for debt instead of green energy

While the federal government struggles with declining demand for its energy grid, what have regional governments decided to do?

Huge subsidies for renewable energy

T/F. Prior to its closure the Indian Point nuclear facility provided New York City with the majority of the energy that it did not get from fossil fuels.

True

Nuclear plants generate about ______% of the electricity we use around the world Nuclear plants generate about ______% of the electricity the U.S. uses Nuclear plants generate about ______% of the electricity in the U.S. not from fossil fuels.

10%, 20%, 52%

T/F. The number of working nuclear reactors in the U.S. has been increasing.

False

Today in the U.S., when a nuclear reactor is shut down, what type of energy source replaces it?

Natural gas

The fear of what was important factor in turning public opinion against Indian Point (and nuclear energy in the U.S. in general)?

Fear of terrorist attack

T/F. Based on deaths caused historically, even nuclear advocates admit that nuclear energy is much less safe than fossil fuels.

False

Besides human safety, what other issue motivated opposition to Indian Point?

Environmental concerns

T/F. In the last ten years, the price of electricity from renewables and natural gas has plummeted in the U.S., while the prices of nuclear energy have risen (due to regulatory costs).

True

One advantage of nuclear energy over renewables at the moment is that it provides F________ power, available whenever and as much as needed, not dependent on the weather as renewables can be.

Firm

What are the two aspects of a “Climate Hawk”? I. II.

I. Very high priority on climate change II. Support aggressive policies action

(a) What does IEA stand for? And (b) what does it do?

a. International Energy Agency b. Provide energy market analysis

T/F. While the IEA provides reports on the state of the fossil fuel industry, it’s annual world energy report so far avoids detailed analysis and policy recommendations related to renewable fuel sources, a consequence of its being funded mostly by large oil producing countries.

False

What are the three scenarios in the IEA reports? I. II. III.

I. Net zero timeline II. Stated policies III. Announced pledges

T/F. The IEA has concluded that a pathway to limiting global warming to 1.5 C is very difficult — but remains open.

True

What is the most noteworthy prediction from the IEA’s World Energy Report 2023?

Peak demand for fossil fuel in the decades

T/F. According to the report, while coal demand starts to decline by 2023, the demand for oil flattens out, and the demand for natural gas continues to rise by another 40% by 2050.

True

T/F. IEA predicts that current pathways of energy consumption put the world on the path of achieving net zero by 2050, in line with Paris Agreement goals.

False

Which of the following does the World Energy Report predict as part of their optimistic assessment of the future of renewable energy? More than US$1 billion a day is being spent on solar deployment Renewables become number one source of new power generation by 2025 Renewable energy becomes 50% of electricity generation by 2030 10 times as many electric cars on the road in 2030 as there are today

More than US$1 billion a day is being spent on solar deployment Renewables become number one source of new power generation by 2025 Renewable energy becomes 50% of electricity generation by 2030 10 times as many electric cars on the road in 2030 as there are today

T/F. The World Energy Report predicts that fossil fuels will still provide 70% of energy supply in 2030.

True

T/F. Republican candidates for U.S. president have pledged to eliminate tax breaks in the U.S. which are driving increasing sales of EVs.

True

What are the Net Zero targets for the following countries/ organizations. China _____ EU _____ India _____ U.S. _____ Paris Agreement _____

China 2060 EU 2050 India 2070 U.S. 2050 Paris Agreement 2050

Which of the following does the IEA recommend for the world to reach Net Zero by 2050? Fossil fuel use must decrease by 30% by 2030 Total stop of approval of new coal power plants and oil and gas furnaces to heat buildings Renewables energy must reach 60% of electricity generation by 2030 EVs must reach 65% of new global sales by 2030

Fossil fuel use must decrease by 30% by 2030 Total stop of approval of new coal power plants and oil and gas furnaces to heat buildings Renewables energy must reach 60% of electricity generation by 2030 EVs must reach 65% of new global sales by 2030

T/F. The IEA has become more confident in the use of carbon capture technology in the near future due to recent impressive advances in its research and development.

False

T/F. The IEA has repeatedly confirmed that no new oil, gas, or coal fields are compatible with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 C.

True

T/F. The IEA warns that today’s oil and gas investments are nearly double what is needed in the NZE scenario in 2030.

True

T/F. The IEA warns that today’s oil and gas investments are nearly double what is needed in the NZE scenario in 2030.

True

Estimates elsewhere have suggested that ____% of existing fossil fuel sources must stay in the ground for the world to have a shot at net zero by 2050. 10% 25% 45% 60%

60%

T/F. Russia is responsible for over 90% of gas export projects approved since the start of 2022.

