Date : 15/10/2019

Implementation of Paris Agreement -

Comparison in developed and developing
countries
Team Members

Essa Abubakar - 2019CEC2737

Aditya Vikram Chopra - 2019CEC2690
Kajal Joshi - 2019CEC2729
Chava Triveni - 2019CEC2739

Keywords:

Paris Agreement, Conference of parties (COP21), Green House Gas (GHG), Carbon Sink,
nationally determined contributions (NDC)

Abstract

The Paris Agreement an agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC), dealing with greenhouse-gas-emissions mitigation was signed
in 2016. The agreement was held at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC in Le
Bourget, near Paris, France as on 12 December 2015. A total of 195 members have signed the
agreement also additional 187 countries have become party to it. Since the Paris Agreement
the member countries have taken steps to curb net greenhouse gas emissions. Study of these
initiatives help in understanding the efforts taken and their drawbacks. This further help to
understand the working processes of such agreements and improvements which should be
focused upon in future accords. The aim of the study is to understand and analyse GHG
emissions by developed and developing countries and their policies and initiatives for the
same. The study compares the commitment of US, India, UK and Brazil and their initiatives
taken to reduce emissions. The study also tries to compare the effectiveness of those
initiatives. It is found that actions taken by most countries are insufficient to prevent average
global temperature rise of more than 2 degree Celsius. Also developed countries are not
working to their potential and are unable to take responsibility for their emissions. On the
other hand the developing countries put the blame of emissions on the past activities of
developed countries since the onset of industrial revolution. Hence to curb the emissions the
equitable response of all the countries is needed. Along with it proactive implementation,
technological transfer from developed to developing countries, elimination of fossil fuels,
smart cities, electric vehicles and other measures discussed in the paper are needed to be
implemented at the earliest to bring a drastic change in the present level of emissions.
1. Introduction

On 12th Dec 2015, at Conference of Parties (COP) 21 in Paris, 196 members of UNFCCC
reached a landmark Paris Agreement to combat climate change and to accelerate and
intensify the actions and investments needed for a sustainable low carbon future.[1] Under
this agreement aim is to keep global temperature rise well below 2oC above preindustrial
levels in this century and also efforts need to be taken to limit the temperature rise further
below 1.5 oC. Also agreement’s aim is to increase the ability of countries to deal with climate
change impacts and make consistent financial flows with low emission of greenhouse gases.

All parties need to submit their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) or
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) which embody each party’s efforts to reduce
GHG emissions and this contribution need to be strengthened in coming years. Parties need
to implement measures to reduce emissions, monitor them and report regularly. Globally
collective progress towards achievement in reduction of GHG emissions and temperature rise
will be monitored in 5 years interval and further targets given to member parties.

Paris agreement was signed on 22 April 2016 at UN Headquarters in Newyork and came into
force on 4 November 2016, 30 days after the so-called “double threshold” (ratification by 55
countries that account for at least 55% of global emissions) had been met. USA and China
were first two countries to ratify Paris Agreement on 3 August 2016. India ratified Paris
Agreement on 2 October 2016 and is 62nd country to ratify.UK ratified the agreement on 24
November 2016. Brazil ratified the agreement on 9 November 2016. Till now186 parties have
ratified out of 197 parties to the UNFCCC.[2] The contribution of various countries to CO2
emissions is shown in the figure below: [3]

Figure 1: Emission contribution

Ever since the Paris Agreement of 2016 the member countries have taken pro-active steps to
curb greenhouse gas emissions. It is interesting to study the steps taken in developed and
developing countries after ratifying Paris Agreement of 2016 to bring down the greenhouse
gas emissions because of their disparity in finances, technologies and other challenges. In this
paper, two developed countries viz. USA & UK and two developing countries viz. India &
Brazil have been studied for their implementation of Paris Agreement. The paper helps to
analyze the efforts taken by international leaders in regard to climate change as compared to
the claims made. Also drastic change in climate has lead to flash floods, severe draughts,
forest fires, and change in season cycles, rise in rate of submergence of coastal area and
various other adverse impacts in all parts of the world. Therefore the control of emissions
needs immediate attentions and efforts. It is imperative upon developed countries to lead this
change and encourage developing countries by technological transfer and financial support.
The ranking of the above four countries under study in global greenhouse gas emissions are
given in the table below:

Table 1: Ranking

Total carbon dioxide Per capita carbon

Total emissions
Country emissions from fuel dioxide emissions
country rank
combustion from fuel combustion
2 United States 4833.1MT 15.0T
3 India 2076.8MT 1.6T
13 Brazil 416.7 MT 2.0 T
16 United Kingdom 371.1 MT 5.6 T
Note: India ranks 20th position in per capita carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion
MT=Metric-megatons
T = Metric tons

2. METHODOLOGY:

The study includes collection of information, analysis and comparison of various initiatives
and schemes undertaken by the countries under study for implementation of the Paris
Agreement.

