3a. Debates on climate change are shaped by a variety of agendas

Question 1

History of the global warming debate

Answer 1

• 1824 = discovery of the greenhouse effect
• 1958 = Accurate measurements of global CO2 in Hawaii proved that levels were rising (keeling curved proved CO2 was at its highest level fro 700,000 years)
• 1970’s = scientist proved that human activity was a leading cause
• 1988 = IPCC was set up (international panel on climate change
• Following decade, scientist found that human influences were minor compared with natural forces e.g. sunspots, Mylankovitch cycles, ocean circulation etc

Question 2

The role of international organisations: UN

Answer 2

• 193 member States
• Created a framework convention on climate change (UNFCCC) - signed by 41 countries

1998 = Kyoto protocol
- set legally binding target for countries to reduce emissions by 5% below their 1990 levels by 2012
- Signed by 192 countries
- LIDCS don’t have to sign
- USA & China never ratified the treaty

2021 = COP26 (Glagow)
- Cut emission to keep global temperatures within 1.5 degrees
- Agreed to phase down coal
- Increase funding fro developing countries to help them adapt to green energy solutions
- Leaders from 100+ countries agreed to stop deforestation by 2030 with funding

Question 3

The role of international organisations: EU

Answer 3

• European climate change program sets targets fro GHG reduction
• Set legally binding targets to:
  cut emissions by 20%,
  Increase renewables by 20%
  improve energy efficiency by 20%
  ALL BY 2050
  -

Question 4

The role of international organisations: UK

Answer 4

• UK Climate Act (2008) commits to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050
• Set short term, 5 year carbon reduction targets
• Investing in low carbon technology e.g solar + wind power
• Improving energy efficiency e.g building. insulation
• Carbon tax

Question 5

The role of international organisations: India

Answer 5

• Did Not ratify Kyto arguing that AC’s are the cause of the increase in GHG’s and that LIDC + EDC’s shouldn’t pay
• Prioritises reducing poverty & expanding access to electricity across the population
• Aim to reduce their emissions by 25% by 2020 BUT their commitment is voluntary
• Main focus on growing the economy

Question 6

The role of international organisations: TNC’s

Answer 6

• TNC’s = profit maximising with strong economic drive
• Aim o achieve economies of scale which is hard if they invest in costly renewable energy
• They work to achieve employee & stakeholder satisfaction, ignoring environmental factors
• They create new & introduce new technologies into remote places = increased FDI, job opportunity in EDC’s = positive multiplier effect
• Globalisation lets them set lower wages in poor countries, exploiting workers
• factories emit GHG’s = increased warming of planet
• ## Governments have implemented new regulations to prevent human rights abuses + environmental damage along the supply chain

Question 7

The role of the Media

Answer 7

Right wing newspapers:
- Often report sceptical information on climate change
- Value tradition + economic freedom
Examples:
- The telegraph
- The daily mail
- The times

Left wing newspapers:
- report on warmist, opportunist + scientific information around climate change
- Look to the future and aim to support those who can’t support themselves
Examples:
- The guardian
- The Daily Mirror
- The independent

Question 8

The role of the Media: False balance

Answer 8

• The BBC gives opposing views equal air time to justify their argument
• This can threaten scientific evidence as opinions are equal

Question 9

Interest Groups

Answer 9

• The take multiple positions on the topic of climate change
• Some players look to maintain high GHG emitting industries so they sue their resources to promote themselves & influence politicians
• Other players that support GHG reductions focus in on the environment + wildlife
• NGO’s e.g. Greenpeace, operate on both national + international scales