GEO 11 Final
where do agricultural emissions mainly come from and what is the percentage
Farming/agriculture are responsible for about 6 Gt CO2 eq (12%) per year of worldwide GHG emissions (similar to transportation). Agricultural emissions have stabilized in recent years. An increasingly large share comes from the developing world à responsible for 75% of worldwide agricultural GHG emissions. Net CO2 emissions from agriculture are negligible à plants consume CO2 at the same rate they produce it.
which country produces the highest percentage of its electrical energy from nuclear reactors
France
carbon source/sink
5BP36-38
what is geoengineering
5CP2
What are some examples of geoengineering
5CP2-7
are these sound/safe strategies
5CP2-7
if so, then why are they being discussed
5CP8
what is a carbon tax
A carbon cost is an amount the consumer must pay (as a tax or part of an emission permit) for the emission of one metric ton of CO2
what is the main agricultural emission
CH4
what is meant by the term "carbon footprint"
Your personal contribution (in metric tons of CO2 eq per year) to the problem of global warming.
what is currently the most wide-spread renewable energy source
hydroelectric: Production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water
why is the ozone hole harmful
increase skin cancer, damage to plants/ animals
what is an externality
Costs of climate change imposed on the world, not on the companies doing the polluting.
can this be significantly expanded in the future
Most of the world's large rivers are already dammed à cannot drastically increase hydroelectric energy production.
what does "peak oil" mean
-projected impending depletion of readily available petroleum reserves.
how can we, as individuals, modify our lifestyles to help reduce GHG emissions
-Better insolation. -Passive solar heating. -Using fans/opening windows for air conditioning. decrease the amount of energy used in your home by installing solar panels maximize energy efficiency in your home by using a "smart" energy management system drive alone less or drive an electric hybrid vehicle clotheslines make an excellent substitute for electric dryers commute to work by bicycle or on foot replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs remember to recycle appliances that are not in use be unplugged, reducing electricity leakage
why are many of these modifications "no-regret" changes?
-Improving our quality of life. -Conserving natural resources. -Facilitating greater environmental sustainability. -Better insolation. -Passive solar heating. -Using fans/opening windows for air conditioning.
what are some examples of carbon free and carbon neutral energy sources
-Increased use of carbon free (nuclear, solar, wind) or carbon neutral (biofuels) energy sources.
what are the obstacles to the success of these measures
-Persistent preference for poor fuel efficiency vehicles. -Targeted corporate advertising campaigns that reinforce these preferences. -Lobbying efforts by car companies to keep fuel efficiency standards low. •Not only are proactive government policies required, but also greater corporate accountability and personal acceptance of responsibility by individual citizens.
what are the important factors in assessing the vulnerability of ecosystems to climate change
-Potential rate of change -Additional stresses imposed by human activity. -Barriers to adaptation and migration imposed by human activity, human settlement, and infrastructure (roads, pipelines).
what does this imply-- action or inaction
-Recent estimates of the economic damage from unbridled CO2 emissions are 1-5% of GDP by 2100. -Avoiding these damages by avoiding 3°C (5.4oF) warming by 2100 would slow annual economic growth by only 0.06%, reducing estimated growth from 2.3 to 2.24% per year.
why is a focus on water-efficient alternative energy production prudent
-Since water scarcity is a growing concern in many regions, a focus on water-efficient alternative energy production is prudent.
Loss of agricultural productivity?
Adaptation strategies to protect against climate change impacts on agriculture, livestock and fisheries: Changing crop varieties, locations, & planting schedules in response to changing temperature & precipitation patterns. Such approaches could lead to increased crop yields in mid-latitudes, and potentially maintain current yields in tropical latitudes with moderate warming. With larger warming, water stress may limit the benefits of adaptive strategies. Implementation will require rethinking governmental policies and creation of new institutions to facilitate change at the local level.