Table 2: Methodology

Selection of Countries

Gathering of baseline information from available

Literature

Analysis of policies and initiatives taken by respective

countries for implementation of Paris Agreement

Comparison in implementation of Paris Agreement in the

respective countries.
3. IMPLEMENTATION IN USA:

History of Treaties and agreements entered by United States Treaties /agreements

1. Kyoto Protocol

In 1997 the Kyoto Protocol introduced legally binding emission reduction targets for
developed countries. The Kyoto Protocol now applies to only around 14% of the world's
emissions. The United States has never signed up to the Kyoto Protocol, Canada pulled out
before the end of the first commitment period and Russia, Japan and New Zealand are not
taking part in the second commitment period.

2. Copenhagen Agreement

The Copenhagen Agreement is a document that delegates at the 15th session of the
Conference of Parties (COP 15) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change agreed upon on 18 December 2009. The U.S. officially committed in writing
yesterday to the by 4 percent below 1990 levels by 2020.
3. Paris Agreement

The Paris climate conference took place from 30 November to 11 December 2015. On 12
December, the parties reached a new global agreement on climate change. The agreement
presents a balanced outcome with an action plan to limit global warming 'well below' 2°C.
US is one the countries which has officially ratified to the agreement. [4]

3.1. USA Paris agreement commitments

 The United States proposed to achieve an economy-wide target of reducing its
greenhouse gas emissions by 26%-28% below its 2005 level in 2025 and to make best
efforts in order to achieve target of 28%.

Figure 2: US projected target for Paris agreement[5]

 Green Climate Fund was formed to help fight climate change as per which advanced
economies had agreed to jointly mobilize an amount of 100 billion US dollars per
 year by 2020 to help environment protection needs of developing countries. The US
pledged an amount of 3 billion US dollars towards Green Climate Fund. [6]
 The country projected its long-term goal as “Mid-Century Strategy for Deep
Decarbonization” (The White House, 2016). This aims to reduce emissions by 80% or
more below 2005 levels in 2050, incl. LULUCF which is equivalent to 68–76% below
2005 levels (63–73% below 1990), excl. LULUCF.

3.2. Scope and coverage taken into account for Paris agreement

3.2.1. Gases and emissions targeted

As per its commitments at United Nations the U.S. target covered all types of greenhouse
gases included in the Inventory of United States Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks
(2014). The gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6),
nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and nitrogen
trifluoride (NF3).

3.3. Scope

The U.S. target covers its entire financial budget and all its IPCC sectors.
3.4. Positive Actions taken by USA for Paris agreement implementation and their effect

Several laws existing and proposed regulations have been implemented by the U.S. target,
including the Clean Air Act, the Energy Policy Act and the Energy Independence and
Security Act. [7]
 Under the Energy Policy Act and the Energy Independence and Security Act, the
United States Department of Energy has finalized multiple measures addressing
buildings sector emissions including energy conservation standards for 29 categories
of appliances and equipment.
 EPA can regulate emissions from motor vehicles if the agency finds that such
emissions cause or contribute to air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to
endanger public health or welfare. Of the GHG emission standards promulgated by
EPA, four sets of standards, which have had the broadest impacts, are discussed
below: those for power plants, the oil and gas industry, trucks, and light-duty vehicles.
 Improvement in Standards for Power Plants (Clean Power Plan and NSPS) - The
electricity sector accounts for largest amount U.S. CO2 emissions followed by
transportation. The Clean Power Plan (CPP), which is the rule for existing units,
would set state-specific goals for CO2 emissions or emission rates from existing
fossil-fueled power plants
 Coal-fired power plants have been retired in record numbers and cleaner sources of
electric power (both renewable and natural-gas-fired) have taken their place. Coal,
which accounted for 39% of electric power generation in 2014, declined to 28% of the
total in 2018; natural gas generation rose from 28% to 35% of the total, and wind and
solar from 7% to 11% in the same period.[8]
 New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for new and modified power plants,
promulgated at the same time as the CPP, would affect fewer plants, but they too are
controversial, because of the technology the rule assumed could be used to reduce
emissions at new coal-fired units. As promulgated in 2015, the NSPS would have
relied in part on carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology to reduce
 emissions by about 20% compared to the emissions of a state-of-the art coal-fired
plant without CCS.
 Standards for the Oil and Gas Industry on June 3, 2016, EPA promulgated a suite of
New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) under CAA Section 111 to set controls
for the first time on methane emissions from sources in the crude oil and natural gas
production sector and the natural gas transmission and storage sector. States on track
to achieve the Administration’s goal to cut methane emissions from the oil and gas
sector by 40%-45% from 2012 levels by 2025, and to reduce all domestic GHG
emissions by 26%-28% from 2005 levels by 2025.
 Improvement in Standards for Motor Vehicles - The second round of GHG (Green
House Gas) standards for cars and light trucks is being phased in over model years
(MY) 2017-2025. It would reduce emissions from new light-duty vehicles by about
50% as compared to 2010 levels, and average fuel economy will rise to 21.25 km per
liter, in the year 2025. EPA and DOT have also promulgated joint GHG emission and
fuel economy standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, In EPA’s analysis, fuel
consumption of 2027 model tractor-trailers will decline by 34% as a result of the rule.

