6.3 Climate change - mitigation and adaptation

Why is global cooperation difficult to achieve?

• Due to the differing perspectives on the necessity of action. This is counterproductive because global issues require global solutions and cooperation.

State sovereignty and how can conflict with global cooperation?

State sovereignty - A government's right to rule over its land and people and decide what is best with all things connected to it.

Conflict with global cooperation: Countries may resist international climate agreements because they prioritise national interests, economic growth and energy security. For example, countries reliant on fossil fuels may oppose rapid emissions reductions because of potential economic costs.

Examples of global action to avoid the risk of catastrophic climate change

• Montreal Protocol → one of the most successful environment treaties due to its near-universal approval by all UN members to commit to reducing the use of ODS. This success has provided a model for addressing other global challenges, including climate change.

• Paris agreement 2015 → aims to reduce GHG emissions, showed that its possible to balance global goals with state sovereignty by allowing countries to set their own emission reduction targets while collectively aiming to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

•  UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) → International convention providing a framework for global cooperation on climate change. Has 3 main principles:

  • HICs have the most responsibility for cutting emissions

  • HICs should provide funding for LICs

  • All countries should provide regular reports progress and goals

Mitigation strategies

Strategies that address the causes of climate change directly by reducing greenhouse gas emissions or increasing carbon sinks. E.g. Switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy

• Aim to decrease the causes of climate change.

Decarbonisation of the economy

Reducing or ending the use of energy sources that result in CO₂ emissions and their replacement with renewable energy sources.

Carbon neutrality

When a country reaches the point where carbon emissions do not exceed the amount sequestered. (achieved via decarbonisation of the economy)

Three main mitigation strategies

Reducing the production of greenhouse gases:

• Changing consumer behaviour - renewable energy

• Government regulation and financial incentive

Removing CO₂ from the atmosphere:

• Carbon capture and storage (CCS)

• Nature-based solutions to remove carbon dioxide

Reducing the process of global warming:

• Geoengineering - The deliberate, large-scale manipulation of Earth's climate system to counteract climate change. E.g. Reflecting more solar radiation away from the Earth.

• Household changes

What is the aim of adaptation strategies?

To reduce adverse effects of climate change and maximise any positive consequences.

What are the two main adaptation strategies? List 2 examples for each.

Structural adaptation → physical changes to infrastructure and the environment.

• Flood defences, desalination plants and movable infrastructure

Non - structural adaptation → changes in practices, policies and behaviour.

• Building codes, vaccination programmes and adapting agricultural practices (such as

  drought-resistant crops),

What are NAPAs, and what is their purpose?

• National Adaptation Programmes of Action identify the urgent climate change adaptation priorities of least developed countries (LDCs).

• They focus on addressing the immediate impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities

What role does the UN Development Programme (UNDP) play in climate change adaptation?

• Helps developing countries obtain assistance to develop local priority activities.

• These activities address the immediate consequences of climate change.

What adaptation strategies does the Netherlands use to address climate change? (rising sea levels)

• Maeslant Barrier: Movable flood barrier protecting Rotterdam from North Sea storm surges.

• Sandmotor: Artificial peninsula that uses natural currents to distribute sand, strengthening beaches and dunes against erosion and sea-level rise.

• Approach: High-tech engineering, supported by significant financial resources and expertise

What adaptation strategies does Bangladesh use, and how do they differ from those in the Netherlands? (rising sea levels)

• Raised homes: Elevate houses above flood levels.

• Mangrove plantations: Reduce coastal erosion and help protect against storm surges.

• Early-warning systems and cyclone shelters: Give communities time to prepare and provide safe refuge.

• Approach: Greater emphasis on community-based and relatively low-cost strategies due to limited resources.