Studied by 0 people
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.
Note 
Flashcard (121)