3.5. Contrary actions to Paris agreement

Under the Trump Administration, EPA has reviewed both the CPP and the NSPS. The repeal
of the CPP was proposed on October 16, 2017 and a rule to replace it (the Affordable Clean
Energy (ACE) rule) on August 21, 2018.

 Rules regarding standards for Oil and gas industry and Motor vehicles have been
made lenient in 2018 as compared to 2016 rules.
 The Trump Administration has removed the mid-century strategy from all
government websites.
 Under President Donald Trump, the US is set to leave the Paris accord in 2020 while
his administration has ended many existing environmental protections. [9]

3.6. Analysis of overall implementation of Paris agreement

 According to Climate Action Tracker [10] the US NDC of 26–28% below 2005 levels
by 2025 (incl. LULUCF) would be rated as “Insufficient.” The “Insufficient” rating
indicates that the US’s NDC in 2025 is not consistent with holding warming to below
2°C, let alone limiting it to 1.5°C as required under the Paris Agreement, and is
instead consistent with warming between 2°C and 3°C. This means the US’s NDC is
at the least stringent end of what would be a fair share of global effort, and is not
consistent with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5˚C limit, unless other countries make much
deeper reductions and comparably greater effort. [11]
 The above fact makes it clear that the Climate Change Goals as set by US are not
sufficient to help make a significant Environmental Impact considering the US’s high
historical emissions, high per capita emissions and high capability to act the NDC is
highly inequitable.
 Under the present government schemes there is not much focus on climate change and
environmental concerns.
 In 2017 US emitted about 6.5 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases. The following
charts shows contribution and source percentage of greenhouse gases.
 Figure 3: Contribution and source percentage of GHG

 The US carbon dioxide emissions rose by 3.4% in 2018 after three years of decline.
America’s carbon dioxide emissions rose by 3.4 percent in 2018, the biggest increase
in eight years. [12]
 The data shows the US is unlikely to meet its pledge to reduce emissions by 2025
under the Paris climate agreement.
Figure 4: Carbon dioxide emissions by fuel

 Under President Donald Trump, the US is set to leave the Paris accord in 2020 while
his administration has ended many existing environmental protections.
 The US is the world's second largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Sharp increase in
emissions occurred even as a large number of coal plants around the United States
retired last year, illustrating how difficult it could be for the country to make further
progress on climate change in the years to come, particularly as the Trump
 administration pushes to roll back federal regulations that limit greenhouse gas
emissions. In 2017 total U.S. emissions was 6,457 million metric tons of CO2 and
net emissions, taking cartbon sinks into account, totaled 5,743 million metric tons
CO2.
 The graph compares emission of US to the rest of the world.

Figure 5: Annual total CO2 emission

4. Implementation in India

4.1. India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC)

 To put forward and further propagate a healthy and sustainable way of living based on
traditions and values of conservation and moderation [13]
 To Reduce GHG Emissions Intensity of India's GDP by 33 to 35 Per Cent by 2030
from 2005 Level[14]
 To create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tons of CO2 equivalent through
additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
 To adopt a climate friendly and a cleaner path than the one followed hitherto by
others at corresponding level of economic development.
 To achieve about 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from no
fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030 with the help of transfer of technology and
low cost international finance including from Green Climate Fund (GCF).
 To better adapt to climate change by enhancing investments in development
programmes in sectors vulnerable to climate change, particularly agriculture, water
resources, Himalayan region, coastal regions, health and disaster management.
 To mobilize domestic and new & additional funds from developed countries to
implement the above mitigation and adaptation actions in view of the resource
required and the resource gap.
  To build capacities, create domestic framework and international architecture for
quick diffusion of cutting edge climate technology in India and for joint collaborative
R&D for such future technologies.

