Unit 1 - Introduction

Question 1

What is the main purpose of Integrated Assessment Models?

Answer 1

They combine models from physical, biological, economic, and social sciences to evaluate environmental change and assess policy responses in a consistent framework.

Question 2

Name the key points of the Paris Climate Agreement

Answer 2

• Keep warming under 2 degrees Celsius (ideal goal under 1.5°C)
• Rich countries must provide 100 billion dollars from 2020
• Developed countries must lead while developing nations have more time to cut emissions through NDCs

Question 3

What are the unique features of global climate change that make it challenging?

Answer 3

• Complex cause-effect chains with feedbacks and nonlinearities
• Large scientific uncertainties
• Uneven distribution of impacts across space and time
• Significant time lag between causes and effects
• Global nature inviting free-riding behavior

Question 4

What disciplines are covered in Integrated Assessment Models?

Answer 4

• Sociology and economy (driving forces)
• Engineering
• Atmospheric chemistry
• Climatology
• Climate impacts (hydrology, vegetation, agriculture, coastal protection)
• Economic damage assessment

Question 5

What is the difference between Cost-Benefit Analysis and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis?

Answer 5

Cost-Benefit Analysis balances mitigation costs against climate damage to maximize global welfare.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (preferred approach) either:
- Minimizes mitigation costs while respecting climate guardrails (economic perspective)
- Minimizes climate impact while respecting cost constraints (ecological perspective)

Question 6

What are the main constraints in the Guard-Rail Approach?

Answer 6

• Climate guardrail: Maximum temperature change of 2°C, Maximum rate of 0.2°C/decade
• Mitigation guardrail: Maximum emissions reduction rate of 4%/year
• Development guardrail: Development considerations for developing countries

Question 7

What is included in the core policy mix for sectoral approaches?

Answer 7

• Carbon markets (emission trading or carbon tax)
• Technology-specific support for innovative technologies
• Integration of global thinking with local action

Question 8

When did major countries ratify the Paris Agreement?

Answer 8

• China and US: September 3, 2016
• India: October 2, 2016
• EU: October 4, 2016

Question 9

What is IPCC’s contribution to climate change assessment?

Answer 9

• Produced the Fifth Assessment Report
• Maintains comprehensive database with 1200 scenarios
• Provides framework for evaluating transformation pathways
• Focuses on limiting warming to 2°C or 1.5°C relative to pre-industrial levels