4.16 Migration vs Adaptation

Question 1

Explain “mitigation” of climate change:

Answer 1

Reducing the amount of GHGs in the atmosphere that trap heat.

ex: planting more trees or using renewable energy sources

Question 2

Explain “adaptation” to climate change:

Answer 2

Preparing for the effects of climate change.

ex: building roads that can absorb excess rainwater

Question 3

Intensity-based greenhouse gas reduction

Answer 3

A set goal to reduce the amount of GHG emissions per person or product.

Examples: Kyoto Protocol (reducing CO2 emissions from GE vehicles or CH4 emissions from Tyson farms)

Drawback: The global amount of GHG emissions can still increase if the world population continues increase in size

1/2 of Methods of Mitigating GHG Emissions

Question 4

Carbon Sequestration

Answer 4

To sequester means to isolate or hide away

Question 5

Absolute greenhouse gas reduction

Answer 5

A set goal to reduce total GHG emissions regardless of other factors like population growth

Example: Paris Agreement to not increase global average temperature by 2 degrees Celsius

1/2 of Methods of Mitigating GHG Emissions

Question 6

What do all 193 “parties” or countries of the United Nations meet yearly for?

Answer 6

They meet yearly for the Convention of Parties (COP) to discuss reports on climate science and response strategies.

Question 7

Convention of Parties (COP)

Answer 7

Yearly meetings held for scientists and politicians from all 193 countries to discuss climate science and reports.

Question 8

Intensity-based greenhouse gas reduction

Answer 8

A set goal to reduce the amount of GHG emissions per person or product.

Question 9

What is the purpose of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)?

Answer 9

assess climate science including…
- environmental and social-economic impacts
- options for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions
- response strategies for adapting to climate change.