4.2. Actions planned or taken by INDIA towards achieving INDC

4.2.1. Transportation System

In addition to existing 585 kms metro lines in operation as on 10 February 2019, around 622
kms metro line is under construction in various cities of India. Many more metro rails are
under proposal stage. Delhi Metro which is India's first MRTS (Mass Rapid Transport
System) has a potential to reduce CO2 emissions by 0.63 million tonnes annually.[15]
DMRC is first metro rail system in the world to get carbon credits for reduction GHG
emissions and helped in reducing global warming. UN Body credits Delhi metro 6.3 lakh
carbon credits for this modal shift project. Around 18 lakh people using Delhi metro on daily
basis which is completely non-polluting and environment friendly.By traveling with metro,
every passenger can contribute to reduce emission of approx. 100gm of CO2 for every 10 km
trip. By encouraging people to use MRTS rather than personal vehicles will result in
significant reduction of emissions.

Recently, Government of India, announced switch from Bharat Stage IV (BS IV) to Bharat
Stage VI (BS VI) to improve fuel standards across the country by 1 April 2020.[16] Major
difference between BSIV norms and BSVI norms is sulphur content. In BS IV grade fuel
sulphur content is 50ppm whereas sulphur content in BS VI grade fuel is 10ppm.[17] Also in
diesel cars harmful NOx (nitrogen oxides) can be brought down by nearly 70% and they can
be reduced by 25% in patrol cars by shifting to BSVI grade fuel. Additionally cancer causing
particulate matter like PM 2.5 and PM 10 from diesel cars can be reduced by 80%.

Government of India’s National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 targets to
achieve 6-7 million sales of hybrid and electric vehicles by the year 2020.[18] Indian
Government also aims for 30 % of its public transport to be electric by 2030.[19] To promote
electrical mobility in country various initiatives like lower GST rate to 12% (with no cess) for
electrical vehicles against the 28% GST rate with cess up to 22% for conventional vehicles
and issued Expression of Interest (EOI) to deployment 5000 electric buses by State Transport
Departments.

4.2.2. Renewable energy

In India renewable energy share in electricity sector is about 35% as on 31 Mar 2019.[20] Of
which 13% contributed by large hydro (45.4 GW) and remaining renewable energy sources
accounted for 22% (77.6 GW). Renewable energy growth in India from past 3 financial
years is as follows:[21]

Table 3: Renewable energy growth

Total
Installed Hydro Power Other Renewable Total Renewable
Capacity
Capacity As
%
on GW GW GW GW
% share % share share
31 March 2017 44.48 14% 57.26 18% 101.14 31% 326.84
31 March 2018 45.29 13% 69.02 20% 114.32 33% 344.00
31 March 2019 45.40 13% 77.64 22% 123.04 35% 356.10

Table 4: Renewable power capacity (excluding large hydropower) as of 30 June 2019 and
2022 targets
Total Installed 2022 target
Source
Capacity (MW) (MW)
Wind power 36,368 60,000
Solar power 29,549 1,00,000
Biomass power
(Biomass & Gasification and 9,806
*10,000
Bagasse Cogeneration)
Waste-to-Power 138
Small hydropower 4,604 5,000
TOTAL 80,467 1,75,000

India initiated International Solar Alliance (ISA) with 121 countries located in between of
Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn region. Main aim of ISA is to exploit solar energy
efficiently and reduce use of fossil fuels. This Alliance will help India in achieving 100GW
solar energy and 175GW renewable energy targets by 2022. World Bank will mobilise
around US $1000 billion in investments required by 2030, to achieve ISA goals for massive
deployment of affordable solar energy. In January 2018, at World Future Energy Summit
(WFES) held in Abu Dhabi, the government of India announced the establishment of a $350
million solar development fund to enable financing of solar projects.

Under the scheme Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs and Appliances for All (UJALA) around
320 million covered as on 12 February 2019.[22] Around 63 million households below
poverty line have received clean cooking stoves under UJJWALA scheme.

4.2.3. Forest and Tree Cover

India’s total forest and tree cover is 802,088 square km, accounts to 24.39 % of the
geographical area of the country.[23] According to India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2017,
India’s forest and tree cover has increased by 1% (approx. 8021 sqkm) between 2015 and
2017 by adding 6,778 square km of forest cover and extending 1, 243 square km of tree
cover. Also, central government of India is planning a 1400 Km long and 5 Km wide green
belt along Aravali hills range and it would span Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi.[24]
This idea was proposed at COP14 of United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
(UNCCD) held in India in September 2019 and its approval is still pending. This proposal
will be part of India’s goal in restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. At
present India contains 96.4 million hectares of degraded land which is around 30% of total
geographical area of country.

4.2.4. Adaptive Measures

For developing countries like India adaption should be more focused to protect from
inevitable effects of climate change which has already occurred and which can lead to flash
floods, nasty storms and severe droughts. So India’s focus should be on both mitigation and
adaption. Agriculture and water resources are two key sectors which are having adverse
effect due to climate change. Following two ways can be suggested to adapt to existing
climate. One is Inter linking of rivers (ILR), government should give priority to ILR projects
in light of climate action because severe droughts and flash floods are likely to occur in
different parts of country in upcoming years.[25]Secondly usage of genetically modified
crops, Draught resistant crops or crops which produce high yield in same patch of land should
be adopted to reduce impact due to climate change in country.

