Ghg reduction
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Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction: Strategies and Insights
Regional GHG Reduction Targets and Effort Sharing
Effort-sharing approaches play a crucial role in determining regional GHG reduction targets. Studies indicate that the stringency of these targets varies significantly based on the principles of equity, responsibility, capability, and need. For instance, in the OECD 1990 region, stringent reduction targets are proposed to achieve a low concentration stabilization level of 450 ppm CO2e. By 2030, emissions allowances in this region would need to be approximately half of the 2010 levels, with similar stringent targets for other regions like Economies in Transition (EIT) and Latin America1.
GHG Emission Reduction Potential by Country, Sector, and Cost
A comprehensive model analysis reveals that significant GHG reductions can be achieved at low costs, particularly in developing countries and the power sector. For developed countries, adopting measures with negative costs and below $50/tCO2 can lead to substantial reductions. Similarly, major developing countries can achieve large-scale reductions by improving sectoral intensity at negative costs and below $20/tCO2. These measures could result in a global reduction of 27.7 GtCO2e/yr by 2020, highlighting the importance of cost-efficient strategies2.
Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) for GHG Reduction
Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) such as land management changes, ecosystem restoration, and habitat conservation have significant potential to reduce GHG emissions. In Oregon, USA, NCS activities could contribute annual reductions of 2.7 to 8.3 MMT CO2e by 2035. Forest-based activities, including deferred timber harvest and reforestation, are particularly effective, accounting for 76 to 94% of the overall reductions. Agricultural management changes also contribute, though to a lesser extent3.
Sustained GHG Emissions Reductions by Countries
An analysis of 24 countries with sustained GHG reductions since 1970 shows that most reductions were achieved in the energy sector, particularly in electricity and heat generation. However, transport sector emissions remain stable or are increasing. These countries have demonstrated that significant emissions reductions are possible alongside economic growth, providing a hopeful outlook for achieving global climate targets4.
Efficiency Improvements and Consumption Changes in Developed Nations
To meet the COP21 targets, developed nations must significantly reduce GHG emission intensities. For Denmark, emission intensities need to be reduced by factors of 2-12 for the 2.0°C goal and 5-14 for the 1.5°C goal by 2050. This requires both technological advancements and changes in consumption patterns, indicating that a shift in societal structures around consumption is essential for meeting equitable climate targets5.
Reducing GHG Emissions in the Transportation Sector
In the U.S. transportation sector, achieving large GHG reductions requires a combination of highly efficient propulsion systems and low-carbon fuels. Advanced options like biofuels, hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) show promise. However, decarbonizing fuels is crucial, with natural gas serving as a good transition fuel due to its lower GHG emissions compared to gasoline6.
Corporate Climate Change Mitigation Strategies
Market pressures, regulatory uncertainty, and environmental strategy focus are key determinants of corporate GHG reduction strategies. Firms participating in the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme have shown that these factors enhance GHG-related performance. The effectiveness of these strategies varies depending on the type of emissions, underscoring the need for tailored approaches7.
Reducing GHG Emissions from Ships in Port Areas
The shipping sector, a rapidly growing source of GHG emissions, can achieve reductions through measures implemented by ports. For example, in the Port of Gothenburg, scenarios involving alternative fuels, ship design improvements, and operational changes could reduce emissions by up to 10% compared to business as usual by 20308.
Household Consumption Patterns and GHG Reduction
A study of Swiss households reveals that significant GHG reductions are possible by adopting low-emission consumption patterns. Households with lower emissions tend to spend less on mobility and more on leisure and quality-oriented consumption. Policies promoting sustainable consumption can thus play a vital role in reducing household carbon emissions9.
Conclusion
Reducing GHG emissions requires a multifaceted approach involving regional effort-sharing, cost-efficient strategies, natural climate solutions, technological advancements, and changes in consumption patterns. By adopting these strategies, significant progress can be made towards achieving global climate targets and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Regional GHG reduction targets based on effort sharing: a comparison of studies
Regional GHG reduction targets differ significantly based on effort-sharing approaches, with the outcome largely determined by the equity principle implemented.
Highly CitedEstimates of GHG emission reduction potential by country, sector, and cost
Large potential greenhouse gas emission reductions can be achieved at low cost in developing countries and power sectors, with potential for global emissions reductions of 8.9, 14.8, and 27.7 GtCO2 eq./yr compared to 2005 levels.
Highly CitedPotential greenhouse gas reductions from Natural Climate Solutions in Oregon, USA
Natural climate solutions, such as forest-based activities and agricultural management, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon by 2035 and 2050.
Rigorous JournalCountries with sustained greenhouse gas emissions reductions: an analysis of trends and progress by sector
24 countries have sustained greenhouse gas emissions reductions between 1970 and 2018, primarily in the energy sector, while transport emissions remain stable or continue to grow.
Highly CitedPursuing necessary reductions in embedded GHG emissions of developed nations: Will efficiency improvements and changes in consumption get us there?
Developed nations need to change consumption patterns and business practices to meet equitable climate targets, with electricity supply partially meeting the most stringent reduction target.
Reducing GHG emissions in the United States' transportation sector
Advanced technologies like biofuels, hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. transportation sector by 2060.
Highly CitedStakeholder pressures and corporate climate change mitigation strategies
Market pressures, regulatory uncertainty, and environmental strategy focus significantly influence corporate greenhouse gas reduction strategies, which in turn improve GHG-related performance.
Highly CitedReducing GHG emissions from ships in port areas
Ports can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships by 10%, compared to a business as usual scenario, by implementing programs and policies.
Highly CitedGHG reduction potential of changes in consumption patterns and higher quality levels: Evidence from Swiss household consumption survey
Adopting real-world consumption patterns, such as less mobility and more leisure, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Highly CitedHow to reduce household carbon emissions: A review of experience and policy design considerations
Household carbon emissions contribute significantly to climate change, and various policy instruments have been implemented to reduce these emissions.
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