Unit 1: Challenges For The Planet Flashcards
What are the effects of climate change on the environment and people in Kiribati?
The islands are only 1m above sea level. Rising sea levels means that the islands are becoming inundated so residents have to evacuate.
What is the Kyoto Protocol?
An agreement signed in 1997 which took effect in 2005. Countries agreed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. By 2008, 181 countries had signed it.
What are Boris Bikes and what are the benefits of having them?
The are bikes in stations around London, it costs £2 for access and another £2 for every half hour after that. Bikes can be collected and returned to any station. It reduces reliance on cars, people get exercise and there are fewer CO2 emissions
What has Tesco done to become sustainable?
Introduced the zero carbon business initiative to become carbon neutral by 2050. New stores produce half the current emissions, products are packed more efficiently and lorries are double decked. Since 2010 they’ve sent no waste to landfill.
What has Marks and Spencer done to become more sustainable?
Introduced a scheme called plan A. It now recycled 92% of its waste and cut packaging by 20%. They also charged 5p for carrier bags before it became compulsory and sell food on the last day of its shelf life at a discount to reduce waste.
What is the congestion charge in London and what are the benefits?
Charges were introduced in 2003 to reduce congestion and emissions. Motorists are charged £11.50 per day to enter central London Monday-Friday 7am-6pm. By 2008 traffic levels were reduced by 21% and there are now 29,000 more bus passengers.
What are the effects of resource extraction in Oriente, Ecuador?
Effects: Stomach cancer 5x more likely. More miscarriages occur. The periwinkle is becoming extinct. Toxic waste pollutes farmland.
How is resource extraction in Oriente being managed?
Management:
Maxus oil have but a pipeline underneath the rainforest floor so that oil is extracted without damaging the rainforest.
$40 million has been given for the clean-up of the area and 160 open waste pits have been cleaned.