what countries are projected to dramatically increase their share of transport-related emissions
China and India
where in the world is per-capita energy consumption highest
China and India
Why are regulations needed to reduce GHGs
Externality à Costs of climate change imposed on the world, not on the companies doing the polluting. No incentive for emitter to reduce emissions. Tragedy of the commons à When people can exploit and degrade a common asset for free, the asset tends to be overutilized: Overfishing is depleting fish in the ocean; Logging is destroying the rainforests; GHGs are driving climate change. Root economic cause of climate change problem à free for emitters to dump CO2 into atmosphere
are there economic incentives to mitigate? If not, why not
Externality à Costs of climate change imposed on the world, not on the companies doing the polluting. No incentive for emitter to reduce emissions. Tragedy of the commons à When people can exploit and degrade a common asset for free, the asset tends to be overutilized: Overfishing is depleting fish in the ocean; Logging is destroying the rainforests; GHGs are driving climate change. Root economic cause of climate change problem à free for emitters to dump CO2 into atmosphere
what are some cons of hydropower energy sources
Most of the world's large rivers are already dammed à cannot drastically increase hydroelectric energy production. Other issues: ecosystem damage, loss of land, CH4 emissions, relocation.
where does deforestation/reforestation happen
Previously cleared agricultural land in the US and Europe have returned to forests over last several decades, becoming carbon sinks. The developing world, however, is repeating history: Aggressively cutting down & burning trees, especially in tropical South and Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. From 2000-2012, an area roughly the size of Alaska & Texas were lost to deforestation. •The new carbon influx from tropical deforestation has been partially offset by reforestation (Europe, America). -Current deforestation emissions are 4.5-5.5 Gt CO2 eq per year. -Encouragingly, these emissions have declined in recent years. -This decline has primary come from high-income countries. -Low income countries have increased deforestation. •On the flip side, approximately 3.3 Gt CO2 eq per year is taken up through reforestation. •The most expeditious way to reduce CO2 emissions à prevent deforestation. •Reforestation of tropical forests has often been unsuccessful: May not be a significant carbon sink during this century. •Developed countries (dark blue) have become net carbon sinks after a long history of deforestation.
How are they projected to change
Rate of transport emissions is projected to increase even further over future decades, fueled by continued global economic growth and population increase. •Land-based transport will continue to dominate GHG emissions in the decades ahead, but air travel is projected to make increasing contributions. •Much of the future increase in transport-related energy consumption is likely to come from a combination of personal (light-duty) vehicles and freight trucks.
why does switchgrass have the potential to yield biofuel more efficiently than corn
Switchgrass is more hardy with respect to soil and climate conditions. Requires less fertilizer & herbicide relative to corn. It is not a food crop.
what is the advantage of a carbon tax
To solve the problem à carbon tax à shift the cost of emissions back onto the emitter à "polluter pays" principle. Cheaper than a conventional approach (e.g., all emitters must meet a single standard) due to its flexibility. Costs of reducing emissions eventually passed on to consumers à net effect of a carbon tax is to raise the price of goods and services by an amount proportional to the amount of GHGs produced. Goods/services that produce small (large) GHG emissions à small (large) price increase. Encourages less consumption of GHG-intensive goods, substitution of non-GHG energy sources & development of new technologies. Emission reductions are made where they are cheapest, lowering overall cost to society.
what are some measures UC has implemented as part of this initative
UCD unveiled a 16.3 MW solar power plant in 2015. -Will generate 14% of UCD's total electricity needs. -Expected to reduce UCD's carbon footprint by 9%. •August 2016 à opening of the Five Points Solar Park in Fresno County: -60 MW solar power installation (271,200 panels) built to supply renewable energy to the University of California. -The power supplied by the new solar farm represents roughly 14 percent of the total UC system's electricity usage.
which country produces the most nuclear energy
USA
What does adaptive capacity mean?
ability or potential to respond successfully to climate variability and change
what is "CCS"
carbon capture and storage
home improvements?
decrease the amount of energy used in your home by installing solar panes maximize energy efficiency in your home by using a "smart" energy management system clotheslines make an excellent substitute for electric dryers appliances that are not in use can be unplugged, reducing electricity leakage replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient bulbs remember to recycle
besides fossil fuel burning, what is another source of GHG emissions
deforestation
is this related to developing versus developed countries
developing countries have a lower adaptive capacity and they have less resources
transportation
drive alone less or drive an electric or hybrid vehicle commute to work by bicycle or on foot
what does CO2 equivalent mean
expresses combined impact of multiple GHGs in terms of the equivalent amount of CO2
will the poor in developing countries experience greater losses as a result of climate change
far greater losses
What are some examples of adaptation?
first stage: protect the population and infrastructure through engineering solutions ex: empolderings: structurally reclaim inundated land coastal defenses: dikes, beach nourishment, they create impediments to inundation second stage: accommodation ex: allows for inundation, flood-proof structures floating agricultural systems third stage is retreat includes: managed, retreat, building of temporary sea walls, monitoring of coastal threat to determine if and when evacuation is necessary
how can adaptation help alleviate the threats of sea level rise?
