Week 11 Flashcards
What are some numbers with respect to glacier loss due to climate change?
total glacier volume will be reduced by 21+- 6 % but some regions can lose up to 75%.
What is likely to occur to late summer sea ice?
It likely to no longer exist in a decade or two
What is the IPCC, What do they predict for the future?
International panel on climate change
- Warming of the atmosphere and ocean
- Diminishing snow and ice
- Sea level rise
- Increased GHG concentrations
What are the best things we can do to change climate?
Act in a manor that is sustainable,
our society must be quick to respond, reducing CO2 content.
What three options do we have in responding to climate change?
- Do little or nothing, this will result in catastrophic effects.
- Adaptation, Seek methods to reduce the vulnerability of soical and biological systems to relatively sudden change (i.e. Build a wall)
- Mitigation, Take Actions to limit the magnitude or rate of long term climate change. Best method.
What is UNFCC, What did they do?
United nations Framwork Convention on Climate Change.
Set a FRAMEWORK - Set objectives, roles responsibilites of participating countries.
When did the kyoto protocol occur? what is its significance?
1997, First ever binding international agreement that sets targets to reduce greenhouse emissions
Which countries have the highest GHG emissions?
China, USA, Europe, India, Russia, Japan, Canada
What were some actions the UNFCCC took to try help build a framework against climate change? (3)
- Made common by diffeentiated responsibilities based off of capabilities (poor vs. Rich)
- Anticipate, pevent and minimize adverse effects in the most cost effective manner
- promote sustainable economic growth and development in all parties
What is the euphemism North vs. South mean?
Developed vs. Developing countries, what role each play in the development of a sustainable future.
Why did more developing countries sign up for the UNFCCC?
Because developed countries are required to give finacial support to these countries in order for sustainable development.
What was the background of the kyoto protical? (3)
Reduce GHG from developed contries by 2012,
- intergrated other GHG’s
- introduced a carbon market.
What about the Paris agreement in 2015?
Still in its infancy, The top 7 GHG emitters are involved, Very promising.