International response LDQ

Using specific examples, evaluate the International responses to reduce global warming. [6]

Best answer : Nathan

The International responses to reduce global warming was somewhat successful such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Copenhagen Conference. This essay will discuss what the two responses were, as well as the limitations of both meetings.

The Kyoto Protocol was held in 1997 in Japan to reduce greenhouse gas emission.  It plans to promote sustainable development in which developed countries worked with developing countries to promote carbon reducing projects. Countries like Finland, Greece and Ireland have met or exceeded the targets set by the Kyoto Protocol. However, there were also countries such as Denmark, Austria and Spain that did not achieve their targets although they have also signed the treaty.

The Copenhagen Conference was held in 2009 in Denmark to build upon measures developed in the Kyoto Protocol for addressing climate change. The International agreement aims to keep global temperature increase to below 2 degree celsius. Developed countries pledged to provide US$30billion to developing countries to fight climate change. However, the accord was a guideline and no countries will be punished if they do not fulfill their pledges.

In conclusion, the Kyoto Protocol is less successful as it has limited impact on global greenhouse gas emissions. This is because countries  like China and India who did not sign the protocol continued to contribute significantly to the global emissions. Countries must also work at the national level whereby the government can monitor and control the greenhouse gas emission.

Impact of climate change LDQ

Do you agree that the rise of sea level is the worst impact of climate change?

I agree to a large extent that sea level rise is the worst impact of climate change as it could lead to disastrous outcome to coastal region as well as low-lying islands. However climate change may also have significant impact on growing seasons of crops. In this essay, i will discuss about the negative impact of climate change such as sea level rising and also how infectious disease is being spread.

The increase of sea level refers to the rise in the mean height of the sea's surface relative to the land. When temperature increases, glaciers will melt, which adds water into the sea. The increased in temperature also results in expansion of the water. For instance in Majuro Atoll in the Pacific Ocean, the rise of sea level will result in 80% of its land being submerged under water. Therefore sea level rise may flood many coastal areas and low-lying islands, resulting in loss of lives and property.

Temperature increase also causes infectious diseases to be widely spread. The increased in rainfall and temperature is favorable for insects to breed in new areas as countries that were cold is now warmer. For example, Nepal experienced Malaria and Dengue Fever in 2004 for the first time due to global warming.

In conclusion, the impact of sea level rise is worst as it affects the coastal population, and may lead to a greater loss of lives. The spread of diseases affects only certain countries and less disastrous than coastal flooding. Humans activities that contributes greenhouse gases should be closely monitored so that we can control global warming. The government should also take precautions to prepare themselves in the event of sea level rising or spread of infectious diseases.

Highest scorer - Firdau L3/5

National responses - Singapore

Singapore's response to Climate change

- Green Building scheme in Singapore
City Square achieving its Green Mark: http://www.eco-business.com/news/green-building-experts-shop-for-ideas-at-singapores-first-eco-mall/

- Tree planting : On 16 June 1963, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who was then the Prime Minister, planted a tree at Farrer Circus to start Singapore on its greening journey

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sites/default/files/attachment/2015/11/30/BT_20151130_CLIMATEGRAPHIC_1998945.pdf

International responses

Kyoto protocol

 • The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, on 11 December 1997 and entered into force on 16 February 2005.

• The major feature of the Kyoto Protocol is that it sets binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Recognizing that developed countries are principally responsible for the current high levels of GHG emissions in the atmosphere as a result of more than 150 years of industrial activity, the Protocol places a heavier burden on developed nations under the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities.” COP21

LDQ for Anthropogenic activities

To what extent do you agree that anthropogenic activities are the main cause of global climate change?

INTRO
I do agree to a large extent that anthropogenic activities such as burning of fossil fuels are the main cause of global climatic change. However there are also natural causes such as volcanic eruption that may result in changes to the global climate. In this essay i will discuss about the above mentioned points.

POINT
Burning of fossil fuels such as dead organic matter helps to generate a large source of the world's energy.
ELABORATE
When fossil fuels are being burnt, they releases large amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
EXAMPLE
In the 1960s, Industrialization for the production of goods and services results in large consumption of fossil fuels in countries like China and United States of America. In 2010, the global carbon dioxide emissions was 30.6 billion tonnes.

POINT
Natural disasters such as volcanic eruption may also result in the change in the climate, but at a smaller scale.
ELABORATE
During a volcanic eruption, dust particles may create more cloud cover and reflects away incoming radiation from the sun. This may result in dimming of the climate which lowers the temperature temporarily.
EXAMPLE
During the Mount Pinatubo eruption, temperature was lowered to 0.6 degree celsius for 2 years.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, anthropogenic activities are the main contributor to climatic change as it releases greenhouse gases through burning of fossil fuels, industrialization, deforestation and agriculture on a large scale. These activities should be controlled by the government to limit the amount of greenhouse gases that it is producing. The natural factors such as volcanic eruptions and sunspots in the world only affects climate change to a little extent on a smaller scale.

Impact of climate change

Impact of Climate Change

Vid1 : Why are there more growth of rag weed in different countries when it was only found in North America in the past? Video from Vid 2: How is sea level and weather affected by global warming?

Causes of climate change

Natural causes of Climate change


Deforestation

In conclusion: The combination of human activities contributes to the production of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The government and international organizations must work hand in hand to control the release of greenhouse gases, and look for alternative sources of energy to fuel our consumption.