EAES 101: Global Environmental Change Spring 2018 Possible Short Answer Question

Question

EAES 101: Global Environmental Change Spring 2018 Possible Short Answer Question 4: (20 points total) Reflect on anthropogenic climate change. A) Identify two changes in the Earth System that are evidence for contemporary anthropogenic climate change. For each change that provides a piece of evidence, discuss what it looks like and why that change is expected in light of anthropogenic climate change. (6 points) B) For each of the Earth System changes that you choose in A), identify an associated adverse consequence. For each adverse consequence, briefly discuss what it entails. (4 points)

Explanation / Answer

Anthropogenic climate change refers to the production of greenhouse gases emitted by human activity. By checking upon the polar ice and recording the evidences over time, the earth scientists are convinced that human activity has increased the proportion of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which has greatly impacted the atmosphere over the past few hundred years

Question B -

The evidence from surface temperature observations is strong.The observed global warming is highly significant relative to estimates of internal climate variability which, are consistent with estimates obtained from both instrumental data and palaeoclimate reconstructions. It is extremely unlikely (<5%) that recent global warming is due to internal variability alone. The widespread nature of the warming reduces the possibility that the warming could have resulted from internal variability.There are no evidence of such widespread increase in the global temperature.Some internal variabilty can lead to global warming for shorter duration and it also contains some cooler spots too. In addition, palaeoclimatic evidence indicates that El Niño variability during the 20th century is not unusual relative to earlier periods.

The most potent of the greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N20). Alarmingly, these are a result of anthropogenic climate change, and the gases are at the highest levels for over 650,000 years.

Question C-

Regarding the policies set up to met the urgent requirements.

Climate-change policy encompasses policies formulated specifically to tackle climate change , this can be local , national or international depending on the risk. These broadly fall into two categories; those designed to minimise the extent of climate change – climate change mitigation – and those intended to minimise risks and seize upon new opportunities – climate change adaptation.

-Implications of net energy-return-on-investment for a low-carbon energy transition

Energy systems are transitioning from fossil fuel sources to renewable sources with lower net energy generation. Using the concept of energy return on investment, this study finds that net energy per capita is likely to greatly decrease without more efficiency savings or energy infrastructure.

-Bottom-up linking of carbon markets under far-sighted cap coordination and reversibility

Meeting mitigation targets requires domestic action and international cooperation. This study uses game-theoretic modelling to understand carbon-market linkages and to show the conditions that facilitate global coalition formation.

Question D-

Climate change policies and their mode of implementation.

Many countries have adopted national programmes aimed at reducing emissions.

Some of which are -
    -increased use of renewable energy (wind, solar, biomass) and combined heat and power installations;

    -improved energy efficiency in buildings, industry, household appliances;

    -reduction of CO2 emissions from new passenger cars;
  
    -abatement measures in the manufacturing industry;
  
    -measures to reduce emissions from landfills.

Revision and strengthening of the Emissions Trading System (ETS)- a cap on the emission with a linear annual reduction until 2020 and beyond; and an expansion of the system to new sectors and gases.

Binding national targets for renewable energy: this will help reduce and their dependence on imported energy as well as bring down GHG emissions.

A legal framework to promote the development and safe use of carbon capture and storage (CCS).

Ways of implementing on low levels and contribution of every single -

Promoting action by Member States: The Commission will encourage all Member States to adopt comprehensive adaptation strategies and will provide funding to help them build up their adaptation capacities and take action. It will also support adaptation in cities by launching a voluntary commitment.

'Climate-proofing' action at different levels by further promoting adaptation in key vulnerable sectors such as agriculture, fisheries and cohesion policy,ensuring that every action is made more resilient, and promoting the use of insurance against natural and man-made disasters.

Better informed decision-making by addressing gaps in knowledge about adaptation and further developing the different climate adaptation platform (Climate-ADAPT) as the 'one-stop shop'.

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