Industrial emissions
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Industrial Emissions: Trends, Drivers, and Mitigation Strategies
Global Industrial Emissions and Their Impact
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Industry
The industrial sector is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for approximately 47% of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions worldwide1. This sector also releases substantial quantities of other GHGs through various industrial processes. The emissions trajectories relative to GDP growth vary significantly among countries, with industrialized nations generally showing a reduction in emissions since the mid-1970s, while newly industrializing countries have seen an increase, albeit at a slowing rate1.
Key Factors Influencing Emissions
In Canada, the industrial sector is responsible for over 39% of national GHG emissions, with a notable increase of 32% between 1990 and 2017. The primary driver of this increase has been the activity level within the sector, although shifts towards low-carbon industries and fuel switching have contributed to some mitigation2. Similarly, in China, the industrial sector's emissions, which constitute 24.1% of global emissions, have been influenced by reductions in energy intensity, although these reductions have been offset by increased industrial activity5.
Mitigation Strategies and Policy Frameworks
Technological and Policy Interventions
Achieving zero emissions in energy and emissions-intensive industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals requires profound technological and organizational changes. Current policies often focus on energy efficiency and recycling, but a broader range of strategies, including demand management, materials efficiency, and electrification, is necessary3. For mature industrial economies, the introduction of new, lower-emitting technologies typically occurs over a decade or two during natural capital stock turnover, but policies to ensure their adoption are limited1.
Spatially Explicit Emission Inventories
Accurate quantification of industrial emissions at a high spatial resolution is crucial for effective policy-making. A study on Poland's industrial emissions demonstrated the importance of detailed, bottom-up emission inventories that consider local emission drivers and provide high-resolution data for better policy support6.
Regional and Sectoral Insights
Trends in Different Regions
In Europe and North America, moderate decarbonization of energy systems has been observed, driven by fuel switching and increased use of renewables. In contrast, rapidly industrializing regions have continued to expand fossil-based energy systems, although the growth rate has recently slowed4. In China, the industrial sector's emissions have stagnated since 2012 due to decreasing energy intensity and economic slowdown, with significant reductions observed in the iron & steel and nonmetal sectors10.
Sector-Specific Dynamics
The relationship between industrial emissions and economic factors such as production inputs, total factor productivity, and economies of scale is complex. In the UK, reducing energy consumption, encouraging fuel substitution, and promoting market competition have been identified as effective strategies for reducing industrial emissions7. Additionally, the industrial structure and economic growth in China show that sectors like transportation and manufacturing are negatively correlated with carbon emissions, while construction and retail are positively correlated9.
Conclusion
The industrial sector plays a critical role in global GHG emissions, with significant variations in emission trends and drivers across different regions and sectors. Effective mitigation requires a combination of technological advancements, comprehensive policy frameworks, and accurate emission inventories. By addressing these factors, it is possible to achieve substantial reductions in industrial emissions and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Key factors affecting greenhouse gas emissions in the Canadian industrial sector: A decomposition analysis
Activity level is the main contributor to increasing greenhouse gas emissions in Canada's industrial sector, while low carbon-intensive industries and fuel switching contribute to emission mitigation.
An industrial policy framework for transforming energy and emissions intensive industries towards zero emissions
A comprehensive industrial policy framework is needed to transform energy and emissions intensive industries towards zero emissions, involving technological, organizational, and behavioral changes across whole value chains.
Highly CitedA review of trends and drivers of greenhouse gas emissions by sector from 1990 to 2018
Progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions has been limited, with demand for materials, floor area, energy services, and travel driving emissions growth in industry, buildings, and transport sectors.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedThe evolution of Chinese industrial CO2 emissions 2000–2050: A review and meta-analysis of historical drivers, projections and policy goals
China's industrial CO2 emissions are projected to peak in 2030, with energy intensity, industrial structure, and energy mix being key drivers, aligning with China's commitment to the Paris Agreement.
Meta-AnalysisA high-definition spatially explicit modelling approach for national greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes: reducing the errors and uncertainties in global emission modelling
This study presents a high-definition, 100-m resolution method for quantifying industrial emissions, improving global emission modeling and contributing to local climate mitigation efforts.
Industrial characteristics and air emissions: Long-term determinants in the UK manufacturing sector
Reducing energy consumption, encouraging fuel substitution, and encouraging market competition can reliably reduce emissions from the UK industrial sector.
Carbon emissions, the industrial structure and economic growth: Evidence from heterogeneous industries in China.
China's industrial structure and economic growth are linked, with agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation sectors having lower carbon emissions, while construction, retail, and accommodation industries have higher emissions.
Observational StudyHighly Cited