Unit 11 - resource extraction Flashcards
Environmental injustice
Environmental injustice occurs when low-income or marginalized communities are disproportionately burdened by environmental hazards, while benefiting less from environmental benefits.
Hihglights the disparity amongst MEDC and LEDC countries on the environmental aspect of things.
Tragedy of commons
Tragedy of the Commons | Sustainable Environment OnlineThe tragedy of the commons is an economic theory that describes when individuals overuse a shared resource to their own benefit, depleting it for everyone. This can lead to underinvestment and environmental damage.
Examples
- overfishing
- polution
Who first proposed that burning fossil fuels could increase CO2 levels leading to global warming?
Svante Arrhenius in 1986
Svante Arrhenius was a Swedish scientist.
What did Guy Stewart Callendar develop that was surprisingly accurate?
The first draft of a climate model
Callendar’s research included data on atmospheric gases, rainfall, temperatures, ocean currents, and fossil fuel use.
In which year did James Hansen testify to the U.S. Senate about climate change?
June 23, 1988
This testimony is considered the first high-level call for action regarding climate change.
What organization was established in late 1988 to provide information on climate change?
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
The IPCC includes representatives from 195 countries.
What major event took place in June 1992 regarding climate change?
The Rio Earth Summit
It brought together representatives from 179 countries to discuss global actions on climate change.
What is the purpose of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)?
To acknowledge climate change as a problem and consider actions to minimize greenhouse gas emissions
It was signed in June 1992 and ratified in 1994.
Which countries were initially obligated to minimize emissions under the UNFCCC?
Only developed countries
Developing countries could participate voluntarily.
What principle states that developed countries have an ethical obligation to share benefits of emissions?
Climate Justice Principle
This principle highlights the responsibilities of developed nations towards those suffering from emissions effects.
When was the Kyoto Protocol signed?
December 1997
It was an extension of the UNFCCC.
What was the goal for developed countries under the Kyoto Protocol?
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5% compared to 1990 levels
The protocol took seven years to ratify and became outdated by the time it was ratified.
What was a significant limitation of the Kyoto Protocol?
Limited control over global emissions due to the U.S. not joining
Major developing countries like China and India had no strong obligations.
What are the three market mechanisms introduced by the Kyoto Protocol?
- International Emissions Trading
- Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
- Joint Implementation (JI)
These mechanisms allowed for trading emission rights and cooperative projects.
What was the legal status of commitments under the Kyoto Protocol?
Legally binding
This aimed to achieve real results but deterred some countries from participating.
When was the Paris Agreement signed?
December 2015
It was ratified a year later, with its first commitment period starting in 2020.
What is the main goal of the Paris Agreement?
Limit the global temperature increase to no more than 2 degrees Celsius
Efforts are made to keep it below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
What distinguishes the Paris Agreement from the Kyoto Protocol?
Universal obligation for all parties to decrease emissions
The Paris Agreement includes both developed and developing countries.
What is the financial support goal outlined in the Paris Agreement?
$100 billion in investments per year
This aims to assist countries in their climate action efforts.
Are commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement legally binding?
No
However, there are legal obligations to establish emissions tracking systems and conduct regular reporting.
What does the Paris Rulebook provide?
Detailed implementation guidelines for the Paris Agreement
Over 280 scientists from the IPCC contributed to updated methodologies for greenhouse gas inventories.
Is the Paris Agreement important for species survival?
Yes, it holds existential value for millions of species, including humans
The agreement represents a crucial effort to combat climate change through international cooperation.
