10.3 Why is there a debate over climate change?

What was the debate over climate change in the 1970’s? (Global warming debate)

What was the debate over climate change in the 1970’s? (Global warming debate)

Debate between:

• Scientists who believed global warming was happening

• Scientists who believed in glacial cooling and the imminent glacial period.

When was the IPCC established? (Global warming debate)

1988

How many scientists believe that global warming is happening? (Global warming debate)

97%

What did dissenters believe was the cause of global warming? How was this proven wrong? (Global warming debate)

• Rising temperatures in the first half of the 20th century = due to increased solar output and volcanic activity

• Continued rise in temperature despite reductions in solar output and volcanic activity disproved this.

When did the Kyoto Protocol take place? (The UN)

1997

What was the Kyoto Protocol? (The UN)

• Set legally binding targets for countries to reduce their CO₂ emissions

• 192 countries

• Though big emitters (China and the US) did not ratify.

What did the Kyoto Protocol recognise? (The UN)

• That major AC’s were responsible for global warming

• Therefore, placed heavier burden on these countries

What was the second commitment of the Kyoto Protocol and what did it result in? (The UN)

• Target of 18% reduction by 2020

• Canada, Japan, and Russia withdrew.

What do UN international climate chance conferences aim to achieve? Has this been successful? (The UN)

• Legally binding agreements to combat climate change

• 2009-2014 = conferences failed to reach agreement.

How does the European Union tackle climate change? Is this successful? (The EU)

• Each EU state has their own policies that compliment the European Climate Change Programme (EPCC)

• Very successful

• The EU leads the world in its commitment to tackling climate change

What are the EU’s targets for GHG emissions up to 2050? (The EU)

• Transform the EU into a low-carbon economy

• 20% of electricity to be generated from renewables

• 20% improvement in energy efficiency

What is the EU ETS scheme? (The EU)

• European Trading System

• Cap-and-trade scheme

How much of the EU’s emissions does the ETS scheme cover? (The EU)

45%

What is the target of the EU’s cap-and-trade scheme by 2030? (The EU)

Aims for a 62% reduction in emissions from power stations, industry, and aviation by 2030.

What legal act commits the UK government to reduce emissions? By how much? By when? (The UK)

• The Climate Change Act (2008)

• Reduce emissions by at least 80%

• By 2050

What is the UK’s strategy for reducing emissions? (The UK)

• Setting carbon budgets

• Reducing the demand for energy

• Investing in low-carbon technologies

• Reduce coal usage

How do carbon budgets help the UK government in reducing emissions? (The UK)

• Set every 5 years

• 2018-2022 = 35% decrease in emissions

How does the UK government reduce the demand for energy? (The UK)

• Promoting energy efficiency

• Reducing GHG emissions from transport and agriculture

What low-carbon technologies does the UK government invest in to help reduce their emissions? (The UK)

• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

• Growth of renewables

How has the UK reduce their coal usage? (The UK)

• Carbon taxes

• Switch to greener fuels

• UK’s remaining coal-fired stations, e.g. Ferrybridge, closed in 2015.

Why did India not ratify Kyoto? (India)

Believed AC’s should cover the costs of reducing emissions

What is India’s case for their responsibility in reducing emissions? (India)

• Their per capita energy consumption was far below the global average

• They were prioritising alleviating poverty

• Current high concentrations of CO₂ were due to AC emissions

What is India’s per capita energy consumption in comparison to the global average? (India)

• India = 1.7 tonnes

• Global average = 5 tonnes

What has India done to reduce emissions? (India)

• Established the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

• Aims to reduce emissions as a rate to its GDP

• Commitment is voluntary

• Aims to improve energy efficiency and develop renewables.

How is public opinion about climate changed shaped by the role of the media? (Media)

• Media misrepresentation

• Most people rely on magazines/newspapers/social media to gain their news

• These play a crucial role in shaping opinion.

What are right-leaning newspapers more likely to publish? What is an example? (Media)

• Report sceptical news

• The Times

• The Sunday Telegraph

What are left-leaning newspapers more likely to publish? What is an example? (Media)

• The Guardian

• Publish more factual information?

What was the BBC accused of? What do climate experts argue in response? (Media)

• False balance in an attempt to provide unbiased discussions.

• Climate experts argue that reporting should reflect the huge weight of scientific research in favour of climate change.

Who are the strongest opponents to climate change? (Opponents)

• Energy industries

• Major oil and gas corporations

• Mining companies

Why does the energy industry oppose climate change? (Opponents)

• Vested interest in maintaining the importance of fossil fuels

• Protecting their profits

• Believe CO₂ restrictions will weaken economic growth and create unemployment.

What is the significance of such opponents to to climate change? (Opponents)

• Have the resources to influence or manipulate the media and politicians

• Employ dissident scientists to reinforce their arguments.