Global Climate Action
Global Net Zero Pledges & the Paris Climate Accord
At COP21, better known as the Paris Climate Accord, nations pledged greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) reduction targets (also known as Nationally Determined Contributions). At the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), representatives (national dignitaries & diplomats) of every UNFCCC member nation gather annually to assess and calibrate their GHGs reduction targets.
Concrete GHG reduction pledges by UNFCCC member nations were made at the COP21 in Paris; and have since evolved with the latest guidance from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC); ideally to the most ambitious GHG reduction pledge a nation can possibly make - a net zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) pledge.
In order to fully participate in the Paris Climate Accord, EVERY member nation to the UNFCCC must submit Intended Nationally Determined Contributions of GHG reduction pledges for their country; these pledges must be approved by the UNFCCC, and then pledges become official Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
NDCs are expected to get increasingly ambitious each time they are submitted; and especially every 5 years, when every UNFCCC member nation is required to submit revised NDCs. Based on the latest scientific guidance from the IPCC, now many nations have net zero (carbon neutrality) targets in addition to their NDCs.
The Paris Climate Accord is not legally binding, so actual binding NDCs must originate from national, state, and regional governments (when not put forward by a national government, but rather by state or regional governments; these commitments are simply referred to as GHG reduction pledges or targets).
As climate science has evolved over the last few years, GHG reduction targets have become more ambitious. This is reflected in ambitious targets such as the European Union's pledge to cut carbon emissions to 55% of 1990 levels by 2030; on its way to net zero by 2050. The entire European continent plan to become the first carbon-neutral continent in the world (by mid-century).
The EU's ambitious climate policies are known as the Green Deal, European Climate Law, and the "Fit for 55" package (referring to the 55% GHG reduction pledge). The European Commission set forth the EU Green Deal Dec 2019, and now includes the Fit for 55 package and Climate Law (including the net zero by 2050 pledge and a comprehensive set of ambitious climate policies for every economic sector). These ambitious climate policies have been codified into law by the European Commission and revised to reflect even more ambitious climate targets.
These ambitious climate policies from the EU, and from around the globe, are summed up in this article -
President Biden has pledged that the United States will have 100% carbon-free energy on its electric grids by 2035; on its path to net zero by 2050. Many developed nations, including the EU group of countries, the US, the UK, other European nations & Japan, have set ambitious targets to reach net zero GHG emissions by 2050. In fact, over 100 countries worldwide have joined an alliance aiming for net zero emissions by 2050. There are nations with even more ambitious net zero targets. For example, Germany and Sweden both have very ambitious net zero by 2045 targets
NDC targets and net zero targets are codified into European law by legislation which has been passed by the European Commission; as well as individual European nations whose governments have set ambitious climate targets. The United States' federal government has the executive commitment of President Biden to bold climate pledges (as of 2021), but Congress hasn't yet passed legislation committing to NDCs or a net zero target like the EU has (as well as several European nations independently).
However, individual states (such as California and several others) have passed GHG reduction targets and net zero targets state-wide; through State Congresses as binding legislation.
China has set their net zero target for 2060; soon thereafter, the US committed to net zero by 2050 (historically, China & the US are the 2 biggest emitters of GHGs); and both of these net zero commitments followed the earlier European carbon neutrality pledges. China set their net zero target in September 2020; while the US net zero pledge was made by President Biden upon taking office, in January 2021. It is expected that all NDC and net zero commitments that the Chinese national government makes, will be codified into legally binding law in China.
To see an expanded list of nations' GHG reduction goals and net zero pledges, please see -
The Global Fight Against Climate Change; NDCs and Net Zero Targets Worldwide
Net zero pledges represent ambitious goals to keep global warming well below 2°C (that’s 2°C rise above pre-industrial global temperature averages), and ideally to 1.5°C this century; making good on the latest IPCC climate targets. Here is a map from BloombergNEF with countries' various degrees of progress to net zero:
[Compare developed nations of the EU (best - top quartile) and US (2nd quartile), to other 3rd & 4th quartile nations on the below map. Many governments have yet to even make net zero pledges for their nations. Most of these are developing nations who believe that using fossil fuel energy is necessary to help alleviate poor socioeconomic conditions.]
