Responses to Climate Change

How does the Kyoto Protocol reduce GHG emissions?

• Sets reduction targets for participating countries

• Mandates the tracking and reporting of GHG emissions

• Encourages DCs to support LDCs in carbon-reduction projects

• Sells carbon reduction technologies to LDCs

Answer explanation

DCs are encouraged (though this is not made compulsory) to support LDCs in sustainable development through the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)

Which countries achieved their carbon reduction targets?

• Spain, Austria, Denmark

• China, USA, India

• Greece, Finland, Ireland

• Greece, Finland, Iceland

Which countries failed to achieve their carbon reduction targets?

• China, India, USA

• Spain, Austria, Denmark

• Spain, Chile, Denmark

• UK, France, Italy

Answer explanation

Tip for remembering: Failure to achieve targets --> sad --> Acronym for the countries' names

What was the overall impact of the Kyoto Protocol on global emissions?

• Reduced global emissions

• Maintained global emissions

• Did not reduce global emissions

• Reduced global emissions to a limited degree

Answer explanation

In fact, since 1997, global emissions rose by 35%. Most of this increase was due to countries that did not participate in the agreement: China, India, USA.

Select the following national responses adopted by Singapore:

• Singapore Green Plan 

• City in Nature

• Green Mark Scheme

• Plant-a-tree programme

The Singapore Green Plan (2012) aims to...

• Encourage the construction of 'green' buildings

• Reduces GHG emissions by reducing industrial activity

• Increase the amount of greenery in Singapore to absorb carbon

• Reduce energy consumption and GHG emission from burning fossil fuels

Answer explanation

The Singapore Green Plan (2012) aims to reduce carbon emissions by switching to natural gas, a cleaner form of energy.

The Singapore Green Plan was a success. By how many % did Singapore exceed her goal?

• 19%

• 25%

• 10%

• 30%

Answer explanation

In as early as 2010, Singapore generated 79% of her electricity from natural gas, exceeding her goal of 60% (by 2012).

What are some limitations of the Singapore Green Plan?

• Extensive pipelines to transport gas can be expensive to build.

• Pipes have high maintenance costs

• Difficulty in getting companies to comply with regulations

• Hazardous

Singapore's Green Mark Scheme was launched by:

• Urban Redevelopment Authority

• Building Construction Authority

• Centre for Liveable Cities

• NParks

Answer explanation

The Green Mark Scheme was launched by the Building Construction Authority in 2005 to encourage the construction of 'green' buildings.

Select the following 'green' features that reduce carbon footprint in buildings:

• Vertical greenery on buildings to reduce electricity needed for cooling (Park Royal Pickering)

• Glass windows to take advantage of natural light (National Library, Changi Airport T3)

• Installing solar panels to take advantage of Singapore's abundant solar energy (313@Somerset)

• Rainwater harvesting system (Parkway Parade)