Personal Carbon Flashcards
Where does our (most people’s) information
on climate change come from?
The media present mixed and confusing messages about climate change—longterm issues do not stay in the public eye for long, though they may appear and disappear cyclically.
A large reduction in coverage about the urgent need for climate action since the start of the recession. Rising
again somewhat after Paris 2015 and further extreme events.
Lack of public interest may be a good thing as the issue has become less sensitive /personal….. BUT still half the people in the USA do not think climate change is real. Do we need more education? More information? Most, but not all, the media fail to represent the science of climate change – or worse, mis-represent it. In this case, what is the role for scientists in guiding media messages? How to proceed?
- Governmental action (local to international)
Key issues:
- How should we spend limited resources on climate change?
- How long should we wait?
International negotiations and national governments must deal with a critical issue: what proportions of effort and money should we invest in adaptation vs mitigation?
Global distribution of vulnerability to climate change maps show…
Climate extremes will start impacting African nations and other poorer countries at lower latitudes before EDCs are affected
How we spend on climate change depends on whether we want to address current danger, or future danger. There are different costs attached to both…
What does the STERN review say?
It would be better to spend now to ensure we reach a sustainable future—it would be more expensive and more dangerous to wait
What is the AVERAGE adult per capita yearly carbon?
13 T but does not include air travel.