COP21 - The Paris Climate Accord
On December 12th, 2015, high-level representatives from 197 nations, including many presidents and prime ministers, agreed to try to hold global warming "well below” 2 °C above pre-industrial temperatures, at the COP 21 in Paris. Clean and renewable energy targets, energy efficiency technologies for nations and industries, concerted efforts in green building, and sustainable mass transit; are among many green means the UNFCCC advises nations to invest in to help create a more sustainable planet. On November 4th, 2016, the Paris Climate Accord took full effect (once nations representing a majority of the planet’s GHG emissions signed the agreement).
Unfortunately, the truth is that, even if the original Paris Climate Accord is carried out by every nation, and to the letter, global temperatures will still be on course to rise by around 2.7-3.1°C by the end of the century. Thus, the need for more ambitious GHG reduction pledges; and ideally national commitments to net zero emissions, are necessary. Every world nation (with a few exceptions) -all UNFCC members, originally signed the agreement, and 191 nations have officially ratified the Paris Climate Accord and pledged NDCs.
The Breakthrough Energy Coalition
The Paris Climate Accord did produce lasting positive momentum for global action on climate change. Arguably, the best news of the entire COP21 came on Day 1 of COP21, with the announcement that the Breakthrough Energy Coalition, a.k.a. Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV) - see>>> breakthroughenergy.com, had been successfully formed in the lead-up to Paris.
The Breakthrough Energy Coalition is a group of more than 20 billionaires started by Bill Gates (including Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, Mark Zuckerberg {CEO of Facebook}, and others), who have organized to invest substantial sums in innovative clean energy.
BEV wouldn’t be able to fund and meet all of its goals without the most important international commitment by governments to invest in clean energy to date; Mission Innovation.
Mission Innovation (mission-innovation.net) is a group of 20 countries including the U.S., Brazil, China, Japan, Germany, France, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea; who have pledged to double government investment in clean energy innovation and to be transparent about its clean energy research and development efforts. In a statement from the Coalition, the importance of both groups is highlighted –
“THE WORLD NEEDS WIDELY AVAILABLE ENERGY that is reliable, affordable and does not produce carbon. The only way to accomplish that goal is by developing new tools to power the world. That innovation will result from a dramatically scaled up public research pipeline linked to truly patient, flexible investments committed to developing the technologies that will create a new energy mix. The Breakthrough Energy Coalition is working together with a growing group of visionary countries who are significantly increasing their public research pipeline through the Mission Innovation initiative to make that future a reality.” - quote from The Breakthrough Energy Coalition
The High Ambition Coalition
The High Ambition Coalition (HAC) is a group of over 40 (mainly developing) countries formed by UNFCCC members determined to create an equitable responsibility for investment in ambitious climate action; and a fair distribution of UN clean energy resources. The HAC is especially focused on more equitable distribution of clean energy investments between poorer nations and richer, developed, industrialized nations. The HAC initially included smaller, poorer nations such as the Marshall Islands, the nation that originally formed the HAC-
"The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) formed the High Ambition Coalition in run-up negotiations at the UNFCCC to the Paris Agreement in 2015, helping to secure key elements of the deal, including the 1.5°C temperature goal, the net zero global emissions pathway by the second half of the century, and a five-year cycle for updating mitigation contributions.
Since then, the HAC has worked to realize the promises of the Paris Agreement it came together to deliver. The work has accelerated and expanded in scope, driving forward ambitious global climate action. And the science has only become clearer since Paris, underscoring the imperative of keeping global temperature increase to 1.5°C if we are to avert the most severe impacts of climate change." quote from - highambitioncoalition.org/work
Main contributions by the HAC include the ambitious 1.5°C target, and the 5-year cycle for UNFCCC members to submit revised pledges. COP26 in Glasgow is the first such mandatory revision of nationally determined contributions to GHG reduction, as 2015 was a low-profile virtual meeting due to COVID-19.
The European Union is the highest-profile, and richest, group of nations to join the HAC. The HAC consists mostly of developing nations; such as Mexico, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Ethiopia; and smaller, developing island-nations such as Jamaica and Fiji. With Canada joining the HAC in September 2020, the HAC is comprised of over 40 nations; but the focus of the coalition remains equity for developing nations in the Paris Climate Accord's future dealings. Historically, since larger, richer nations have profited from industrialization at the expense of the global climate; the responsibility for climate change is greater for developed nations, and these nations should bear more of the financial burden stemming from the global transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.