first stage: protect the population and infrastructure through engineering solutions ex: empolderings: structurally reclaim inundated land coastal defenses: dikes, beach nourishment, they create impediments to inundation second stage: accommodation ex: allows for inundation, flood-proof structures floating agricultural systems third stage is retreat includes: managed, retreat, building of temporary sea walls, monitoring of coastal threat to determine if and when evacuation is necessary
What are the three stages of adaptation to protect coastal communities?
first stage: seeks to protect the population and infrastructure through engineering solutions second stage: accommodation third stage: retreat
why are they projected to change?
fueled by continued global economic growth and population increase.
which sector is the largest
global energy supply sector
How is this related to their adaptive capacity
have higher vulnerabilities because of their low adaptive capacity adaptation is more challenging for poorer countries because they have less resources
where do many species move to adapt to global warming
higher latitudes/altitudes
what is the law of diminishing returns
investing larger and larger amounts of money into carbon emission reductions leads to smaller incremental gains (except for the forestry sector).
are they responsible for climate change? if not, who is?
no the industrialized nations are
in the context of climate change, what is meant by adaptation?
offset effects of CO2 buildup
which countries have higher vulnerabilities?
poorer countries, China and Africa
mitigation
take actions to reduce CO2 buildup
if mitigation efforts are made, and adaptive capacities are enhanced, how will vulnerability change
vulnerability to climate change can be lessened if mitigation efforts are made and adaptive capacities are enhanced
what are some examples of renewable energy sources
wind, solar, geothermal
are biofuels involved
yes
do they have positive side benefits?
yes
is this related to mitigation
yes
Is CCS related to carbon sequestration
yeth
ucr?
•7,440 photovoltaic panels across an 11-acre site: -Silicon+sunlight = electricity production -Use GPS tracking to slowly follow the sun across the sky. •3% of the campus's total energy needs. •Was the largest solar farm in the UC system. •Projected savings to university is $4.3 million over 20 years. •UCR also received carbon and LEED credits that provide additional financial and environmental savings. -LEED = Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is the most widely used green building rating system in the world.
where does "ozone hole" occur
•A break down in the stratospheric ozone layer was measured at the South Pole in the early 1980s.
what is a potential solution
•A potential solution to climate change is to translate the social cost of carbon (SCC) into a carbon cost that is paid by the consumer who emits.
Decreasing/shifting fresh water resources?
•Adaptation procedures include: -Development of sea-water desalinization facilities. -Expansion of reservoirs and rainwater storage facilities. -Improvements in water-use efficiency and irrigation practices.
the industrial sector
•Although industries have taken steps to reduce pollution, the industry sector is still a major source of GHGs. •Source is growing à from 6 Gt CO2 eq in 1971 to 10 Gt CO2 eq in 2010. •In stringent scenarios where warming is capped at 3°C (5°F) above pre-industrial levels, severe reductions will be necessary by 2050 and 2100 to stabilize the warming. lCarbon cost of many of these industry-specific improvements is relatively affordable, making this sector an attractive one for targeted reductions. •CCS is another promising strategy to help realize industrial emission reductions. •CO2 can be captured before released into the atmosphere, and transferred underground via pipelines. •Possible repositories include coal and salt bends, depleted oil and gas reservoirs, and saline aquifers.
will it lead to a stabilization of GHG concentrations? Why?
•As emissions continue and rates increase, stabilizing GHG concentrations will become ever more challenging. •However, primary source for energy sector (coal and natural gas) could last for centuries.
How is this related to diet?
•Because livestock are resource intensive, switching from diets heavy in meat to more vegetarian diets may substantially decrease worldwide carbon emissions.
what are the problems that limit prospects for the widespread use of corn-based ethanol as a fuel
•Burning biofuels does not lead to an increase in GHGs: -For every gram of CO2 released when a biofuel is burned, a gram was removed from the atmosphere via photosynthesis. •Crops and agricultural residues can be used as crude biofuels (burned for heat), or they can be chemically altered to yield more efficient biofuels (ethanol, biodiesel). •Corn, one of the most widely grown cereal crops, can be readily converted into ethanol. •However, ethical consideration associated with the prospect of trading food for energy, when starvation/malnutrition still afflict many people, especially in developing countries. •Process used to convert corn to ethanol is not very efficient: -Requires tremendous amounts of energy and water, limiting gains.
