Climate Change

Question 1

What does GWP stand for?

Answer 1

Global Warming potential

Question 2

What do GWP take into account?

Answer 2

Spectrum of absorption, residence time of different GHG, the potential is expressed as C02 equivalent.

Question 3

What is the economic sector with the highest GHG emissions?

Answer 3

Electricity/heat production 25%

Question 4

What country is responsible for the highest GHG emissions?

Answer 4

China

Question 5

How can we tell what GHG quantities were present in the past?

Answer 5

Ice cores- - thickness of layers – air bubbles – isotope concentrations – gas conc – precipitation – temp etc
Tree rings – tree grows less
Fossils
Sediments – amount and types of organic debris

Question 6

Give examples of observed changes due to global warming?

Answer 6

Extreme events occur more often, desertification, deforestation, soil degradation and formation of deserts.

Question 7

What problems exists with global warming and the polar regions?

Answer 7

Melting ice causing decreased albedo and rise of sea water.

Question 8

What problems exist with global warming and tundra?

Answer 8

Thawing of permafrost soils, starting microbial activity and increasing GHG emissions.

Question 9

Why does climate changes threaten water security?

Answer 9

The Gulf Stream system might break down due to the mixing of water temperatures.

Question 10

What is mitigation?

Answer 10

Human intervention to reduce sources of GHG and enhance the sinks of GHG.

Question 11

Give some examples of negative emissions technologies?

Answer 11

Direct air capture > C02 storage underground, direct injection into the sea, coastal carbon enhancement, artificial upwelling, iron fertilisation, restoration of trees