KIX 2005 Law, Ethics & Sustainability for Engineers
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Questions and Answers

What is one proposed method to create a carbon-free world?

  • Reliance on coal energy
  • Carbon Capture (correct)
  • Increased fossil fuel consumption
  • Deforestation

Which of the following methods helps forests act as carbon sinks?

  • Increasing atmospheric CO2
  • Burning tree debris
  • Slow breakdown of organic materials (correct)
  • Planting non-native species

What is the primary purpose of Carbon Pricing?

  • To incentivize reductions in carbon emissions (correct)
  • To subsidize fossil fuel extraction
  • To encourage carbon-intensive industries
  • To tax renewable energy production

What is currently the atmospheric concentration of CO2 that scientists seek to maintain?

<p>430 - 480 ppm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the largest carbon sink in the world?

<p>Amazon Forest (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What method relies on natural processes to capture carbon underwater?

<p>Biological carbon pump (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes the process of Carbon Capture?

<p>Capturing CO2 for storage or reuse (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is NOT associated with achieving sustainability?

<p>Increased reliance on non-renewable resources (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main engineering solutions mentioned to combat rising sea levels?

<p>Construction of sea walls (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which country is recognized for effectively addressing rising sea levels through various measures?

<p>Netherlands (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Maeslant Barrier play in flood prevention?

<p>It connects to a weather monitoring system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the people-oriented measures mentioned in combating flooding?

<p>Urban design and resilience building (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Netherlands is located below sea-level, prompting proactive measures?

<p>Exactly 25% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What global temperature increase is predicted to cause significant sea-level rise by 2100?

<p>1.5°C (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental approach is employed to help cities cope with floodwaters?

<p>Land recovery and mangrove restoration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the output-led design principle?

<p>Optimizing end product efficiency (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of carbon pricing mechanisms?

<p>To create financial incentives for emission reductions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes carbon tax?

<p>A fixed fee imposed on carbon emitted by industries (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a carbon market operate?

<p>It allows companies to sell their excess carbon emissions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these countries has the highest carbon tax rate?

<p>Switzerland (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is green engineering primarily focused on?

<p>Designing processes that minimize pollution and promote sustainability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of a carbon market compared to a carbon tax?

<p>It allows the buying and selling of carbon credits. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one goal countries pursue in moving towards sustainability?

<p>Develop a circular economy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common method to achieve sustainability?

<p>Promoting a linear economy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS)?

<p>To capture and compress CO2 from direct emissions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which country has the highest percentage of forest area?

<p>Suriname (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process specifically captures CO2 from the atmosphere?

<p>Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which product is mentioned as being manufactured using captured CO2?

<p>Sodium Bicarbonate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the carbon emission contribution of Niue?

<p>Less than 0.0001% of global emissions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of its land must Bhutan maintain as forest as per its constitution?

<p>60% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Climeworks utilize captured CO2 in their greenhouse project?

<p>To enhance crop yield by increasing CO2 concentration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unique achievement does Bhutan hold regarding tree planting?

<p>Most trees planted per hour (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to be carbon neutral?

<p>Having equal amounts of CO2 released and removed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) is incorrect?

<p>CDR captures CO2 only from industrial sources. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four pillars of Bhutan's Gross National Happiness Index?

<p>Technological advancement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Bhutan's goal for zero waste by?

<p>2030 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key achievement of Climeworks at the geothermal power plant in Iceland?

<p>Achieving the first system of direct air capture. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes the process of Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS)?

<p>Removing CO2 from industrial emissions and using it for materials. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of land in Gabon is covered by forests?

<p>88% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which country is described as a net carbon sink country and contributes very low in global carbon emissions?

<p>Comoros (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the canals being dug in public spaces?

<p>To collect and carry away excess floodwater (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What capacity does the underground reservoir in the Museumpark hold?

<p>10,000 cubic metres (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a green roof?

<p>To retain rainfall and cool urban areas (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a circular economy compared to a traditional linear economy?