what is the damage of acid rain
•By the 1970s, large parts of NE US and eastern Canada (and Europe) were plagued by the problem of Acid Rain: -Fish and other aquatic life died off in startling numbers. -Trees were killed. -In some cases, historic monuments/structures were destroyed. Research implicated the sulfate & nitrate aerosol particles produced by factories located in the American Midwest: Aerosols were being carried downwind, where they dissolved in rainfall to form sulfuric and nitric acid.
in forest sector, how is CO2 released into the atmosphere
•CO2 is released into the atmosphere through: -Deforestation. -Combustion of timber for energy. -Gradual decay of lumber used in construction.
how can we mitigate against climate change
•Can be realistically achieved by significant reductions in fossil-fuel burning rates. •Mitigation against CO2 buildup leads to a substantial reduction in vulnerability in all but a few select regions of Europe, Africa, and China. •Over the next few decades, mitigation efforts will primary benefit developing countries; by end-of-the-century, all nations will benefit.
agricultural sector
•Carbon is absorbed by and stored in plants: -Farming/grazing lands thus represent large potential carbon stores (sequestered away from the atmosphere). -The land's ability to sequester carbon has decreased significantly, due to heavy-handed agricultural practices (e.g., overtilling soils). •Improved management of agricultural lands will restore their ability to sequester CO2. •Positive management practices include: -Reducing soil tillage. -Restoring carbon-absorbing organic soils. •Can also decrease agricultural emissions by: -More efficient fertilizer delivery methods can minimize N2O. -Rice paddies can be better managed to reduce CH4 production. -Using alternate feeds (adding industry byproducts, like cooking fat) can reduce CH4 emission from ruminants.
what does this imply
•Climate change will likely redistribute resources in a "reverse Robin Hood" fashion: -Unfair to developing countries, such as Bangladesh. -Cost of inaction to these nations may be incalculable. •Given this unbalanced scenario, is it fair for the industrialized nations—the primary GHG emitters—to be the ones calling the shots and determining if action is worth taking?
according to economists, how does the cost of emissions reduction compare to the economic damage that will result from climate change
•Economists say the formidable cost of emission reductions may actually be less than the economic damage that will result from climate change. -Recent estimates of the economic damage from unbridled CO2 emissions are 1-5% of GDP by 2100. -Avoiding these damages by avoiding 3°C (5.4oF) warming by 2100 would slow annual economic growth by only 0.06%, reducing estimated growth from 2.3 to 2.24% per year.
is the capacity for organisms/ecosystems to adapt limited?
•Ecosystems have some capacity to adapt: -Already evidence that many species are moving towards higher latitudes/altitudes. •But rates of adaptation and the ultimate capacity of organisms and ecosystems to adapt to rapid environmental change are limited. •Many think if we don't act now, the stress of climate change will be the "straw that broke the camel's back".
How have GHG emissions in the transport sector changed
•Emissions in the transport sector are increasing at an even faster rate than those in the energy sector.
what is the social cost of carbon used for
•Emissions reduction passes a cost-benefit analysis only when the the cost of carbon reduction is less than the SCC. -As long as it costs less than $30-40 to offset the emissions of a typical American driving 10,000 miles/year. •Estimates of the immediate cost of mitigation fall below this threshold, but rise rapidly in the future, especially if we delay action to reduce fossil fuel emissions. •SCC can be used to set the value of carbon credits: -Credits issued to nations for reducing carbon emissions (Kyoto Protocol), or level of taxation. •If the SCC is $30, a 9 cent/gallon gasoline tax would offset the cost incurred by society for the damage of driving 10,000 mi/year. Prominent economist William Nordhaussequates such a tax with other taxes on harmful practices (e.g., smoking
why is international cooperation essential for solving the climate change problem
•The atmosphere does not recognize national boundaries: -When pollutants (GHGs, industrial aerosols) are emitted, they travel great distances, crossing oceans and continents. •No single nation can solve the problems created by atmospheric pollutants. •Although solving global warming seems daunting, history provides precedent for cooperation between nations in solving environmental problems.
