3. Climate Change & Urban Adaptation: Policies, Impacts, and City Strategies

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

The process by which greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperatures.

Name four major greenhouse gases.

Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide, and Fluorinated Gas.

What does UNFCCC stand for?

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

What is the primary goal of the UNFCCC?

To combat climate change by limiting average global temperature increases and coping with inevitable impacts.

How many parties are involved in the UNFCCC?

197 Parties.

What is the significance of the Conference of Parties (COP)?

It is a meeting where parties to the UNFCCC come together to negotiate and implement climate change policies.

When was the first COP meeting held?

In March 1995 in Berlin, Germany.

What is the Paris Agreement?

A legally binding international treaty on climate change adopted by 196 Parties at COP21 in Paris on December 12, 2015.

What are the goals of COP 27 held in 2022?

To reduce emissions, help countries prepare for climate change, and secure technical support and funding for developing countries.

What was the focus of COP 28 in 2023?

The 'beginning of the end' of the fossil fuel era, funding arrangements for loss and damage, and enhancing global resilience.

What is the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) set for COP 29 in 2024?

To mobilize at least $300 billion per year to help developing countries tackle climate change.

What are the six lines of evidence that indicate climate change?

Surface temperature changes, extreme weather events, cloud bursts, human fingerprints on emissions, per capita emissions, and ecosystem responses.

What are the expected impacts of climate change?

Increased warming, changes in precipitation patterns, and more extreme weather events.

What is the difference between mitigation and adaptation in response to climate change?

Mitigation involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while adaptation involves adjusting to changes to minimize harm.

What is the consensus threshold for global warming that significantly increases risks?

2°C.

What are some strategies for climate change adaptation in urban areas?

Geothermal energy, solar thermal, reforestation, water conservation, and green infrastructure.

How can climate change exacerbate existing environmental problems?

By worsening socio-economic conditions and inequalities, leading to compounding challenges.

What percentage of the EU's population is urban?

About 75%.

Why is urban adaptation to climate change important?

Cities are often in biodiversity hotspots and have complex needs with limited capacity to cope with climate impacts.

What is the role of coordinated action at local and regional scales in climate adaptation?

To accelerate action at larger scales and enhance overall effectiveness in addressing climate change.

What are some vulnerabilities of coastal cities to climate change?

They often lack sufficient green space, have variable housing quality, and are heavy resource users dependent on external supplies.

What is the heat island effect?

It refers to urban areas being significantly warmer than their rural surroundings due to human activities.

What adaptation needs were identified for Liverpool?

More resilient infrastructure, disaster preparation, energy efficiency, and increased green space.

What significant climate change goal did Liverpool City Council declare in 2019?

To become a Net Zero Carbon city by 2030.

What was Liverpool's carbon emissions reduction target by 2024?

A 35% reduction from 2005 levels.

What are the main action plans outlined for Liverpool's climate strategy?

Enabling Actions, Energy Demand Actions, Transport Action, Energy Supply Actions, and SEAP Progression Actions.

What was a major outcome of Hurricane Sandy in New York City?

It highlighted vulnerabilities related to flooding, sea level rise, and infrastructure weaknesses.

What is the purpose of NYC's climate change panel established in 2008?

To monitor climate change impacts and develop strategies for resilience.

What is meant by 'flexible adaptation pathways' in long-term planning?

It refers to adjusting strategies based on new information and experiences over time.

What progress has NYC made in reducing emissions?

The city government has cut emissions by 19 percent.

What role do building code regulations play in NYC's climate strategy?

They require retrofitting and upgrades for buildings of a certain size to improve energy efficiency.

What are some challenges faced by high-level climate strategies in cities?

They often provide a framework without clear actions, leading to simplified and incomplete accounts of impacts.

What is the significance of multidisciplinary teams in addressing climate change?

They provide diverse perspectives and expertise necessary for effective strategies.

What did the Sustainable Cities Index rank Liverpool for climate change policy?

4th for climate change policy, strategy, and action planning.

What are the identified impacts of climate change on Liverpool?

High winds, increased flooding, severe weather events, and sea level rise.

What is the importance of stakeholder engagement in climate strategies?

It ensures that diverse needs and vulnerabilities are understood and addressed.

What is the role of the Commission on Environmental Sustainability in Liverpool?

To review climate change strategies and recommend actions for adaptation.

What does SEAP stand for in the context of Liverpool's climate action plan?

Sustainable Energy Action Plan.

What is a key aspect of NYC's PlaNYC sustainability strategy?

Linking sustainability and resiliency measures with yearly progress reports.

How does urban sensitivity relate to climate change strategies?

Urban areas are highly sensitive to climate impacts, necessitating tailored strategies.

What is the significance of transport actions in Liverpool's climate plan?

They focus on reducing emissions through new national CO2 regulations and alternative fuel strategies.

What is a major critique of Liverpool's climate change strategic framework?

It lacks clear actions for adapting to climate change and achieving sustainability goals.

What does the term 'interconnected infrastructure' imply in climate planning?

It refers to the need for planning that considers the relationships between different systems across regions.

What is the role of energy supply actions in Liverpool's climate strategy?

To increase energy production and discuss transforming the UK's energy system.

What lessons can be learned from New York City's approach to climate resilience?

The importance of context-driven strategies and the need for immediate action.