False, it’s U.S.

The IEA insists that rich developed countries must commit to a fast P__________ -O______ of fossil fuels.

Phase Out

China is responsible for _____% of the world’s coal use.

50%

What is the ‘bad news is good news’ about China’s economy and the climate.

Slower economic growth, slower of emissions growth

In light of its soon-to-peak fossil fuel demand and impressive expansion of renewables, the IEA says that China, the world’s second largest energy consumer, is nearing a critical “I__________ P__________.”

Inflection Point

T/F. OPEC sharply disagrees with the IEA’s predictions, arguing that they could cause significant economic chaos if acted on, and instead called for trillions in new investments in oil projects.

True

T/F. In contrast to OPEC, U.S. oil and natural gas companies and clearly agreeing with IEA predictions and the U.S. drive towards net zero, halting investments in new oil and gas development and shifting investment patterns towards renewable energy markets.

False

T/F. In response to OPEC criticisms, the IEA’s predictions clarified that even in a net zero scenario oil and gas would be needed for years to come, and economic stability and a smooth energy transition required their immediate reduction but not elimination.

True

What did the executive director of the IEA state was his biggest worry about effective global climate action—adequate technological development or political fragmentation?

Political fragmentation

List three features of U.S. environmental laws from the 1970s (including specific policies, agencies, or programs) that have been internationally influential for designing environmental regulations. I. II. III.

I. Clean air and water act II. Environmental Protection Agency III. Gasoline and endangered animal act

The core insight of the Environmental Kuznets Curve can be summed up in the phrase “the S__________ to P__________ is economic growth.”

Solution, Polution

What are two criticisms made of the Environmental Kuznets Curve? I. II.

I. Developed countries exporting pollution to developing countries II. Not all environmental issues get better as countries get richer

What are the two primary ways that Washington Consensus development policies hindered the development of effective environmental policies in the developing world? I. II.

I. Environmental regulations II. State capacity

Which of the following are among the criticisms made of environmental regulations? Pro-business interests say much regulations are too expensive, hurt economic growth, harm international competitiveness and cause layoffs and firm closures Difficulties in accounting and assessing value (of for example, clean water or clean air) make it difficult to effectively regulate environmental issues Environmental regulations cause endless litigation in court, adding costs and preventing even pro-environmental policies from being implemented Many environmentalists argue current regulations do not go far enough, and many regulations remain ‘dead letters’ in developing countries — that is, on the books but not enforced

Pro-business interests say much regulations are too expensive, hurt economic growth, harm international competitiveness and cause layoffs and firm closures Difficulties in accounting and assessing value (of for example, clean water or clean air) make it difficult to effectively regulate environmental issues Environmental regulations cause endless litigation in court, adding costs and preventing even pro-environmental policies from being implemented Many environmentalists argue current regulations do not go far enough, and many regulations remain ‘dead letters’ in developing countries — that is, on the books but not enforced

Which of the following were listed in lecture as types of state- driven financial interventions associated with public green finance spending programs? Subsidies to stimulate new markets, encourage new companies, compete internationally Loans, sometimes through green banks, good for large projects seen as risky by private markets Grants with low administrative costs, good for lots of small projects or long-term R&D Nationalization, or direct public ownership, for large, low revenue and/or vital systems

Subsidies to stimulate new markets, encourage new companies, compete internationally Loans, sometimes through green banks, good for large projects seen as risky by private markets Grants with low administrative costs, good for lots of small projects or long-term R&D Nationalization, or direct public ownership, for large, low revenue and/or vital systems

Briefly explain what a ‘Green Bond’ is.

Debt issue to fund environmental projects

What are the three of the benefits of public climate spending projects? I. II. III.

I. Able to do long-term and large scale investment II. Reduce risk level III. Reduce price

T/F. The global consulting company McKinsey argues that spending on renewable projects produces more jobs that environmentally neutral or harmful projects.

True

Which of the following are listed among McKinsey’s feasible projects with strong environmental and socio-economic benefits that it advocates should be part of a 10 trillion “decisive” global stimulus? Improving industrial energy efficiency through equipment replacement, and new waste and heat technologies Smart commercial and residential building designs, including massive house retrofitting Widespread electrification of energy grid along with massive expansion of renewable energy sources like wind and solar A green transportation revolution of scaled up EV manufacturing, charging networks, electrified bus and rail lines, and widespread “active transport “ infrastructure

Improving industrial energy efficiency through equipment replacement, and new waste and heat technologies Smart commercial and residential building designs, including massive house retrofitting Widespread electrification of energy grid along with massive expansion of renewable energy sources like wind and solar A green transportation revolution of scaled up EV manufacturing, charging networks, electrified bus and rail lines, and widespread “active transport “ infrastructure

Briefly explain the difference between explicit and implicit subsidies.