how is this related to the ethical concerns of climate change
•Ethical concerns may call for action, even when the cost-benefit analysis does not. •While many are projected to suffer some income loss as a result of climate change, the poor in developing countries are likely to experience far greater losses. •Climate change will likely redistribute resources in a "reverse Robin Hood" fashion: -Unfair to developing countries, such as Bangladesh. -Cost of inaction to these nations may be incalculable. •Given this unbalanced scenario, is it fair for the industrialized nations—the primary GHG emitters—to be the ones calling the shots and determining if action is worth taking?
what are some environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered automobiles
•Hydrogen fuel cells provide a "carbon-free" alternative to fossil-fuel based transportation. -Hydrogen is made using renewable resources like water, using electrolysis, or natural gas reformation. -This process still produces GHGs, but less than traditional vehicles. Electric cars à ~3 times more efficient than conventional cars; No tail-pipe emissions . •MPGe = # miles a vehicle can travel using a quantity of "fuel" that has the same energy content as one gallon of gasoline. -A gallon of gasoline = 33 kilowatt-hours of battery power. -For Tesla Model S, 33 kilowatt hours will yield ~95 miles traveled à Model S has a 95 MPGe. •Source of electricity to charge battery à still some emissions. battery electric vehicle, fuel cell electric vehicle, plug-in hybrids
if point emission is credited, which sector has the largest potential for GHG reductions, at the point of emissions or end use
•If point emission is credited, then the largest reductions would be in the energy supply sector; for end-use, buildings sector rises in importance.
what is the university of california's carbon neutrality initiative
•In 2013, UC President Janet Napolitano committed the University of California system to a goal of zero carbon emissions by 2025.
how can the buildings sector reduce GHG emissions
•Including its energy use, the commercial and residential buildings sector is one the largest emitters of GHGs à 19% of total CO2 eq per year in 2010. •Two ways the buildings sector could reduce is carbon footprint: -Reduce energy consumption in construction and building operation. -Switch to low-carbon/carbon free energy sources. •Reducing energy use means reducing heating and cooling loads. Accomplished through: -Passive solar design (taking advantage of available solar energy). -Better insulation. -High efficiency lighting, appliances, heating/cooling systems. -High-reflectivity building materials, multiple glazing in windows. •Zero net energy building is now achievable.
what are some cons of nuclear energy sources
•Increased use of nuclear energy (which accounts for ~7% of the global energy supply) is limited by a number of factors: -Restricted availability of uranium, security consideration, safety issues, and limited public support. •However, localized and variable availability of these sources are obstacles to widespread use in major urban centers. Concerns: Reactor safety, nuclear waste, expensive to build, proliferation/terrorists. Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, Fukushima.
what is the "social cost of carbon"
•Integrated assessment modeling, which accounts for economic considerations and climate change, can be used to estimate the "social cost of carbon" (SCC). -Cost to society—in terms of environmental and financial damage—of emitting one additional metric ton (1.1 U.S tons) of carbon over a time horizon (usually 2100).
temperatures have been fluctuating on Earth since the planet developed an atmosphere, why is climate change all of a sudden a big problem?
•Organisms will not necessarily be able to adapt/survive: -Fossil fuel reserves have the capacity to boost atmospheric CO2 level higher and faster than that in the last million years. -Human land-use, construction, pollution and other constraints make adaptation a different game than it used to be.
how can public policy measures help
•Public policy measures can help the mitigation of transport-related emissions, particularly in countries that are still in the process of establishing transportation systems. •Careful urban planning can: -Reduce commuting distances. -Provide better access to public transport. -Make public transportation a more appealing option. •Governments can raise mandatory fuel standards. •Taxation/fees can encourage the use of efficient vehicles.
to counter the long-term impacts of climate change, what is our best hope for the future
•Reducing emissions is our best hope for the future, when adaptation alone will be insufficient to counter the long-term impacts on society, the environment, and economy.
how is the social cost of carbon estimated
•SCC estimates range from a few US dollars per metric ton to several hundred. -Central estimates are ~$30-40, but this may be an underestimate because it does not account for the increased likelihood of extreme events, possible abrupt climate change, and their costs. •The typical American who drives 10,000 miles/year emits 1 metric ton of carbon imposes a cost of $30-40 to society. -Driver is not penalized for these damages (borne by society as a whole). -Adds up quickly, given number of drivers
what is the social cost of carbon's central value
•SCC estimates range from a few US dollars per metric ton to several hundred. -Central estimates are ~$30-40, but this may be an underestimate because it does not account for the increased likelihood of extreme events, possible abrupt climate change, and their costs. •The typical American who drives 10,000 miles/year emits 1 metric ton of carbon à imposes a cost of $30-40 to society. -Driver is not penalized for these damages (borne by society as a whole). -Adds up quickly, given number of drivers
how would a carbon tax affect consumption and development of non-carbon energy sources
•Taxation would not only reduce consumption, but also provide an incentive for the development of non-carbon energy sources.
