Mitigation strategies

Question 1

What is the UNFCCC?

Answer 1

An international treaty, united nations framework convention of climate change, addressing climate change signed by 197 parties.

Question 2

What are the objectives of the international treaties ?

Answer 2

• Prevents irreversible anthropogenic impacts
• Provides sufficient time for ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change

Question 3

How does the UNFCCC work?

Answer 3

• Greater responsibility on developed countries
• Financial support and technology sharing for developing countries
• Monitoring progress of climate change policies

Question 4

What is a limitation of the UNFCCC?

Answer 4

Implementation depends on parties’ commitment and contributions are not legally binding.

Question 5

What does carbon capture refer to?

Answer 5

The process of separating and capturing carbon dioxide from power plants and other industrial sources of emissions.

Question 6

What is carbon storage?

Answer 6

Storing carbon for a long period to prevent it from reaching the atmosphere.

Question 7

What does carbon utilisation refer to?

Answer 7

Using carbon dioxide as a raw material to produce useful materials.

Question 8

What is a limitation of carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS)?

Answer 8

• It is expensive and requires public funding
• Stored carbon may leak over time

Question 9

What is solar energy?

Answer 9

The cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available.

Question 10

By 2030, what does Singapore aim for its solar capacity?

Answer 10

To meet about 4% of Singapore’s total electricity demand, which is about the needs of 350,000 households.

Question 11

What is hydro-electric power?

Answer 11

Energy generated from the movement of water, such as in rivers.

Question 12

What is geothermal energy?

Answer 12

Energy derived from the heat in the earth’s crust.

Question 13

What is nuclear energy derived from?

Answer 13

The splitting of radioactive atoms, generating heat.

Question 14

What is a limitation of renewable energy technologies?

Answer 14

Development and construction are expensive and depend on government policies.

Question 15

What impact does food production have on greenhouse gas emissions?

Answer 15

Food production is responsible for more than a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 16

What can individuals do to reduce agricultural emissions?

Answer 16

Eat less meat and more vegetables; buy local produce.

Question 17

What happens when food enters landfills?

Answer 17

It emits methane, contributing to climate change.

Question 18

What can be done to reduce food waste?

Answer 18

Only buy what you need and repurpose food waste.

Question 19

How do plastics contribute to greenhouse gas emissions?

Answer 19

Using fossil fuels to make plastics emits greenhouse gases; recycling or incinerating plastics also emits gases.

Question 20

What can consumers do to reduce plastic waste?

Answer 20

Refuse single-use plastics and opt for reusable products.

Question 21

How does fashion contribute to greenhouse gas emissions?

Answer 21

Production requires high levels of energy and water; increased demand leads to higher emissions.

Question 22

What can be done to promote sustainable fashion?

Answer 22

• Ask about sustainable manufacturing
• Repair or upcycle old clothing
• Donate unused items
• Buy only what you need
• Opt for second-hand clothing

Question 23

What is a limitation of changing consumption patterns?

Answer 23

It takes a long time to change mindsets and depends on company commitment.

Question 24

Despite the availability of drinkable tap water, how much bottled water did Singaporeans consume in 2018?

Answer 24

More than 467 million bottles.

Question 25

Why are carbon sinks important?

Answer 25

- more than 50% of emitted carbon dioxide is reabsorbed by our forests and oceans, which reduces the amount of greenhouse gases in tthe atmosphere

Question 26

How do forests and oceans absorb carbon dioxide?

Answer 26

Forests absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis; oceans absorb carbon dioxide through aquatic plants ## Footnote This natural process is crucial for reducing atmospheric carbon levels.

Question 27

What is one strategy to protect oceans and forests?

Answer 27

Managing land-use change ## Footnote This includes reducing deforestation and restoring mangroves.

Question 28

What is the consequence of deforestation on greenhouse gases?

Answer 28

Increases concentration of greenhouse gases ## Footnote Fewer trees mean less carbon dioxide is absorbed.

Question 29

What are two negative effects of deforestation on soil?

Answer 29

* Increases soil erosion, as soil particles are no longer anchored to the ground by the roots of the trees * Soil particles can suffocate corals and aquatic plants, when soil oarticles enter rivers and oceans

Question 30

How can deforestation be reduced?

Answer 30

* Encouraging sustainable wood purchases * Banning illegal deforestation through stricter laws ## Footnote These measures help protect carbon sinks.

Question 31

What is one benefit of restoring mangroves?

Answer 31

They absorb and store greenhouse gases in their soils up to four times as much as other tropical forests ## Footnote Mangroves also filter pollutants in rivers, an dprevent them from reaching thenoceans and harming corals and aquatic soecies

Question 32

What are the steps involved in restoring mangroves?

Answer 32

* Planting mangrove seedlings * Creating optimal growth conditions * Correcting problems that caused mangrove loss ## Footnote These efforts enhance coastal ecosystems.

Question 33

What is a limitation of reducing deforestation in growing economies?

Answer 33

Competing land use for industries, agriculture, and urban spaces ## Footnote This challenge complicates land management efforts.

Question 34

What significant forest loss occurred in Indonesia in 2020?

Answer 34

More than 100,000 hectares of forest cover were lost ## Footnote Despite regulations, forests are cleared for palm oil, logging, and mining.

Question 35

What is afforestation?

Answer 35

Planting trees in a new area that previously didn’t have trees ## Footnote This contributes to increasing carbon sinks.

Question 36

What is reforestation?

Answer 36

Re-planting trees in an area that had trees in the past ## Footnote This helps restore previously forested areas.

Question 37

What is the purpose of agroforestry?

Answer 37

Encouraging different species of trees to be grown effectively on the same piece of land ## Footnote This practice supports biodiversity and carbon absorption.

Question 38

What is a social limitation of large-scale afforestation?

Answer 38

Creates competition for land, potentially increasing food prices ## Footnote This can threaten food security.

Question 39

What is the example of social limitation of large scale afforestation

Answer 39

It Is It is estimated that afforestation may contribute to and increase in food prices by 80% in 2050 ## Footnote This projection highlights the economic implications of land use changes.

Question 40

What is a technological limitation of large scale afforestation?

Answer 40

It is estimated that a large scale tree planting programme could take. 50 to 1000 years to have its full effect of removing 200 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere ## Footnote This indicates the long-term nature of ecological restoration efforts.