Climate Change - Responses to Climate Change

Question 1

Explain some global responses to climate change.

Answer 1

The United Nations Earth Summit has become a regular event. In Rio 1992, Kyoto 1997 and Bali 2007 all countries joined together to discuss the rise in carbon emissions. They signed a treaty to reduce carbon emissions. By 2008 181 countries had signed up to the treaty. It gives each country a carbon allowance in so much as that they can only release a given amount of carbon dioxide per year - if they release more they face heavy fines. They can sell their excess carbon credits to other countries.

Non-government organisations such as Greenpeace also campaign against using fossil fuels in an attempt to make governments change their policy.

Question 2

Explain some local responses to climate change.

Answer 2

Schools have begun to introduce energy efficient measures. Lights now switch off when nobody is in a room, projectors switch off after periods of no use and computer monitors dim to try and save energy.

Local governments have put in place measures to reduce energy loss in their council homes; introducing double glazing and home insulation. This means less energy is used heating homes. They also give away free energy saving light bulbs.

Home owners are encouraged to buy energy efficient appliances. They are also encouraged to buy and drive low carbon emitting cars. As an incentive for this the Green Badge Scheme has been put into place in Manchester which allows low carbon emitting cars to park for free in the city centre.