Summary of topic 7.3
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This document discusses climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. It defines mitigation as actions to reduce or stabilize greenhouse gas emissions. Methods of mitigation mentioned include reducing energy consumption, emissions from agriculture and deforestation, switching to renewable energies, carbon sequestration, and geoengineering techniques. Policy strategies are outlined at national and individual levels, including limiting carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy and forestation. The Kyoto Protocol is summarized as an international agreement for countries to reduce greenhouse gases through emissions trading and carbon offsetting via forestation. It was extended until 2020 and strengthened by the Paris Accords.
Summary of topic 7.3
- 1. Topic 7 Climate change and energy production 7.3 Climate change – mitigation and adaptation
- 2. Mitigation • ‘An action to reduce the severity or seriousness of an unpleasant situation’ • In terms of climate change this refers to actions to reduce/stabilise emissions of greenhouse gases or remove them from the atmosphere
- 3. Mitigation • Greenhouse gases may be reduced by: – Reducing energy consumption – Reducing emissions of NOx (fertilisers) and methane (cow farts) in agriculture – Using alternatives to fossil fuels – Using biomass as a fuel (carbon neutral) – Geo-engineering – Reducing deforestation/encouraging aforestation
- 4. Geo-engineering • ‘Large-scale engineering interventions in the Earth’s natural systems to try to counteract climate change’ • Examples include: – Orbiting mirrors to reflect solar energy – Artificial ‘trees’ to absorb CO2 – Ocean fertilisation to create phytoplankton blooms – Exposing minerals such as calcium oxide to absorb CO2 http://edroness.blogspot.mx/2014/03/blog-post.html
- 5. Pollution Management Strategies to Reduce Global Warming (Policy) • Control the release of greenhouse gases • Reduce the rate of deforestation • Increase tree planting programmes • Develop renewable energy resources • Reduce car use and improve public transport • Set national limits on carbon emissions • Use carbon credits and carbon trading to offset CO2 emissions • Develop methods to sequester carbon from the atmosphere (biological and chemical)
- 6. Pollution Management Strategies to Reduce Global Warming (Individuals) • Grow your own food • Buy locally grown produce • Use energy efficient products (e.g. light bulbs) • Reduce heating your house/ improve insulation • Use less electricity and unplug appliances • Turn off lights when not in use • Reduce use of air conditioning and refrigerants • Don’t waste water (take showers instead of baths) • Walk and use a bike/ use cars less/ use public transport • Use biofuels • Eat less meat • Get involved in public education/ activism United Nations Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (UNREDD)
- 7. The Kyoto Protocol • In 1997, 183 countries signed this agreement to try to keep global greenhouse gases at a stable level • It came into force in 2005 • Each country’s emissions were divided into credits and they were allowed to buy and sell them • Countries are also able to offset their emissions by planting trees (an alternative to buying carbon credits) • The US and Australia signed but refused to ratify the Kyoto Protocol • Canada signed and ratified it, but has since withdrawn from its obligations
- 8. The Future of the Kyoto Protocol • The original agreement was due to end in 2012 • Representatives of the signatories met in December 2012 to discuss its future • It was extended until 2020. Richer nations agreed in principle to compensate poorer nations • The Paris Accords (2015) strengthened nations’ commitment to climate change mitigation and was signed by the U.S. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAsGnGWZS1M&list=PLITAq0aJinsQLtj9dV3Q1tHoSIK76sczW http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpiM2LuK4O4&list=PLITAq0aJinsQLtj9dV3Q1tHoSIK76sczW