Explicit: Price is lower than a supply cost Implicit: External cost is excluded from the price

What are three of the criticisms of explicit subsidies listed in lecture? I. II. III.

I. Over consumption of the goods II. Tend to favors the wealthy cause of higher consumption rate III. Government spend huge money on opportunity cost

(a) What is a principal reason it is so hard for governments to get rid of consumption subsidies? (b) What is a principal reason it is so hard for government to get rid of production subsidies? a. b.

a. Products became expensive which will anger the consumer b. Power of political influence of the industry

List two examples of negative externalities associated with the fossil fuel sector. I. II.

I. Air pollution II. Greenhouse gases

T/F. Despite repeated pledges by the G20 dating back to 2009 to reduce fossil fuel subsidies, total fossil fuel subsidies are expected to increase at least until 2025.

True

In the 1970s a really big push on research and development in alternative energy was made in response to what crisis?

Oil crisis

T/F. In the 1970s, the U.S. allowed more than 8 billion dollars to solar research and development.

True

T/F. In the 1980s, republican president Ronald Reagan massively expanded the funding for Project Independence, the large government investment in solar R&D.

False

What country announced a major government subsidy for rooftop solar, building on its investments in solar technology for many small technologies?

Japan

Briefly explain Germany’s feed-in tariff program.

Guaranteed producers in a premium price

T/F. As some had predicted, the more solar panels that were produced, the cheaper they got.

True

Briefly, what is the significance of Suntech?

The first solar company in China

What did the United States’ Energy Policy Act of 2005 do to encourage solar development in the U.S.?

Investment tax credit

T/F. In the course of single lifetime, solar power has transformed from a niche technology to the cheapest way to provide clean and reliable power to billions of people, thanks largely to markets created and subsidized by governments.

True

What are the two kinds of carbon pricing programs? I. II.

I. Carbon tax II. Emissions trading

What do carbon pricing schemes seek to “make visible”?

Hidden costs of fossil fuel

Carbon pricing schemes intend to (a) decrease what and (b) increase what? (a) (b)

(a) Decrease demand for the carbon-based (b) Increase demand for the alternative

What does SCC stand for? And is there widespread agreement on its proper amount?

Social cost of carbon, No

Malay analysts argue that carbon taxes are R____________ taxes, meaning that they disproportionately hurt lower-income populations. So many governments include forms of R______________ in their carbon pricing programs, such as tax credits or rebates.

Regressive, Redistributive

In Britain a carbon tax programs has facilitated the switch of what industry away from what fuel source?

Electricity driving away from coal

What is difficult balance that politicians face in crafting effective carbon pricing programs?

On one hand the price need to be higher to be effective, but not so high that cause public backlash

T/F. Australia is a case in which a fierce backlash by industry and consumers against a carbon pricing program resulted in its repeal.

True

T/F. In France an initial proposal for a carbon pricing system was shelved after judicial and public opposition, and then a later carbon pricing program has halted its increases in the face of public protests against fuel price increases.

True

T/F. Canada’s version of carbon pricing is an example of “carbon fee and dividend”, as it offsets the higher costs to most consumers through tax refunds.

True

Which of the following is true of Sweden’s carbon pricing program? Disappointing economic growth has raised pressure on politicians to suspend the program Highest carbon tax rate in the world One of highest levels of energy consumption and lowest levels of carbon emissions in developed world Carbon tax revenues split between general government spending and tax credits

Highest carbon tax rate in the world One of highest levels of energy consumption and lowest levels of carbon emissions in developed world Carbon tax revenues split between general government spending and tax credits

List three benefits of carbon tax programs as discussed in lecture. I. II. III.

I. Straightforwardness and more market oriented II. Spurs innovation as company start to manufacture alternative III. Raising revenue

List three costs or critics of carbon tax programs as discussed in lecture. I. II. III.

I. Aggressive tax II. Carbon leakage III. Price is too low

T/F. A UNFCCC estimate suggests that a sufficient carbon pricing program (to meet Paris Agreement goals) would have required a global price of between $40-80 per ton by 2020, yet less than 4% of global emissions in 2020 were covered by such a program.

