Module 2 (Part 2) Flashcards
What are the main sources of GHG emissions?
CIADW
Combustion of Fossil Fuels: Energy production from coal, petroleum, and natural gas used in power generation, transportation, and industry.
Industrial Processes: Emissions from the production of cement, steel, and chemicals.
Agricultural Activities: Methane emissions from livestock and rice paddies.
Deforestation and Land Use Changes: Reducing forest cover releases carbon stored in trees and soil.
Waste Management: Landfills and waste treatment processes release methane and other GHGs.
What are the three main climate-mitigation strategies that reduce and prevent emissions of GHG into the atmosphere? Which of these technologies are available in the Philippines?
EUU
1. Employment of decarbonization technologies and techniques
2. Utilization of negative emission technologies
3. Using radiative forcing geoengineering technologies
Can carbon capture and storage (CCS) be an ultimate answer to climate change? Why or why not?
No, CCS cannot be the ultimate solution to climate change
- Limited Deployment
CCS is not yet widely implemented due to high costs, technological challenges, and infrastructure needs. - Residual Emissions:
While CCS can capture a significant portion of emissions from specific sources, it cannot address emissions from sectors like agriculture and transport. - Risk of CO2 Leakage:
Long-term storage of CO2 underground poses a risk of leakage, which can negate its benefits if not managed properly. - Complementary Role:
CCS is best seen as a complementary technology alongside a transition to renewable energy, improved energy efficiency, and behavioral changes to achieve climate goals.
Give at least one of the strategies not mentioned in the article and describe how it can help mitigate climate change. (e.g., carbon offsetting, nature-based solutions, reforestation/afforestation)
Reforestation and Afforestation:
Description: Planting trees on deforested land (reforestation) or creating new forests in areas where there were no previous tree cover (afforestation).
Why Today’s GHG Emissions Threaten the Climate System
Global Scale of Emissions:
Unlike earlier centuries, industrialization and consumption are now global phenomena.
Increased reliance on fossil fuels and deforestation has led to the rapid accumulation of CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Lack of Effective Mitigation:
Despite awareness, global measures to reduce emissions have been slow and inconsistent.
Economic growth often takes precedence over environmental
Jon Breslaw’s “Black Box” Economy Model
Model Summary
Inputs: Raw Materials (natural resources, energy)
Inside the Black Box: The Economy (production, consumption)
Outputs: Residuals/Wastes (pollution, unused materials)
Explain Linear Model
EUD
Describes a traditional linear economy where resources are extracted, used, and then discarded.
Follows a “take-make-consume-throw away” pattern.
Relies on continuous input of cheap, accessible raw materials and energy.
Often results in high levels of waste and resource depletion.
A model of production and consumption aimed at minimizing waste.
Focuses on keeping products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible.
Emphasizes activities like sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling.
Circular Economy
When products reach the end of their life cycle, their materials are kept in the economy for reuse.
Converts waste into new resources, creating a closed-loop system.
Contrasts with the linear model by reducing the need for continuous extraction of raw materials.
Circular Economy
Comparison: Linear Economy vs. Circular Economy
EPC - D EPC - R/R/R-R
Linear Economy:
Extracts resources -> Produces -> Consumes -> Discards waste.
Dependent on a constant flow of raw materials.
Results in significant waste generation and resource depletion.
Circular Economy:
Extracts resources -> Produces -> Consumes -> Reuses/Repairs/Recycles -> Reintroduces materials into the economy.
Reduces the need for new raw materials.
Minimizes waste and extends product life cycles.
Focuses on sustainable development through the achievement of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
United Nations Agenda 2030
A landmark international treaty aimed at limiting global warming to below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C.
These agreements emphasize the need for collective action from all countries in the next 15-30 years to combat climate change.
Paris Agreement (COP21)
In environmental economics, sustainability refers to maintaining the capacity of the joint economy-environment system to fulfill human needs for the long term.
Balances economic growth with the preservation of environmental resources.
Sustainability
Brundtland Report (WCED, 1987):
Defined sustainable development as:
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Three Pillars of Sustainable Development
Environmental Protection:
Focuses on conserving natural resources and ecosystems.
Aims to reduce pollution, GHG emissions, and waste generation.
Economic Development:
Encourages growth that supports job creation and poverty reduction.
Seeks a balance between resource use and long-term economic prosperity.
Social Development:
Promotes equitable access to education, healthcare, and opportunities.
Ensures that development benefits are shared among all communities.