A central sector scheme, National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) was set up
in 2015-16 with aim to support adaptive measures taken to mitigate or resist adverse impacts
of climate change.[26] As on 5 February 2018, INR 236.32 Crs sanctioned to different states
of India.

4.2.5. Other Measures

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), State Action Plan on Climate Change
(SAPCC), Single use plastic ban ,Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation
(AMRUT) – for Smart Cities, Swachh Bharat Mission etc. are few other measures taken by
government of India to combat climate change.

4.2.6. Status of GHG Emission in India:

Even though few measures are taken by India to combat climate change, the emission of
GHG in India increased by 4.7% in 2016, 4.6% in 2017 and 4.8% in 2018.

5. Implementation in Brazil

Brazil accounts for a significant 2.48 % of global emission making it the globe’s 7 th highest
emitter, and also a rather unique one in that so many of its emission are due to deforestation
of the Amazon, rather than the burning of fossil fuels.

Earlier in 2015 Brazil aimed to reach zero illegal deforestation by 2030 and restore 12 million
hectares of its forest, but the initiatives did not go far enough. the country has reduced
deforestation by 80% since 2004 but significant portions of the vast Amazon rain forest are
disappearing every year, and after a steady decline in deforestation rates from 2005 onwards,
deforestation rose in both 2013 and 2015, following which the country decided to sign the
Paris agreement. The Paris agreement was ratified and approved on 9th November 2016.

The long-term goals of Brazil in order to achieve the Paris agreement aims were as
follows[33]

 Brazil intends to commit to reduce GHG emission by 37% below 2005 levels in 2025 and
by 43% below 2005 levels in 2030.
 The absolute target in relation to the base year is 100% of coverage of the territory,
economy-wide, including co2, CH4, N2O, perfluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons and
SF6.
 Zero illegal deforestation in Brazil amazon by 2030.
 Restoring and reforesting 12 million ha of forest by 2030.
 Enhancing native forest management.
 Strive for transition towards energy systems based on renewable sources and
decarbonisation of the global economy by the end of the century.

Figure 6: GHG net emission contribution

All policies, measures and actions to implement Brazil’s iNDC are carried out under the
National Policy on Climate Change (Law 12,187/2009), the Law on the Protection of Native
Forests (Law 12,651/2012, hereinafter referred as Forest Code), the Law on the National
System of Conservation Units (Law 9,985/2000), related legislation, instruments and
planning processes.

Figure 7: Land distribution

Brazil has formulated certain policies and strategies at times to meet the Paris agreement
goals, but the core of Brazil’s adaptation strategy is the social dimension, bearing in mind the
need to protect vulnerable populations from the negative effects of climate change. Besides
REDD+[27] initiative the south-south initiative[28],[35] is taken on the bases of solidarity
and common sustainable development priorities. Brazil has undertaken best efforts to
enhance cooperation initiatives with other developing countries, particularly in the areas of:
forest monitoring systems; biofuels capacity-building and technology transfer; low carbon
and resilient agriculture; restoration and reforestation activities; management of protected
areas; increased resilience through social inclusion and protection programmes;
Besides these, life cycles engineering is suggested as a tool to be implemented in order to
reduce risk to environment and human life. These tools include eco-design and lifecycle
assessment, clean production techniques, reverse logistics, disassembly, 3R and GIS.

Brazil is one of the world’s leading biofuel producers and importers. Brazil’s environmental
minister Izabella Teixeir claims that “biofuel production in Brazil is driven by public policies
that seek to increase its production in a sustainable manner, conserving nature, creating jobs
and sharing the benefits among the population”. And she also claims “biofuel production in
Brazil is driven by public policies that seek to increase its production in a sustainable manner,
conserving nature, creating jobs and sharing the benefits among the population”.

5.1. Results and suggestions

5.1.1. Deforestation reduction strategies

 Act on primary causes: reduce need for new land

Free up pasture for crop expansion by increasing livestock productivity.
 Complementary forest protection against illegal cuts[29],[30],[31],[32].

Figure 8.1: Land use change results

Figure 8.2: Land use change results

5.1.2. Challenges

Technically feasible despite serious implementation challenges such as financing, extension

services, and innovative designs.

The advantage will be that the native forests will be recovered to some extent.