how can we reduce emissions in the transport sector
•Technological innovations & improved air traffic management could result in better fuel efficiency in the aviation sector. •Increased reliance on buses, trains, and other public transport, car-pooling, non-motorized transportation (walking, cycling) could also help curb emissions.
what economic sectors are the largest contributors to GHG emissions?
•The largest contributor to current GHG emissions is the global energy supply sector à 17 Gt CO2 eq annually. •Other sectors also substantially contribute: -Agriculture and Forestry (12 Gt CO2 eq annually) -Industry (10 Gt CO2 eq annually) -Transportation (7 Gt CO2 eq annually)
forestry
•The new carbon influx from tropical deforestation has been partially offset by reforestation (Europe, America). -Current deforestation emissions are 4.5-5.5 Gt CO2 eq per year. -Encouragingly, these emissions have declined in recent years. -This decline has primary come from high-income countries. -Low income countries have increased deforestation. •On the flip side, approximately 3.3 Gt CO2 eq per year is taken up through reforestation. •The most expeditious way to reduce CO2 emissions à prevent deforestation. •Reforestation of tropical forests has often been unsuccessful: -May not be a significant carbon sink during this century.
how is water related to energy generation
•Transportation and electricity generation consume a considerable amount of water. -Water is used in extraction & processing of fossil fuels. -Biofuel production is extremely water intensive because of irrigation needs. -Although wind & solar photovoltaic energy require little water, geothermal & hydroelectric are highly water sensitive. •Substitution of alternative energies for fossil fuels can certainly reduce carbon consumption, but could also strain the world's water supplies.
what is of the highest priority
•Waste avoidance & reduction is of the highest priority.
waste management
•Waste disposal is a significant problem facing an ever-expanding and consumptive world: -GHG emissions are about 3% of total global emissions (1.5 Gt CO2 eq annually). •Largest share comes from landfills, primarily in the form of CH4: -Bacteria that decompose waste in the oxygen-depleted interior of landfills produce CH4 (well-aerated landfills produce CO2). •Methane could be used to generate energy. •Inefficient landfills: weak carbon sinks (0.2 Gt CO2 eq annually). •Possible to burn our waste using state-of-the-art technology that prevents potential pollution generated by incineration. •US emissions from waste in landfills has decreased by 27% from 1990 to 2010: -Methane capture; increased composting/recycling. •Waste avoidance & reduction is of the highest priority. •Reuse, recycling & energy recovery are next. •Significant gains are possible: -Only 20% of municipal waste is recycled. -Only 13.5% is treated for energy recovery.
what are some factors that determine it
•Where do you live? -There are regional differences in energy sources used to generate electrical power, and these affect emissions. •How many people live in your home? -Your carbon footprint is smaller if the energy used is shared. •What type of vehicle and how many miles per year do you drive? -Gas mileage affects emissions. •How often do you fly, and are they short or long flights? -Airline travel is a big contributor to emissions. -Short trips use more energy per mile (takeoffs fuel-intensive). •Do you heat with natural gas, heating oil or propane? How much is a typical monthly heating bill? What is your typical monthly electric bill? •Do you eat red meat, just chicken and fish, or are you a vegetarian? -The activities that put these foods on your table have different carbon emissions. •Do you eat mostly local foods and buy mostly local products, or do you prefer imported goods? -Long-haul freight consumes fossil fuel aggressively. •What types of recreation do you prefer?
what are the contributions of different sectors to GHG emissions
•global energy supply sector à 17 Gt CO2 eq annually. -Agriculture and Forestry (12 Gt CO2 eq annually) -Industry (10 Gt CO2 eq annually) Transportation(7 Gt CO2eq annually
if there are no insurmountable technological or scientific reasons why we can't mitigate against climate change, why has it been so difficult to do so
•only barrier is society itself. •Although many countries are attempting to reduce emissions, the emissions continue to grow, and atmospheric CO2 levels are climbing at rates that exceed previous projections. •Largely because there are few economic incentives for emission reduction, especially the two largest emitting nations, US and China.