This overview sets the scene for the various modules in the Renewables 2024 Global Status Report Collection. It provides high-level trends on the status of renewables in the wider fossil fuel-dominated energy system in the context of global challenges such as climate change, development goals and the geopolitical landscape. Urgent …
There is considerable anxiety about the international impact of unilateral action on climate change. Environmentalists are concerned that it leads to ‘carbon leakage’, that is, the migration of high-emissions activities from relatively tight regulatory environments to more lenient jurisdictions. Industry representatives worry about competitiveness, in terms of the associated loss …
The paper examines climate mitigation strategies to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century, focusing on smoothing macroeconomic costs in the short- to medium-term—the horizon relevant for policymakers. It explores a comprehensive policy package, which complements carbon pricing with an initial green fiscal stimulus, consisting of green public investment and subsidies to …
The new IEA report examines how cities can be a key to a net-zero emissions future as digitalisation opens up a range of new opportunities. More than 50% of the world’s population currently lives in cities, and that figure is expected to increase to almost 70% by 2050. Cities generate …
Currently only one third of rail network in the ESCAP region is electrified -indicating substantial use of diesel for traction and non-traction purposes. And the diesel-powered trains emit at least twice as much CO2 in the atmosphere than electric ones. Railway decarbonize solutions entail (a) electrification of rail infrastructure (b) …
As part of a plan to decarbonize its economy by 2050, the European Union is considering the introduction of a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), to reduce the risk of carbon leakage and to level the field for European industries working towards decarbonization of their production processes. Using a general …
The Oeko Institute along with T&E; has published a report on the integration of maritime transport in the EU emissions trading system (ETS). It looks through the various policy options on the table (the geographical scope, regulated entity, allocation method, use of revenues) as well as examining the compatibility of …
This report by IRENA outlines a pathway for the world to achieve the Paris Agreement goals and halt the pace of climate change by transforming the global energy landscape. It presents options to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius and bring CO2 emissions to net zero by 2050 …
Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement and the release of the IPCC’s Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C, a growing number of countries have committed to net zero emissions targets. As of June 2021, 31 countries and the European Union have set such a target, either in law …
With introduction of the EU’s first CO2 standard for new passenger cars, official type-approval emissions decreased at a rate of about 3.5% per year, compared to about 1.2% prior to regulation. The 2015 target of 130 g/km was met well in advance by manufacturers. During the 2016 to 2019 timeframe, …
The Climate Change Action Plan 2021–2025 aims to advance the climate change aspects of the WBG’s Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development (GRID) approach, which pursues poverty eradication and shared prosperity with a sustainability lens. In the Action Plan, we will support countries and private sector clients to maximize the impact …
Applying the ICCT Roadmap Model, three scenarios were modeled to assess the required level of type-approval CO2 emission reduction for new passenger cars and vans: Adopted policies: Average new car CO2 emissions decrease by 15% by 2025 and 37.5% by 2030, relative to 2021. For vans, the reduction is 15% …
In 2020, the fifth year since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, the 191 countries that ratified the Agreement were required to submit their second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). This factsheet analyses the status of the commitments for 2030, made by seven entities—China, US, the European Union (EU-27), India, Russia, …
The World Economic Forum’s Clean Skies for Tomorrow (CST) initiative has brought together an Indian community of private and public institutions with a shared vision of scaling production and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). To realize this vision, the CST India initiative established a specific goal to transport 100 …
Freight transportation plays a crucial role in supporting the economic development of a nation, boosting its logistics and industrial competitiveness, and satisfying the daily needs of its citizens. Due to the rising demand for goods and services, India’s freight transport demand has been growing at 5 percent since 2015 and …
A new report co-authored by University of Liverpool ocean scientists highlights why the ocean matters in climate negotiations and suggests positive actions nations can take as the countdown to COP26 is underway. On World Oceans Day, and ahead of the G7, a group of leading UK experts shine a spotlight …
The climate emergency is a human rights crisis of unprecedented proportions. Climate change threatens the enjoyment of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of present and future generations and, ultimately, the future of humanity. When climate change-related impacts hit a country or a community, the knock-on effects can seriously …
In Copenhagen in 2009, developed countries committed to jointly mobilise $100 billion dollars a year by 2020 to address the needs of developing countries. However, the climate accords rely on pledging and do not include any formulae for determining how responsibility for this target should be apportioned among developed countries. …
Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies are set to play an important role in supporting clean energy transitions in Southeast Asia. CCUS can address emissions from the region’s existing power and industrial assets while underpinning new economic opportunities associated with the production of low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia. Regional co-operation …
Natural climate solutions (NCS) play a critical role in supporting the future of both climate and nature. Research conducted for this report confirms estimates that NCS can provide one-third (close to 7 Gt CO2) of the climate mitigation to reach a 1.5- or 2-degree pathway by 2030—and at a lower …
Climate change is a major threat to the sustainability and inclusiveness of our societies, and to the planet’s habitability. A just transition to a low-carbon economy is the only viable way forward. This paper reviews the climate change challenge. It stresses the criticality of systems changes (energy, transport, urban, land …
