Earth 8 Flashcards
What is mitigation in the context of climate change?
Mitigation refers to efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases to limit future warming. Examples include switching to renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, and reforestation.
What is adaptation in the context of climate change?
Adaptation involves strategies to lessen the impacts of climate change, such as building sea walls, planting drought-resistant crops, or creating better disaster response systems.
How do mitigation and adaptation differ?
Mitigation focuses on reducing the causes of climate change (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions). Adaptation focuses on managing the effects of climate change (e.g., flood defenses, heatwave preparedness).
What are examples of mitigation strategies individuals can implement?
Examples include reducing energy use, using public transportation, installing solar panels, and planting trees.
What are examples of adaptation strategies that governments or communities might use?
Examples include creating early warning systems for natural disasters, constructing flood barriers, and establishing heat shelters in urban areas.
What is carbon capture and storage (CCS), and how does it mitigate climate change?
CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from sources like power plants and storing them underground to prevent them from entering the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse gas levels.
Why can’t all climate solutions be implemented by individuals?
Some solutions, like large-scale renewable energy projects or international agreements, require coordination, funding, and infrastructure beyond the capacity of individuals.
What is the Paris Agreement (COP21), and what was its main outcome?
The Paris Agreement, signed during COP21, aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to stay below 1.5°C. It emphasizes global collaboration and country-specific commitments to reduce emissions.
What are some criticisms of the Paris Agreement regarding fairness?
Critics argue that high-income countries (HICs) bear less immediate burden despite being historically responsible for most emissions, while low-income countries (LICs) face disproportionate impacts and costs.
What is geoengineering, and how might it be used to combat climate change?
Geoengineering refers to large-scale interventions in Earth’s natural systems to counteract climate change, such as solar radiation management or ocean fertilization. It is controversial due to its potential risks and uncertainties.
What is climate justice, and why is it important?
Climate justice focuses on addressing the inequities of climate change, ensuring that vulnerable populations and countries disproportionately affected by climate impacts receive support and fair treatment.
Why is reforestation considered both a mitigation and adaptation strategy?
Mitigation: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gases. Adaptation: Forests help protect ecosystems, prevent soil erosion, and manage water cycles.
