exploring solutions activity 2: clearing the air
TRANSCRIPT
Exploring Solutions
Activity 2:Clearing the Air
Solutions to Climate Change
• Two broad categories of actions/solutions– Mitigation– Adaptation
• Policies and actions implemented by – Governments: international, national, state,
local– Industry and business– Individuals – all of us!
Identifying Climate Change Solutions
• Project future conditions• Assess the risks involved with various
scenarios• Decide on most appropriate strategies given
risks– Lots of options, no “one” solution
Photo source: www.Live-the-solution.com
Reduce Emissions by Improving Efficiency
• Fuel efficiency of vehicles• Indoor heating/cooling/lighting– Residential and commercial– Appliances
• Better ways to produce energy from fossil fuels– Increase efficiency of energy generation
Reduce Emissions through Conservation
• Improve transportation systems– Bicycle, carpool, public transportation
• Reduce fossil-fuel intensive systems– Buy local– Eat less meat– Use fewer fertilizers
• Conserve electricity• Reduce, reuse, recycle
Use Carbon Neutral Energy Sources
• Renewable Energy– Solar– Biomass– Wind– Geothermal– Hydropower– Hydrogen
• Nuclear
Remove Carbon from Atmosphere
• Decrease rates of deforestation• Increase rates of reforestation• Manage forests for carbon sequestration• Manage agricultural crops and soils for carbon
sequestration• Use carbon capture• Substitute wood
The Bigger Picture
• Implement carbon polices• International agreements – Kyoto Protocol• Sustainable use of resources
Adaptation Strategies for Local Impacts
Adaptation to Climate Change in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (FAO, 2007)•Prioritizing the greatest vulnerable areas•Reduction of food security risk•Adjusting agriculture research priorities•Strengthening agriculture extension and communication systems•New crop varieties•Adjusting commodity and trade policy
Mitigation: Kansas City Power and Light
• Renewable energy projects• Spearville Wind Generation Facility – 100.5 megawatts of renewable energy–Serves 33,000 homes–Will provide energy for 100,000 homes when
fully developed
Mitigation: Canary Initiative – A Local Plan for Action
• Aspen, Colorado• Created in 2005 to address climate challenge• Goal to decrease local GHG emissions by 30%
by 2020 and 80% by 2050– Policy, research, and education– Energy efficiency of buildings– Ground and air transportation– Electricity from renewable resources– Waste reduction and recycling– Carbon offsets
Mitigation: McNeil Biomass Plant
• Burlington, Vermont • Began operation in 1984• 50 megawatts net electrical generation• Burns 76 tons of wood per hour– 70% low-quality trees and logging waste – 25% residues (chips and bark from local sawmills) – 5% clean recycled wood
Mitigation: The 10% Challenge
• Voluntary program • Purpose – Raise public awareness about global climate change – Encourage households and businesses to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10%
Adaptation: California Climate Sustainable Agriculture Strategy
• Farmer Education & Outreach– Provides resources and training to farmers and
ranchers
• Network Building– Links farmers to resources
• Policy Initiatives– Advances policies that support and encourage
farming and ranching practices
Adaptation: City of Melbourne, Australia – Climate Change Adaptation
StrategyOptions-Technological (green/cool roofs)-Behavioral (safety in flood water)-Managerial (maintenance practices)-Policy (planning regulations)
Two main actions to implement-Harvest storm water across the municipality -Increase the city’s passive cooling efficiency