Please see:
The Global Fight Against Climate Change; Net Zero Targets
and also see:
Shortfall in International GHG Reduction Pledges
How are current climate policies worldwide, current GHG reduction targets (nationally determined contributions), going to actually reduce global greenhouse gas emissions as world nations try to achieve net zero GHGs (carbon neutrality) in order to stop global warming? This chart, from Climate Action Tracker (CAT), models current climate policy outcomes, as well as optimistic net zero targets, to 2100>>>
Below are some major resources for more information on the COP21:
newsroom.unfccc.int/lpaa/innovation/lpaa-focus-on-innovation-government-and-private-sector-leaders-announce-commitments-and-partnerships-to-increase-rd-for-low-carbon-technologies
COP21 Paris – breakdown of the event
GCT Featured Articles
Oslo, Norway – Eco-Capital
Oslo: Net Zero Future | Oslo has fleets of clean mass public transit - trams, electric buses and ferries - powered...
Read PostRegenerative Agriculture
Regenerative agriculture creates carbon sinks; turning farms into healthy ecosystems that sequester carbon with plentiful...
Read PostSustainable City – CHICAGO
Chicago might not be widely known as a green city, however, the city has a vast network of sustainable mass public transit...
Read PostVauban and the Plus-Energy Sun Ship
Vauban is an exemplary sustainable town and a zero-emission district. Most energy for buildings is from rooftop solar...
Read PostClimate Solution – Sustainable Agriculture
Benefits of Sustainable Agriculture | Sustainable ag. turns farms into thriving biodiverse lands that produce...
Read PostAustin, Texas – A Sustainable City
Eco-friendly Capital | Austin is emerging as a leader in renewable energy, community solar, and LEED building efficiency...
Read Post12+ Ways You Can Help the Environment
Lower your carbon footprint, save energy, and help the environment. Here are 12+ actions for sustainable individuals:...
Read Post10 Ways to Reduce Food Waste
by Jane Marsh | Significant amounts of food waste originate from cities. Urbanites can use food waste reduction methods...
Read PostModern Sustainable Waste Management Technologies
5 Ways for SMART Cities to Implement Sustainable Waste Management | by Jane Marsh | Cities are implementing zero-waste...
Read Post5 Categories of Change in Climate
Climate change is adversely affecting all parts of the earth. There have been dramatic increases in greenhouse gas emissions...
Read Post10 IoT and Sustainability Technologies for Smart Cities
Technologies Benefit Sustainable Smart Cities | by Jane Marsh | As the conversation around greenhouse gas emissions...
Read PostProfiles in Sustainable Cities – San Diego, California
Sustainable cities, like San Diego, have eco-city designs that prioritize consideration of social, economic, and environmental...
Read PostOffshore Wind Farms in the United States | Block Island Leads the Way
First of many US offshore wind farms | The United States' 1st operational offshore wind farm is the Block Island...
Read PostClean Energy Jobs are UP, and RE cost is down
Clean Energy JOBS | The future of employment in the energy sector is in clean energy, energy efficiency, and renewable...
Read PostUsing Technology to Provide Clean Water to Cities
How Technology Can Help Cities Avoid Another Flint Water Crisis | Article by Jane Marsh | The green movement is influencing...
Read PostHow Safe & Clean is Nuclear ☢️ Energy?
When looking at climate solutions for clean energy generation, it is prudent to look at all clean energy sources. Nuclear...
Read PostKamuthi Solar Project, Bhadla Solar Park; and the largest solar PV farms in India, China, and other countries
Featuring over 2.5 million individual solar PV modules, and on 2,500 acres, the Kamuthi Solar Power Project supplies...
Read PostMicrogrids spread across Africa
Developing Microgrids | As African nations push for rural electrification, many look to microgrids as a sustainable...
Read PostFuture Generations of Batteries
Next generation li-ion batteries | Next-gen lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries can charge quickly, are rechargeable,...
Read PostClean Hydrogen Power
Hydrogen (H2) and the Clean Energy Transition | Hydrogen created with clean energy is one of the most promising...
