Mitigating Climate Change

Question 1

What are the three key elements of mitigation?

Answer 1

Setting targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; switching to renewable sources of energy; ‘capturing’ carbon emissions and/or storing or burying them (sequestration).

Question 2

What is the temperature goal of the Paris Climate Deal (COP21)?

Answer 2

Aim to limit the increase of global temperatures to 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

Question 3

How does the Paris Climate Deal support developing countries?

Answer 3

Support for developing countries.

Question 4

How does the Paris Climate Deal involve the public?

Answer 4

Public interaction and awareness schemes.

Question 5

How often do countries meet under the Paris Climate Deal?

Answer 5

Meet every 5 years to review and improve goals.

Question 6

What are the three targets of the EU 20‑20‑20 initiative?

Answer 6

20% reduction in GHG emissions; commitment to 20% of energy coming from renewable sources; 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020.

Question 7

Under what condition will the EU increase its emissions reduction target to 30%?

Answer 7

If major GHG producing countries also improve their targets.

Question 8

What is the legally binding target set by the Climate Change Act 2008?

Answer 8

To reduce GHG emissions by 80% of 1990 levels by 2050.

Question 9

What were the original and updated 2020 targets under the Climate Change Act?

Answer 9

A target of 26% by 2020 which has recently increased to 34%.

Question 10

What two mechanisms were created under the Climate Change Act to support progress?

Answer 10

National carbon budgets and the Independent Committee on Climate Change to help the government and report on progress that is being made.

Question 11

What local-scale actions can help mitigate climate change?

Answer 11

Improving home insulation; recycling; using energy more wisely and use of smart meters and using public transport or car sharing schemes and calculating personal carbon footprints.