<p>Emphasis on minimizing waste and resource optimization (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the designed reaction of the Maeslant Barrier during a storm surge?

<p>It closes automatically to protect the city (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do water plazas function during heavy rainstorms?

<p>They hold and retain excess rainwater (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique property of minerals, like copper, that supports a circular economy?

<p>They can be easily recycled and reused (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the ground-shifting plan aim to mitigate flooding in the Netherlands?

<p>By adjusting land levels to redirect water flow (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Current Atmospheric CO2 Concentration

The current concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is around 417.1 ppm, exceeding the safe limit of 430-480 ppm recommended by scientists to avoid extreme climate disruption.

Carbon-Free World

It refers to a world that produces zero net emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide.

Carbon Capture

The process of capturing CO2 from the atmosphere or industrial emissions, compressing it, and storing it underground or in deep oceans.

Forests as Carbon Sinks

A natural process where forests absorb CO2 from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and store it in their biomass, acting as a sink for carbon.

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Soil Decomposition

The breakdown of organic matter in soil, leading to the release of CO2 into the atmosphere.

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Amazon Forest as a Carbon Sink

A vast area in South America, recognized as the largest carbon sink in the world, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change by storing CO2.

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Ocean Carbon Pump

A natural process where the ocean absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere through both physical processes like dissolving CO2 into seawater and biological processes like phytoplankton absorbing CO2 for photosynthesis.

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China's Climate Change Strategy

A strategy adopted by China to combat climate change by planting trees, which act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere.

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Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS)

A process that captures CO2 released from sources like factories and power plants.

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Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)

A process that removes CO2 from the atmosphere and stores it underground or in the ocean.

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What happens to CO2 in CCUS?

CO2 captured from various sources is compressed, transported via pipelines or ships and stored in safe locations like underground geological reservoirs or the deep ocean.

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What are some uses for captured CO2?

Captured CO2 can be used to create products like synthetic fuels, chemicals, or materials.

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What's a CDR use case?

Captured atmospheric CO2 can be used to grow vegetables in greenhouses, boosting crop yield.

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What is carbon neutral?

A state where the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere is equal to the amount removed.

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What is a carbon footprint?

The total amount of CO2 emissions released by a person, organization, or product.

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What does it mean to be carbon neutral?

A country is considered carbon neutral when its total emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, are equal to or less than the amount of greenhouse gases it removes from the atmosphere.

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Why is Bhutan considered a carbon negative country?

Bhutan is carbon negative because it absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits through human activities.

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What is Bhutan's Gross National Happiness Index?

Bhutan's Gross National Happiness Index (GNH) aims to measure the overall well-being of its people by focusing on four pillars: sustainable development, environmental protection, cultural preservation, and good governance.

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What is Bhutan's forest conservation policy?

Bhutan maintains at least 60% of its landmass as forested areas by law.

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Which country boasts the highest percentage of forest cover?

Suriname, a country in South America, has the highest percentage of forest area (97%) thanks to vast areas of Amazon rainforest.

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Which Central African country also possesses significant forests?

Gabon, a country in Central Africa, is known for its vast forests that cover about 88% of its land area, contributing to its carbon neutrality.

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What is Niue's role in the carbon cycle?

Niue, a small island nation in Oceania, is a net carbon sink, contributing to the global carbon removal effort.

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Name other countries that contribute to global carbon removal.

Comoros, Madagascar, and Guyana are also net carbon sink countries, meaning they absorb more carbon dioxide than they emit.

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What is carbon pricing?

A mechanism that uses market forces to encourage businesses and countries to reduce their emissions by making polluting activities more expensive.

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What is a carbon tax?

A fixed fee imposed by the government on each unit of carbon emitted by companies. This encourages businesses to switch to cleaner energy sources and improve energy efficiency.

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What is a carbon market?

A marketplace where carbon emissions are traded as credits. Companies that exceed their emission targets can sell excess credits to companies that fall short, incentivizing overall emissions reduction.

