6.9 climate change responses and players Flashcards
Projected carbon emissions
Predicted levels of carbon dioxide that may be emitted based upon current/recent emissions and adaptation/mitigation strategies.
Atmospheric concentration levels
The level/amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. Measured in parts per million (ppm).
Tipping point
When the global climate changes from one stable state to another stable state. After the tipping point has been passed, a transition to a new state occurs. The tipping event may be irreversible
Forest die back
A stand (group) of trees losing health and dying without an obvious cause. Trees/woody plants are killed by factors including parasites (fungus and beetles), pollution (acid rain and organic compounds) and drought.
Permafrost
Soil, rock or sediment that is frozen for more than two consecutive years.
Peatland
Land consisting largely of peat (partially decayed vegetation or organic matter) or peat bogs.
Thermohaline circulation
Deep-ocean currents are driven by differences in the water’s density, which is controlled by temperature and salinity.
Adaptation strategies
A method used to increase society’s resilience to climate change. It is used to modify lifestyles rather than try to reduce the process/effects of climate change.
Hard strategies
Methods that involve the physical construction of structures/infrastructure or technology.
Soft strategies
Methods that involve diplomacy and legislation.
Water conservation and management
Reduce the amount of water used or save water for future use (water meters, water butt, grey water).
Grey Water
The relatively clean waste water from baths, sinks, washing machines, and other kitchen appliances.
Land use zoning
Designating certain areas/parcels of land for specific uses.
Resilient agricultural systems
Use of high tech (possibly GM) species that are drought tolerant and are resilient to the effects of climate change.
Land use planning
Restrict building on vulnerable/flood prone areas. Enforcing strict regulations to integrate soakaways, permeable surfaces and run-off controls.
Flood risk management
Identify the likelihood of a flood event, the potential areas/infrastructure likely to be damaged and planning strategies to reduce/mitigate the potential effects of a flood event.
Solar radiation management
Use of strategies (i.e. geoengineering) to reduce the amount of solar radiation entering the earth’s atmosphere. A potential idea is to use orbiting satellites to reflect incoming radiation back out in to space.
Rebalancing carbon cycle
Use of mitigation methods to reduce/prevent GHG emissions to help control global warming and other processes associated with the carbon cycle.
Mitigation
The reduction or prevention of GHG emissions by modifying attitudes/behaviour, improving energy efficiency and utilising new technologies and low-carbon sources of energy.
Carbon Tax
Minimum price a company has to pay to emit CO2.
Renewable switching
The degree to which energy companies switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy or low-carbon alternatives (e.g. nuclear).
Energy efficiency
Improving domestic and industrial energy usage to reduce consumption and reduce waste (e.g. energy efficient boilers, heat recovery systems, loft insulation).
Afforestation
Planting trees to offset carbon emissions and support carbon sequestration.
Carbon capture and storage (CSS)
A method used to prevent carbon emissions entering the atmosphere and storing it securely in deep underground geological formations.
Global Scale Agreement
A treaty/protocol (or similar) that is signed/adhered to by multiple countries around the world. IGOs (such as the UN) are often involved in organising such agreements.
IPCC
An intergovernmental body tasked with providing the world with an objective, scientific view of climate change and its political and economic impacts.
Geoengineering
Large-scale intervention in the Earth’s natural systems to counteract specific issues, such as climate change.
Mulching
Loose coverings or sheets of material placed on the surface of cultivated soil. This helps soils to retain moisture in summer (reduced evaporation).
Cover crops
Crops planted to manage soil erosion, soil fertility, soil quality and soil moisture.
Crop rotation
Growing a series of different types of crops in the same area in sequenced seasons. It helps in reducing soil erosion and increases soil fertility.
Agroforestry
The growing of both trees and agricultural and crops on the same piece of land. In addition to producing tree/crop products, it also helps to conserve and sustain economic, human and natural resources.
Permeable tarmac
Tarmac that has high air void content (e.g. pore spaces) which increases tarmac’s ability to allow water to infiltrate through it. The drained water can also be linked to SuDS.
Soakaway
A method to help increase the infiltration of water in to the soil, which can help to increase lag-time and reduce the peak river discharge.
River dredging
Increasing the depth of the river channel by removing silt from the river bed. It would usually take place using either a barge with a vacuum or a digger removing material while stationed on the bank.
SuDS
Sustainable drainage systems - can incorporate increased infiltration (such as soakaways), and storage to reduce surface run-off and reduce the risk of flooding.