Read PostNuclear – necessary energy
Both nuclear and renewable energy are needed in the global energy mix to help fight climate change. In order to cut...
Read PostCOP21 – good news for the planet
NDCs and Net Zero Pledges | At COP21, commonly referred to as the Paris Climate Accord, nations sent representatives...
Read PostPlan for the Expansion of Smart Meter Infrastructure
Modern SMART Meters | Many buildings in America today still rely on inefficient energy infrastructure, such as older...
Read PostRecycling – how we are doing as a global community; waste-to-energy
Effective waste management strategies for cities include citywide recycling programs, circular economy strategies, as...
Read PostPermanent ban on new coal mines and other sustainability priorities
Strategies for mitigating climate change | What are the best strategies for mitigating global warming? How is the...
Read Post10 Sustainable Technologies Improving Air Quality in Cities
GREEN Tech for Healthy Air | Article by Jane Marsh | Cities are the heart of every global region. They are headquarters...
Read PostShortfall in International GHG Reduction Pledges
Is the World Going to Meet its Climate Targets? There is a substantial shortfall between GHG emission reduction pledges...
Read PostThe Global Fight Against Climate Change; NDCs and Net Zero Targets Worldwide
Nationally Determined Contributions | As part of the ongoing global battle against climate change, almost 200 countries...
Read PostBreakthroughs in Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Solar Thermal Technology
Solar - the most abundant renewable energy on the planet | Recently there have been dramatic breakthroughs in solar...
Read PostRenewable Energy – Breakthroughs in Wind Energy
Onshore Wind Farms - Cheap and Clean Energy | Onshore wind farms now provide the least expensive form of energy, renewable...
Read PostEconomy vs. the Environment
Economic growth does not have to come at the expense of the environment. Sustainable technologies (such as renewable...
Read PostDesalination – Clean Water for a Thirsty World
The two desalination plants featured below; one in Carlsbad (San Diego county, California - featured photo), and one...
Read Post10 Countries Promoting the use of Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Why Is There A Need For EVs Globally? In its World Energy Outlook, the International Energy Agency identifies pathways...
Read PostSmart City Energy Infrastructure
Updating Infrastructure for Developing Renewable Energy in Cities | People-centered smart cities are cropping up worldwide....
Read PostEVs and the Future of Urban Transit
Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure | What will be done to develop electric vehicle infrastructure? With cars that...
Read PostThe Role of E-mobility Trends in Decarbonizing Transport
Decarbonizing the Transportation Sector with E-mobility | It's no secret that transportation is a major source of...
Read PostPutting a Price on Carbon
Carbon Markets | Carbon cap and trade systems are regulatory policies in which countries, provinces, states, and even...
Read PostReforestation
Deforestation and solutions; including reforestation | Deforestation of our planet, for centuries, has led to issues...
Read PostThe UNFCCC
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – Conference of the Parties | World leaders, dignitaries,...
Read PostCarbon tax – a levy on pollution whose time has come
Defining effective carbon taxes | A carbon tax is a levy in countries and regions on: fossil fuel power plants, oil...
Read PostImproving energy efficiency
Energy Efficiency Foundations for Green Building: Energy Star, LED and CFL Lights, LEED technologies When it comes to...
Read PostDecoupling and Divestment to Reach Sustainability
Economic Growth Without Environmental Impact Decoupling in eco-environmental terms can be defined as economic growth...
Read PostISEGS – A Shining Example of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
Ivanpah Solar Electrical Generating System (ISEGS) Ivanpah Solar Electrical Generating System (ISEGS) is a 392 MW solar concentrated...
Read PostCar-sharing and Ride-hailing
Sustainable Commuting | Many ride-sharing fleets are converting to electric cars. Car-sharing (a.k.a. ride-sharing)...
Read PostCalifornia – Current Progress of a Climate Champion
Learning From California's Struggle to Balance Decarbonization With Energy Resilience | Since California passed the...
Read PostA Close Look at San Diego’s HERO Program
San Diego, Green Buildings, HERO Program | The importance of green energy for use in homes and businesses is becoming...
Read Post
Please let us here at Green City Times know what you think in a comment; and we’ll try and answer any questions as well.
Please also visit our other blog at https://greencitytimes.blogspot.com
[Dan Braff is the founder of GCT –
Daniel Braff
about.me/gctimes]