Global Response To Climate Change Flashcards
What are the three factors highlighting the need for addressing climate change?
- Increasing human impacts on the environment.
- Advancements in science and technology for ecological solutions.
- Realization of environmental degradation for economic growth.
What is the central paradox of climate change and development?
Balancing economic growth with ecological health and poverty alleviation.
What does the Kuznets Curve suggest about economic growth and environment health?
Environmental damage increases initially with growth but improves after a certain income level.
What are common pool resources, and why are they at risk?
Resources shared by all (e.g., oceans, atmosphere); they risk overuse due to lack of collective regulation
What is the “tragedy of the commons”?
Overuse of shared resources by individuals for personal gain, leading to collective resource depletion.
What did Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring (1962) highlight?
The harmful effects of pesticides like DDT on wildlife and the food chain.
What is the concept of “degrowth”?
Reducing consumption and economic growth to achieve sustainability.
What does the Brundtland Commission define as sustainable development?
Development meeting present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs.
What key agreement was made at the Paris Climate Conference (2015)?
Limiting global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
What are the two key responses to climate change?
Mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Adaptation: Coping with unavoidable climate impacts
Why is climate change considered a “wicked problem”?
It has multiple definitions, no clear solutions, and is embedded in other global issues.
What is climate justice?
Ensuring fair treatment for poor nations disproportionately affected by climate change caused by richer nations.
Name three impacts of climate change on developing nations.
Reduced crop yields and food insecurity.
Freshwater shortages.
Increased displacement and health risks.
What is the Kyoto Protocol’s goal?
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8% from 1990 levels by 2012.
What are some global responses to climate change?
• UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).
• Sustainable Development Goals.
• Kyoto Protocol.