True

T/F. The U.S. was an early innovator of successful cap and trade programs.

True

In a cap and trade program, polluters that expect to emit more than their permits allow must do one of what two actions?

Payoff and innovate

In the Kyoto Protocols, the 37 Annex-I (that is, developed countries) could gain extra pollution permits by doing what?

Purchasing permits from developing countries

Which of the following is true of the EU’s ETS? World’s largest emissions trading system, including all 28 EU countries and several others Single, centralized cap is reduced every year and in increasing amounts Has successfully helped drive down carbon emissions and spur low-carbon innovations Cover over 80% of EU greenhouse gas emissions

World’s largest emissions trading system, including all 28 EU countries and several others Single, centralized cap is reduced every year and in increasing amounts Has successfully helped drive down carbon emissions and spur low-carbon innovations

Which of the following were listed in lecture as among the common criticisms of emissions trading schemes? Lack of harmonization with global carbon budgets determined by critical temperature thresholds Emission scope limited by exceptions to major sectors and kinds of GHGs Poor design of many programs has meant an oversupply and thus low price of permits, which fails to force innovations Permit purchases facilitate small-scale modifications that lack the large-scale technological and infrastructural shifts the climate challenge requires

Lack of harmonization with global carbon budgets determined by critical temperature thresholds Emission scope limited by exceptions to major sectors and kinds of GHGs Poor design of many programs has meant an oversupply and thus low price of permits, which fails to force innovations Permit purchases facilitate small-scale modifications that lack the large-scale technological and infrastructural shifts the climate challenge requires

T/F. Estimates suggest that not only is China a bigger emitter than all other developing countries combined, it has not passed the U.S. in per capita emissions.

True

What are three of the reasons China’ climate vulnerability is very high? I. II. III.

I. Lot of poor people II. Lot of rapid urban development without quality III. Small plot agriculture sector

T/F. While during the Maoist era of Chinese economic development, the environment was well protected from damage and extreme exploitation due to Communist principles and low economic growth, during the more recent Liberal or Reformist period the environment has been systematically sacrificed for the sake of economic growth.

False

What are three of the reasons listed in lecture that China has recently become serious about addressing climate change? I. II. III.

I. Growing awareness of climate change II. Growing of global responsibility III. Public outcry

T/F. China’s coastal sea levels are rising faster than the world average.

True

T/F. China has the world’s largest population living at low altitudes.

True

While estimates suggest that major infrastructure is unlikely to be submerged for several decades yet, China is already suffering from what kind of effects from rising sea levels? I. II.

I. Salt water intrusion II. Land subsidies

Specifically, the Pearl River Delta, one of China’s most populous and important regions economically, has recently been struggling with what issue due to sea level rise?

Salt water intrusion

T/F. Shanghai is a low-lying, major economic hub that is surrounded by water in three sides, has spent tens of millions on over 500km of sea wall, and yet still half the city is vulnerable to flooding by the end of the century.

True

What type of economic sector is causing special levels of anxiety in China due to its geographical concentration in low-lying areas and thus vulnerability to sea level rise?

Green high-tech sector

T/F. China’s annual average temperature has been rising even faster since 1989mans is currently rising faster than the global average annual increase.

True

T/F. Heat waves are increasing in number, intensity, and duration in China, while starting earlier in the year and lasting later.

True

Why does a rise in temperature lead to a spike in energy electricity consumption?

Massive increase in use of air conditioning

List three of the causes of the UHI effect. I. II. III.

I. Air pollution II. Attract more heat III. Lack vegetation

Explain how China’s red alert warnings for workers during heat waves demonstrates the socially unequal impact of climate change?

After alert, urban white collar workers are in air conditioned offices, rural agricultural workers have not access, must often keep working

The effects of warming temperatures is already having considerable ‘buckling’ effects on what kind of infrastructure in China?

Road networks

What under-appreciated problem is expected to plague China’s agricultural sector due to temperature increases and heat waves?

Decrease in labor productivity

Briefly explain why the North China Plain is such a worrying region for many analysts of climate change’s effects on China.

Major breadbasket of the world

China’s annual economic costs due to droughts is roughly _____ billion, but according to estimates may jump to ______ billion if the world proceeds to warm by 1.5 degrees Celsius.