5.2. Alternatives for mitigation of GHG emission

 Improvement of forage quality

 Genetic improvement of the cattle herd
 Expansion of the feedlot sector
 Recovery of degraded pastures
 Increased stocking rates
 Decreased demand for grazing lands
 Improvement of performance indices
 Decreased age at slaughter
 Adoption of integrated systems(crop-livestock)
 Decrease in GHG emission

5.3. GHG emissions from agricultural systems

Figure 9: Agricultural emission

5.4. Mitigation options for energy sector

5.4.1. Electricity

 Supply
Wind Energy
Biomass Cogeneration
 Demand
Energy Efficiency, Demand Side Management
5.4.2. Oil and Gas

 Supply
Refineries design and Flared Gas to Liquid (GTL)
 Demand
Energy Efficiency in the Industry Fuel switch and Substitution for Biomass
Charcoal from Renewable Biomass
5.4.2.1. Industrial Consumption of Energy from Fossil Fuels

Technical options cover the following five main areas:

 Energy Efficiency (optimization of combustion, heat recovery in industrial processes,

steam recovery, furnace heat recovery, implementation of new technologies and
processes, and other measures)
 Recycling and Reducing Materials Used
 Inter-energy substitution 1 (Fossil Fuels for Fossil Fuels)
 Inter-energy substitution 2 (Fossil for Renewable Alternatives)
 Reduction in the Use of Non-renewable Biomass (charcoal from renewable biomass
from native forests)
 Sub-sectors from considered industries: Cement, Iron and Steel, Minerals,
Chemicals, Non-Iron Metals, Textiles, Food and Drink, Celluloses and Paper,
Ceramics and other (based on the National Energy Balance – BEN 2008)
5.4.3. Mitigation Options for the Transport Sector

Figure 10:Transportation model

5.5. Brazil’s view on NDCs

Most of the current concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is a result of

emissions since the industrial revolution (the post-1750 period). Current generations are
bearing the costs of past interference with the global climate system, resulting from human
activities and consequent greenhouse gas emissions, primarily by developed countries, during
the last two centuries. Similarly, current human activities around the world will affect the
climate system over the next centuries

In order to build a fair and equitable global response to climate change, it is therefore of
central importance to link cause (net anthropogenic GHG emissions) and effect (temperature
increase and global climate change).

Brazil´s mitigation efforts are of a type, scope and scale at least equivalent to the iNDCs of
those developed countries most responsible for climate change. In view of the above, and
based on available tools, it is evident that Brazil’s iNDC, while consistent with its national
circumstances and capabilities, is far more ambitious than what would correspond to Brazil´s
marginal relative responsibility for the global average temperature increase.

6. Implementation in UK

The net emission of green-house gasses in UK is 364.1 Million Tonnes as per a report
published in 2018. The emissions at present are 43.5 % lower than the emissions of 1990
[36]. In line with the Paris Agreement of 2015, the UK had set an ambitious goal to reduce
the net emissions by 80 % upto 2050. This goal of 80 % reduction has been modified to a net
zero emission target by 2050 according to the Climate Change Act 2008(2050 Amendment
Target) Order 2019. The per capita greenhouse gas emission of UK is 6.50 MT [37] . The
major contributor to the greenhouse gas emissions in UK is CO2 accounting for 81% of total
greenhouse gas emissions. Coal usage in turn is the leading contributor for such huge CO2
emissions. Reduction in coal usage between 2017 & 2018 lead to a decrease in CO2
emissions by 9.9 %.

To comply with the goal of Paris Agreement of 2015, UK has taken ambitious steps to keep
the global temperature rise in check upto 1.5 to 2 °C to avoid dangerous repercussions of
global warming. Some proactive steps to achieve this target include proposal for making all
buildings smart by 2030 since residential sector contributes about 18% to the total emissions.
According a report by Committee on Climate Change, which is a governmental body
advising the UK about how to tackle and adapt to the climate change, if other countries were
to take the cue from UK about net-zero emissions the chance of checking the 1.5 °C rise in
global temperature will be 50% .Also the cost implications of this ambitious target are quite
huge and have been as estimated to about 1 Trillion Euros [38].

Experts have been sceptical of the some of the claims made by the UK government to reduce
the emissions. In 2019 UK has given a green signal for a deep coal mine in Cumbria. It has
also not put forward any concrete plan for the replacement of petrol and diesel cars with
electric vehicles as the contribution of emissions from vehicles is about 121 Million Tonnes
in 2018. There has been no significant decrease in CO2 emissions from transport sector even
from 1990 being about 125.4 Million Tonnes in 1990 and 121.4 in 2018.