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What is green engineering?

Green design, production, and use of processes and products that minimize pollution and promote sustainability, while remaining economically viable and efficient.

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What does "carbon neutral" mean?

A state where a country, company, or individual balances their greenhouse gas emissions with the amount of carbon sequestered or removed from the atmosphere.

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Give an example of a carbon market.

The European Union's Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is one example. It sets emission limits for companies. They can trade carbon allowances, where they buy and sell permits to emit greenhouse gases, encouraging overall reduction.

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Which countries are implementing carbon pricing?

Switzerland, Ukraine, and China are all implementing carbon pricing systems. Switzerland has a carbon tax, while Ukraine and China utilize carbon markets. The aim is to reduce emissions and transition to a cleaner energy future.

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How can we achieve a carbon-free world?

Using renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro to generate electricity. It's crucial for transitioning away from fossil fuels and achieving a lower carbon footprint.

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Circular Economy

An economic system aimed at minimizing waste and maximizing resource use by following a closed-loop approach.

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Linear Economy

An economic system based on a 'take, make, dispose' model, where resources are extracted, used, and discarded.

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Maeslant Barrier

A barrier system in Rotterdam that automatically closes when a storm surge of 3 meters above normal sea level is anticipated.

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Water Plaza

Wet areas in urban spaces designed to capture and hold excess rainwater during heavy downpours.

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Green Roof

A type of roof covered in vegetation (like grass, shrubs, or trees) that helps manage rainwater and reduce heat.

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Underground Reservoir

Underground spaces used to store rainwater, helping to manage excess water during storms.

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Canals

Canals built to collect and carry away excess water in urban areas, particularly during heavy rainfall.

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Ground-shifting

A strategy to address flooding by altering the land's elevation or using artificial barriers.

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The 12 principles of sustainability

A set of principles aimed at designing products and processes that minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability.

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What is the current threat to coastal cities?

The rising sea levels threaten coastal areas and cities worldwide, particularly those that are already below sea level.

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Which country is leading the fight against rising sea levels?

The Netherlands, a country with a significant portion below sea level, has implemented various measures to combat rising sea levels and protect its coastal cities.

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What is the Maeslant Barrier?

The Maeslant Barrier is a massive flood barrier in Rotterdam used to protect the city from storm surges and high tides.

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How does the Maeslant Barrier work?

The Maeslant Barrier operates with the help of a computer system connected to weather and sea level data, allowing for quick and efficient responses to changing conditions.

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How is Rotterdam prepared for rising sea levels?

Rotterdam has adopted a strategy of living with water, incorporating innovative engineering projects like sea walls, surge barriers, and water pumps to manage flood risks.

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What are the solutions adopted by Rotterdam?

Rotterdam's approach combines hard engineering solutions with environmental approaches like restoring mangroves and wetlands to help manage floodwaters.

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What are other strategies adopted by Rotterdam?

Rotterdam's multi-prong approach to dealing with rising sea levels includes people-oriented measures like urban design, building resilience, and retreating as a last resort.

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Study Notes

KIX 2005 Law, Ethics & Sustainability for Engineers

  • Course focuses on achieving sustainability through various methods
  • Week 11 & 12 cover learning outcomes related to achieving sustainability
  • Topics include:
    • Carbon-free world
    • Renewable energy
    • Green engineering
    • Circular economy

Achieving Sustainability

  • Carbon-free world:
    • Current atmospheric CO2 concentration is approximately 417.1 ppm (2022)
    • Scientists recommend maintaining CO2 concentration between 430-480 ppm to prevent extreme climate interference
    • Solutions include: Carbon Capture, Carbon Neutral, Carbon Pricing
  • Renewable energy
  • Green Engineering:
    • Design and use of processes/products to minimize pollution, promote sustainability, and protect human health
    • Principles include:
      • Inherently non-hazardous and safe
      • Minimize material diversity
      • Prevention instead of treatment
      • Renewable material and energy inputs
      • Output-led design
      • Very simple
      • Efficient use of mass, energy, space & time
      • Meet the need
      • Easy to separate by design
      • Networks for exchange of local mass & energy
      • Test the life cycle of the design
      • Sustainability through product of life cycle
  • Circular economy
    • Shift from linear 'take-make-dispose' to circular 'minimize waste and make most of resources'
    • Examples: Recycling, reusing, repurposing materials, closed-loop systems, etc.