7, 47

Which of the following is true about China’s water scarcity problem? China has 20% of the world’s population but only 7% of its freshwater Regions of China more parched than parts of the Middle East 80-90% of China’s groundwater and 50% its river water is too dirty to drink 50% of its groundwater and 25% of its river water cannot be used for industry or farming

China has 20% of the world’s population but only 7% of its freshwater Regions of China more parched than parts of the Middle East 80-90% of China’s groundwater and 50% its river water is too dirty to drink 50% of its groundwater and 25% of its river water cannot be used for industry or farming

List three causes of China’s water scarcity issues. I. II. III.

I. Industry pollution II. Inefficient agriculture III. Losing ice glaciers

Sichuan Province, a major population and economic region of China, faced darkened cities, shut-down factories, and widespread livestock death due its 80% reliance on what energy source?

Hydroelectric power from dams

What two green technology supply chains were hammered by the energy struggles in Sichuan? I. II.

I. Solar panel II. Lithium plants

To make up for the energy deficits during recent droughts, China massively expanded its use of what energy source?

Coal

What are two primary crops in China are already suffering from droughts and heat waves and expected to see significant declines in the decades ahead? I. II.

I. Rice/ Wheat II. Corn

What are two regions where China’s water and dam policies are provoking geopolitical tension? I. II.

I. Himalaya II. Central Asia/ Mekong Delta

T/F. Nearly all Asian countries including China face an increase in the frequency of extreme river flows due to climate change.

True

What other urban factor, besides the size of urban growth, is contributing to cities exacerbating China’s total risk exposure to the effects of flooding?

Deforestation

What dramatic scene unfolded in Zhengzhou in 2021, gripping the nation and illustrating the problems and fears of China’s future of extreme floods?

People trapped in the subway cause by flooding

T/F. Flooding drives the largest economic losses of all natural disasters in China in recent years.

True

Briefly explain why the U.S. faces risks associated with increased flooding in China.

Suppliers can’t get their goods, retailers can’t get their products

T/F. Economic losses from flooding in China at 2C of global warming are estimated to be double those at 1.5C (estimated at $33 billion a year).

True

(a) Roughly what percentage of China is desert? (b) And what percentage of it is dry land?

(a) 25% (b) 50%

What two economic sectors have most contributed to China’s desertification problem? I. II.

I. Agriculture II. Mining

In the face of severe deforestation in some regions, what policy has China pursued that has provoked intense public backlash?

Ecological Migration Program

Briefly, explain why desertification in China has become a source of geopolitical tension.

Create more durst storms, and spread into the other countries, effect human and animal lifestyles

Briefly, explain how The West is not immune from criticism for the problems of pollution in China.

There is lack of environmental laws, they rebate their manufacturing into China

For a long time, China’s leaders considered pollution what kind of a problem?

Western problem/ issue

_____% of China’s population is daily exposed to unsafe levels of pollution

50%

Lack of adequate environmental regulations in what two sectors have caused most of China’s water pollution problems? I. II.

I. Manufactures sector II. Agriculture

Small rural Chinese towns suffering from high rates of severe illness from high levels of pollution exposure have been called what? C_____________ V___________

Cancer Villagers

How many people die a year in China, according to a study from UC Berkeley?

1.6 million

Much of China’s air pollution problem can be tied directly to what industry?

Coal industry

In an under-appreciated impact of air pollution, it affects 70% of what in China?

Crop production

T/F. The carbon emissions from the cement used to build a 30 story building is about equivalent to driving a car 12 million miles.

True

Cement production accounts for _____% of all global carbon emissions.

T/F. Cement’s carbon emissions are more than the aviation and shipping industries combined.

True

T/F. In just two years (2020 and 2021) China produced more cement than the United States did in the entire 20th century.

True

“C__________ C__________ D_________ can ship away at cement’s emissions.”

Climate Conscious Design

T/F. Cutting down on unnecessary excess cement in many buildings can cut emissions by up to 26%.

True

What is the current problem preventing the shifting of the heat source in cement making to electric heat?

Can’t get hot enough

Cement is about _____% of concrete (which also includes gravel, sand, and water).

10%

Which of the following does the video list as key methods of reducing carbon emissions in the cement industry? Reduce excess cement in building construction Switch fuels in cement creation Clinker ratio increases Carbon capture and storage

Reduce excess cement in building construction Switch fuels in cement creation Carbon capture and storage

The current goal is to develop net zero concrete by __________.

2050

T/F. One of the major current problems of so much concrete being produced in China is that there concrete-making plants are much less efficient than those in countries like the U.S.

False

T/F. China is increasingly optimistic about its achievement of a shift towards more low carbon building methods, even recently moving up its peak building emission deadline from 2030 to 2025.

False

Mid Term 2 Flashcards

(198 cards)