The contribution of different sectors to emissions is represented in the table below :

 Table 5: UK annual greenhouse gas emissions, 1990-2018(National Statistics,UK)

1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2017 2018

Energy Supply 242.1 210.3 204.0 219.1 197.3 137.6 106.0 98.3
From power 203.0 163.0 158.7 173.1 157.3 104.1 72.4 65.2
stations
From other 39.1 47.3 45.3 46 40.0 33.4 33.5 33.1
Energy Supply
Business 111.9 108.9 108.7 96.9 78.2 69.5 66.1 65.9
Transport 125.4 126.8 131.0 134.3 123.4 122.2 124.6 121.4
Public. 13.4 13.2 12.1 11.1 9.4 7.9 7.8 8.1
Residential 78.3 79.6 85.6 82.5 84.5 64.5 64.1 65.9
Agriculture 6.5 6.5 5.5 6.1 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.6
Industrial Process 19.4 17.7 16.9 16.3 10.6 12.1 10.2 10.0
Waste 1.3 1.0 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.3
Management
LULUCF -2.0 -3.9 -6.0 -8.9 -10.7 -11.2 -11.3 -11.3
Total CO2 596.3 560.1 558.3 557.9 498.3 408.3 373.2 364.1
Other 794.4 745.6 707.5 683.7 600.9 498.0 460.2 448.5
Greenhouse
Gases

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) is responsible for tracking the compliance of UK
to Paris Agreement-2015. It monitors the progress of UK to achieve the ambitious goal of
net-zero emissions by 2050. It employs various indicators to quantify the progress such as
[39]
1. Emissions in an average unit of electricity – and how low this could go if we used our
existing power infrastructure differently.

2. Size of onshore and offshore wind farms at various stages of the project cycle.

3. Emissions from new cars and the rate of development in electric vehicles market.

4. The number of lofts and walls being insulated and boilers upgraded, including moves to
low-carbon heat such as ultra-efficient heat pumps.

Also according to a report on UK’s progress on a target of net-zero emissions by 2050, UK is

not well prepared for the climate change. 12 out of 33 contributing sectors have no plans to
achieve a zero-emissions target. Therefore to bring the net-zero emissions on track , the
existing policies need to be strengthened.

7. Conclusion
In UK, the GHG emissions are reducing because of steps taken by the government. They
have succeeded in bringing down the emission by 43% from 1970 levels. However current
policies need to be revamped and proactively persuaded to reach a zero emission target by
2050. US had a target of reducing GHG emission by 28% as compared to 2005 standards by
2025 is insufficient to keep the global rise in temperature below 2o C. Also experts argue that
the long term target of 70-80 % reduction is an impossible task. Even the GHG emissions
have increased by 3.4% from 2017 to 2018 in U.S. India has been on the forefront to pitch for
reduction in GHG emissions but target to reduce emission intensity of India’s GDP by 33 to
35 % upto 2030 has been a failure since the emissions have only increased by 4.7 % from
2016 to 2019. In Brazil, illegal deforestation coupled with forest fires is a major concern.
Brazil aims to reduce the illegal deforestation down to zero by 2030. But instead
deforestation has increased by 108 % from 2017 to 2019[27],[30],[34]. Even if the target of
zero deforestation is achieved, still the target of Paris Agreement can’t be met. Therefore, it
can be concluded that both the developed and developing countries have been taking actions
to comply with the Paris Agreement but are likely to miss the ambitious targets which needs a
highly drastic approach.
7.1. Key observations and lessons learnt:
1. Both the developed and developing countries have been actively framing policies but
have been lagging in action. Hence need to shift the balance towards stead-forward action
and participation.
2. The environmental norms & laws are susceptible to changes by successive goverments.
Examples include the withdrawal of US from Paris Agreement and Brazil’s reluctance to
comply with the Paris Agreement. Hence environmental laws need to be reinforced and
protected against change by changing governments.
3. Paris Agreement is not being taken seriously by some countries because it is not legally
binding on them. Hence it needs to legislated to some extent to ensure compliance.
4. In developing countries, emission levels are likely to increase because of emerging
industrial sector. Hence the transfer of knowledge and technology from developed to
developing countries should be open for adoption. Such practices can bring down emissions.
Awareness of international agreements like Paris Agreement is less which impedes their
participation to bring the change. Therefore, public needs to be made increasingly aware of
such pacts so that these are enforced at grass-root levels

