how have the UK’s GHG emissions changed over time
- 1980 -> 2020 - decreased by 45%
- peaked in 1971 at over 150 million tonnes
- 1850 - 1900 increased 3 fold
what is the UK aim for GHG emissions
80% reduction by 2050
why has the UK emissions decreased over time
- shift away from coal (19%) towards natural gas (35%)
- development of nuclear power stations - Hinkley Point C (£30bn)
- improvements in energy conservation - BEDZED
- international agreements - Kyoto - 7% reduction
what are the opportunities to the UK of climate change
- vineyards
- tourist destinations e.g. Blackpool may benefit
what are the threats to the UK of climate change
- sea level rise threatens Somerset Levels and Thames
- urban heat island effect
- flooding in Glasgow
what are the challenges of mitigation and adaptation strategies in the UK
- technological
- political
- socio-economic
what is the technological challenge to mitigation strategies in the UK
Nuclear Power - a viable fuel shift - expensive/time lag/opportunity cost - Hinkley Point C £35bn and over 10 years
what are the political challenges to mitigation strategies in the UK
Brexit -> fall in investment from the EU
what is the socio-economic challenge to mitigation strategies in the UK
Nimbyism stopping 1 in 3 wind farms in the UK
what are the mitigation strategies being used by the UK
- Climate Change Act 2008 - 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050
- use of a UK ETS
- day lighting - use of natural light in subways
- BEDZED
what is the technological challenge to adaptation strategies in the UK
building bigger walls is not a sustainable option
what are the political challenges to adaptation strategies in the UK
- retreat strategies are hard to implement
- government have to make a decision of where to allocate spending
what are the socio-economic challenges to adaptation strategies in the UK
£22bn is a large financial commitment for the Outer Thames tidal barrage
what are the adaptation strategies being used by the UK
- investment in protection -> Tems Barrier and Minehead
- investment in new infrastructure -> green roofs, walls and white roofs