Carbon-Free World Details

  • Carbon Capture:
    • Capturing CO2 from the atmosphere, compressing it, and storing it underground or in the deep ocean
  • Carbon Neutral:
    • Balancing CO2 emissions released into the atmosphere with CO2 removed
  • Carbon Pricing:
    • Imposing a fee on carbon emissions to encourage cleaner alternatives
    • Examples: Carbon tax, Carbon market

Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS)

  • Set of real-world technologies preventing CO2 from entering atmosphere via safe underground storage or converting it to useful products:
    • Capturing CO2 at power plants or manufacturing facilities
    • Injected underground to enhance oil recovery, create useful products

Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)

  • Capturing CO2 from atmosphere and storing it deep underground
  • Climeworks 2017: Successfully captured 900 metric tons of CO2 annually in Switzerland.
  • Icelandic geothermal power plant: Used captured CO2 to achieve net-negative emissions.

Carbon Neutral Countries

  • Bhutan (Asia): High forest cover, low population density, significant CO2 absorption
  • Suriname (South America): High forest area due to extensive Amazon rainforest.
  • Gabon (Central Africa): Extensive forest land.
    • Other countries: Guyana, Panama, Niue, Comoros, Madagascar (net carbon sinks).

Bhutan's Carbon Negative Approach

  • Bhutan's constitution mandates 60% forest cover (currently 72%)
  • Sustainable tourism model, charging visitors sustainable fees
  • Gross National Happiness Index (pillars):
    • Sustainable development
    • Environmental protection
    • Cultural preservation
    • Good governance
  • Efforts:
    • High absorption of carbon over its emission
    • World record in tree planting
    • Banning of export logging
    • Low population density

Bhutan's Ambitious Goals

  • Aiming for zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030
  • Zero waste by 2030
  • 100% organic food production by 2020
  • Converting all vehicles to electric
  • Increasing renewable energy reliance, exploring wind, biogas and solar.

Countries Committing to Carbon Neutrality

  • Countries aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 include:
    • Suriname; Bhutan; Sweden; UK; EU; France; Denmark; New Zealand, Hungary, Canada, South Korea, Spain; Chile; Fiji

Carbon Pricing

  • Government-imposed fee on carbon emissions
  • Carbon tax and carbon markets:
    • Companies can sell excess or buy additional emissions credits on carbon markets.

Re-inventing Cities

  • Repurposing unused spaces and buildings.
  • Examples: New York City (rooftop gardens, green energy), Palermo (chemical factory transformed to a tourism/leisure area), Bilbao (revived historical building).

Other Important Points

  • Importance of genetic engineering (SSB) to combat climate change
  • The world's coastal cities facing potential underwater conditions due to sea-level rise
  • The Netherlands' approach to fighting coastal flooding, utilizing measures such as the Maeslant Barrier, canals, water plazas, underground reservoirs and green roofs.
  • Kuwait's experience in recycling and repurposing tyres.
  • Sustainable initiatives/trials using/recyclying nappies and plastic bottles

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Related Documents

KIX 2005 Week 11 & 12: Law, Ethics & Sustainability for Engineers PDF

Description

This quiz covers essential concepts on achieving sustainability focusing on a carbon-free world, renewable energy, and green engineering practices. Weeks 11 and 12 provide insights into critical methods and principles aimed at minimizing pollution and promoting ethical engineering. Test your knowledge on circular economy and innovative practices that protect human health and the environment.

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