8. Prologue
The first global review of Paris Agreement Implementation is expected in 2020.This review
will include achievements of all members in decreasing GHG emissions and increasing
carbon sinks globally. On the basis of this review, it will be of great interest to know the
efficiency of various polices/schemes taken up by member countries to achieve the global
target of keeping temperature rise well below 1.5o above preindustrial levels and hence this
information can lead to modify effectively the present initiatives and take up further new
initiatives to achieve global level targets of Paris Agreement.
References:
1. UNFCCC: Summary of the Paris Agreement:
https://unfccc.int/resource/bigpicture/#content-the-paris-agreement
2. UNCC: Paris Agreement - Status of Ratification: https://unfccc.int/process/the-paris-
agreement/status-of-ratification
3. Union of Concerned Scientists: Percentage Share & Rank in CO2 emission:
https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/each-countrys-share-co2-emissions
4. World Wildlife Fund Paris Climate Agreement
https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/paris-climate-agreement
5. United States First NDC Submissions:
https://www4.unfccc.int/sites/ndcstaging/PublishedDocuments
/United%20States%20of%20America%20First/U.S.A.%20First%20NDC%20Submis
sion.pdf
6. PLEDGE TRACKER: Status of Pledges and Contributions made to the Green
Climate Fund Status dated 30 April 2019
7. Policy Evolution Under The Clean Air Act by Richard Schmalensee and N. Stavins
Harvard University prepared for The Journal of Economic Perspectives dated
November 20, 2018.
8. Congressional research services Clean Air Act Issues in the 116th Congress Updated
April 18, 2019
9. US Exits Paris Agreement by John P. Rafferty: https://www.britannica.com/story/us-
exits-paris-climate-agreement.
10. Climate Tracker Organization: https://climateactiontracker.org/
11. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change NDC Registry:
https://www4.unfccc.int/ sites /NDCStaging/Pages/All.aspx
12. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46801108
13. UNFCC: India’s INDC’s:
https://www4.unfccc.int/sites/submissions/INDC/Published%20Documents/India/1/I
NDIA%20INDC%20TO%20UNFCCC.pdf
14. Press Information Bureau: Government of India: Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change: India’s INDC
https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=128403
15. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation: Carbon credits:
http://www.delhimetrorail.com/press_reldetails.aspx?id=746xECETA6Qlld
16. Press Information Bureau: Government of India: Ministry of Road Transport &
Highways: Shift from BS-IV to BS-VI Emission norms:
https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=134232
17. BSVI fuel emission norms: https://www.news18.com/news/auto/all-about-bs-vi-
emission-norms-reason-why-maruti-suzuki-decided-to-discontinue-diesel-cars-
2117871.html
18. Press Information Bureau: Government of India: Ministry of Heavy Industries &
Public Enterprises: Implementation of National Electric Mobility Mission Plan:
https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=191337
19. United Nations Environment Programme: Electric public transport:
https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/india-pushes-greater-uptake-
electric-mobility
20. Renewable energy in India:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renewable_energy_in_India#noSuchAnchor
21. Electricity sector in India: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electricity_sector_in_India
22. Press Information Bureau: Government of India: Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change: Various initiatives taken towards combating and adapting to climate
change: https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1564033
23. India’s forest and tree cover:https://india.mongabay.com/2018/02/state-of-forest-
report-says-that-indias-forest-and-tree-cover-has-increased-by-1-percent/
24. Green wall along Aravali hills: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/a-1400-
km-long-green-wall-along-the-aravali-might-soon-be-a-reality-report-4514261.html
25. Adaptive measures for India: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/how-
india-can-cope-with-climate-change-effects/article28102395.ece
26. Press Information Bureau: Government of India: Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change: National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change:
https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=176178
27. Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation :
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329791581_Brazil_and_the_Paris_Agreeme
nt_REDD_as_an_instrument_of_Brazil's_Nationally_Determined_Contribution_com
pliance
28. South south initiative : https://www.iied.org/south-south-redd-brazil-mozambique-
initiative
29. Deforestation initiatives :https://www.thesolutionsjournal.com/article/how-brazil-has-
dramatically-reduced-tropical-deforestation/
30. Forest code: http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/wf_brazils_new_forest_code_
guide_1.pdf?ga=2.238896640.1246987446.1571043016-1036403877.1571043016
31. Limits of forestcode :https://www.pnas.org/content/114/29/7653/tab-article-info
32. Brazil climate target current status :https://www.wri.org/blog/2017/07/will-brazil-
meet-its-climate-targets
33. UN convention :
https://www4.unfccc.int/sites/ndcstaging/PublishedDocuments/Brazil%20First/BRAZ
IL%20iNDC%20english%20FINAL.pdf
34. Climate action tracker Brazil
:https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/brazil/sources/
35. Methodology adopted :https://climateactiontracker.org/methodology/comparability-
of-effort/
36. UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Provisional Figures, National Statistics, Department
for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy,2018.
37. World Bank Data: Per capita Emissions of CO2 :
https://databank.worldbank.org/reports.aspx?source=2&series=EN.ATM.CO2E.PC&
country=#
38. Committee on Climate Change Report: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-
environment-48596775
39. Committee on Climate Change, Reducing Carbon Emissions:
https://www.theccc.org.uk/tackling-climate-change/reducing-carbon-emissions/how-
the-uk-is-progressing/