EVT61704 Sustainable Event Management: Greenhouse Gas Emissions

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What is the greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth's surface.

What causes the enhanced greenhouse effect?

Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, agriculture, and land clearing.

What are the three factors that affect the degree to which a greenhouse gas influences global warming?

Abundance in the atmosphere. 2. How long it stays in the atmosphere. 3. Global-warming potential.

How does the greenhouse effect help maintain Earth's temperature?

By keeping the Earth's temperature around 33 degrees Celsius warmer than it would otherwise be. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the Sun's energy reaches the Earth's atmosphere?

Some of it is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed by greenhouse gases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern of the enhanced greenhouse effect?

It is contributing to the warming of the Earth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of declaring a carbon footprint for an event?

To give a visual indicator of the event's impact in terms of GHG emissions. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it not possible to compare carbon footprint sizes for different events?

Each event is unique with different circumstances and variables, making like-for-like comparisons impossible. Signup and view all the answers

Define carbon offset.

Any activity that compensates for the emission of carbon dioxide or other GHGs by providing for an emission reduction elsewhere. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for an activity to be 'carbon neutral'?

When the carbon reductions are equivalent to the total carbon footprint of the activity. Signup and view all the answers

How does the climate benefit from emission reductions due to carbon offsetting?

Regardless of the location of emission reductions, the climate benefits from the overall decrease in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key considerations required when calculating an event's carbon footprint?

Setting organizational and operational boundaries, defining a prescribed time frame, and calculating the total sum of GHG emissions minus any offsetting or removals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of Carbon Footprint?

The amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with all the activities of a person or other entity. Signup and view all the answers

What units of measurement are relevant to frame the 'footprint' of an event?

Location, Duration, People, Budget, Size of active event floor space. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to draw a map of the event lifecycle and possible GHG impacts?

To understand the materials, services, event logistics, and production processes contributing to GHG emissions. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to agree and record the boundaries set for measuring event GHGs?

Describe justification for inclusions/exclusions and time boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to prioritize data collection activities within the event management and measurement plan?

To identify likely GHG hotspots, especially those with complex data collection processes. Signup and view all the answers

Apart from carbon dioxide, what other greenhouse gases are often included in the carbon footprint concept?

Methane, nitrous oxide, or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)?

Greenhouse gases are compound gases that trap heat or longwave radiation in the atmosphere, making the Earth's surface warmer. Signup and view all the answers

Name the most significant Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The most significant GHGs are water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Signup and view all the answers

Why is oxygen (O2) not considered a Greenhouse Gas (GHG)?

Oxygen is not a GHG because it does not absorb thermal infrared radiation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a Greenhouse Gas (GHG)?

The burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the sources of methane (CH4) as a Greenhouse Gas (GHG)?

Methane comes from various sources including growing paddy, excreta of cattle and other livestock, termites, burning of fossil fuel, wood, landfills, wetlands, and fertilizer factories. Signup and view all the answers

List some common uses that contribute to the emission of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as Greenhouse Gases (GHGs).

Refrigeration, solvents, insulation foams, aero propellants, industrial and commercial uses. Signup and view all the answers

What are the sources of Nitrogen Oxides (N2O)?

Burning of fossil fuels, fertilizers; burning of wood and crop residue Signup and view all the answers

How is Carbon Monoxide (CO) primarily generated?

Iron ore smelting, burning of fossil fuels, burning e-waste Signup and view all the answers

What are the main sources of Carbon Dioxide (CO2)?

Burning of fossil fuels, solid waste, trees and wood products, certain chemical reactions Signup and view all the answers

How is Methane (CH₄) primarily released into the atmosphere?

Production and transport of coal, natural gas and oil, livestock and agricultural practices, decay of organic waste Signup and view all the answers

What are the main activities that emit Nitrous Oxide (N2O)?

Agricultural and industrial activities, combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste Signup and view all the answers

What are Fluorinated gases and why are they significant?

Synthetic gases from industrial processes; can be 1,000 times more potent than CO2 Signup and view all the answers