Questions and Answers

A tipping point is the point at which climate change becomes irreversible and self-perpetuating, leading to drastic and permanent changes in the environment, such as melting glaciers or mass extinction of species.

Natural causes include changes in the Earth's orbits, volcanic activity, solar variations and other natural processes, but these are far outweighed by human activity these days.

Sustainable development - in the context of environmental protection and climate change mitigation - is an approach that aims to meet the needs of current generations without jeopardising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

International action includes agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, which set targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by member states.

Carbon neutrality means achieving a state in which human activities do not contribute to a net increase in atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions, mainly through reduced emissions and increased CO2 uptake.

The oceans absorb most of the additional heat and CO2 generated by climate change, leading to sea level rise, ocean acidification and changes in marine ecosystems.

Climate change affects agriculture through changes in cropping seasons, increased risk of droughts, floods, as well as through impacts on pests and plant diseases.

Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower (hydro), do not emit greenhouse gases and are a clean alternative to fossil fuels.

Health consequences include an increased risk of respiratory diseases, heatstroke, waterborne and vector-borne diseases, and psychological problems related to climate stress.

Adaptation is the process of adjusting to the actual or expected effects of climate change, in order to reduce damage and realise potential benefits. This includes measures such as building dikes, changing agricultural practices and land-use planning.

Projections suggest that without significant action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the global average temperature will continue to rise, leading to further exacerbation of the effects of climate change.

Emissions trading is a system that allows the buying and selling of greenhouse gas emission rights, encouraging companies to reduce their emissions through market mechanisms. Companies that emit less than the cap can sell their surplus to other companies.