UK

Question 1

how have the UK’s GHG emissions changed over time

Answer 1

• 1980 -> 2020 - decreased by 45%
• peaked in 1971 at over 150 million tonnes
• 1850 - 1900 increased 3 fold

Question 2

what is the UK aim for GHG emissions

Answer 2

80% reduction by 2050

Question 3

why has the UK emissions decreased over time

Answer 3

• shift away from coal (19%) towards natural gas (35%)
• development of nuclear power stations - Hinkley Point C (£30bn)
• improvements in energy conservation - BEDZED
• international agreements - Kyoto - 7% reduction

Question 4

what are the opportunities to the UK of climate change

Answer 4

• vineyards
• tourist destinations e.g. Blackpool may benefit

Question 5

what are the threats to the UK of climate change

Answer 5

• sea level rise threatens Somerset Levels and Thames
• urban heat island effect
• flooding in Glasgow

Question 6

what are the challenges of mitigation and adaptation strategies in the UK

Answer 6

• technological
• political
• socio-economic

Question 7

what is the technological challenge to mitigation strategies in the UK

Answer 7

Nuclear Power - a viable fuel shift - expensive/time lag/opportunity cost - Hinkley Point C £35bn and over 10 years

Question 8

what are the political challenges to mitigation strategies in the UK

Answer 8

Brexit -> fall in investment from the EU

Question 9

what is the socio-economic challenge to mitigation strategies in the UK

Answer 9

Nimbyism stopping 1 in 3 wind farms in the UK

Question 10

what are the mitigation strategies being used by the UK

Answer 10

• Climate Change Act 2008 - 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050
• use of a UK ETS
• day lighting - use of natural light in subways
• BEDZED

Question 11

what is the technological challenge to adaptation strategies in the UK

Answer 11

building bigger walls is not a sustainable option

Question 12

what are the political challenges to adaptation strategies in the UK

Answer 12

• retreat strategies are hard to implement
• government have to make a decision of where to allocate spending

Question 13

what are the socio-economic challenges to adaptation strategies in the UK

Answer 13

£22bn is a large financial commitment for the Outer Thames tidal barrage

Question 14

what are the adaptation strategies being used by the UK

Answer 14

• investment in protection -> Tems Barrier and Minehead
• investment in new infrastructure -> green roofs, walls and white roofs