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Malaysia is actively addressing environmental responsibilities by pledging a 45 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, aided by a large-scale solar photovoltaic initiative. Nonetheless, the unprecedented meteorological events due to climate change such as extreme temperatures and precipitation may reduce the large-scale solar performance and lead to infrastructure damage. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a screening-level analysis from both technical and economic perspectives, in order to assess the effects of extreme temperature and precipitation on large scale solar in Malaysia. This study hypothesized that extreme temperature and precipitation reduce large scale solar performance and increase infrastructure damage. The results demonstrate that both extreme temperature and precipitation increase the power and efficiency loss over time. In general, infrastructure damages caused by extreme temperature and precipitation can result in degradation, a shortened lifespan, and ultimately a collapse. In this study, the costs of physical damage were estimated using the modified levelized cost of energy, and it was found that the cost of physical damage in extreme temperature conditions was approximately 30 % greater than the cost in extreme precipitation conditions, which was nine times greater than in normal condition. Compared to a no-adaptation scenario, it is possible to reduce the additional costs due to extreme temperature and precipitation by up to 53 % and 49 %, respectively. Enhancements, additional analysis, and validation of these findings could aid in the readiness for climate change mitigation efforts, not only for solar power systems but also for other types of energy systems. [Display omitted] • Generic screening-level analysis for assessing techno-economic impact of solar. • Extreme temperature and precipitation reduce solar performance and increase damage. • Study employs modified levelized cost of energy to estimate physical damage costs. • A proactive adaptation strategy reduced the additional cost for both scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decarbonisation strategies for eight German manufacturing companies of different industries (electrical, chemical, beverage, mechanical engineering, automotive, polymer processing) are developed and analysed. The abatement potential and economic feasibility of strategies depend to a large extent on individual preconditions e.g., the area available for renewable energy systems, and dynamic effects, for example the changing emission intensity of local electricity generation. The strategies lead to a reduction of between 41 % and 88 % for seven of the eight companies. The in-depth case studies show that energy efficiency measures and expanding the company's own renewable energy plants, except for solar heat, are particularly cost-effective, while shutting-down existing combined heat and power plants has the highest abatement costs between 169 and 1686 EUR/tCO 2 e. Decarbonising electricity procurement and switching from natural gas to biomethane have the highest greenhouse gas abatement potential in Scope 1 and 2. The novelty of this work is the linking of economic and ecological considerations of measures in the context of company-specific decarbonisation strategies. Using marginal abatement cost curves, different options for emission reductions are discussed and general conclusions for the development of decarbonisation strategies in the manufacturing sector are drawn. [Display omitted] • In-depth decarbonisation strategies are developed for eight manufacturing companies. • Abatement potential and economic feasibility depend largely on dynamic effects. • Energy efficiency and own renewable generation capacity are most cost-effective. • Marginal abatement cost curves link economic and ecological potential. • Greenhouse gas abatement costs are quantified for different industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Biochar-based carbon management networks (CMNs) offer a means of achieving negative net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Such systems rely on relatively mature technologies for biochar production, distribution and application by tillage; thus, the prospects for near-term scale-up, especially in developing countries with agriculture-intensive economies, are promising. The main technological gap lies in the capability to predict, optimize and monitor the actual climate change mitigation benefits. Computer-aided planning of biochar-based CMNs will be needed to maximize GHG reductions while minimizing any potential adverse environmental impacts. Such models can help decision-makers to understand and optimize the cost/benefit aspects of such systems to accelerate their commercial deployment. This paper gives a brief review of the available scientific literature, and discusses prospective areas for further research to facilitate the large-scale use of biochar as a negative emissions technology (NET). Highlights • Biochar application to soil is a potentially scalable negative emissions technology. • Biochar-based carbon management networks can be operated based on this concept. • Computer-aided planning, optimization and monitoring are required. • An integrated modelling framework should be developed for effective decision support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study reviews conservative political party policy positions in six European countries with high greenhouse-gas emissions (France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the U.K.). Using party platform statements from recent election campaigns, the positions of moderate conservative parties are compared with those of far-right political parties to investigate similarities and differences on energy-transition policy. Three areas of policy are considered: climate-change mitigation, fossil-fuel development or sunsetting, and renewable energy and energy efficiency development. In the countries examined, moderate conservative parties generally remain committed to climate-mitigation policy and renewable energy and energy efficiency policy, but there are some roll-backs of support, and there is variation in their support for fossil-fuel development. Far-right parties tend to show evidence of rejection of climate science, opposition to decarbonization in general, support for natural gas hydraulic fracturing technologies, support for continued use of coal, and opposition to some types of policy favorable to renewable energy and energy efficiency. However, some far-right parties, notably in France and Spain, share several important positions with the center-right parties. The study cautions against assuming an automatic linkage between far-right parties and opposition to energy-transition policies and against assuming that far-right parties will oppose all types of energy-transition policies. Highlights • Skepticism and rejection of climate science appears in some of the platforms of far-right Euroskeptic parties. • The far-right parties of Germany, the Netherlands, and the U.K. are strongly opposed to a range of energy-transition policies. • The far-right parties of France and Spain have more moderate positions that are close to center-right parties. • Far-right parties tend to be opposed to wind power but less so to energy efficiency and distributed solar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Canadian province of Quebec has set for 2030 a greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target of 37.5% below 1990 levels. Meeting such a reduction target requires in particular a rapid transition to a low-carbon energy system. This paper proposes prospective energy scenarios for Quebec up to 2030, under different GHG emission reduction constraints (up to a 40% reduction). The main objective is to explore the role of bioenergy in achieving the reduction targets. Our analysis is based on the North American TIMES Energy Model (NATEM). It belongs to the MARKAL/TIMES family of models supported by the International Energy Agency, and includes a detailed bioenergy sector. Compared to the reference case (baseline), our results indicate a larger share of bioenergy in 2030 (up to a threefold increase in the most stringent GHG reduction scenario), with up to a fourfold increase in the total amount of feedstock used for bioenergy production. Our study envisions thus a much larger penetration of bioenergy than the one proposed by the government of Quebec in its 2030 Energy Policy. Highlights • Prospective energy scenarios for the Province of Quebec under GHG reduction targets. • Use of a TIMES optimization energy model to derive socially optimal solutions. • Explore the role of bioenergy in achieving the reduction targets. • Results indicate a larger penetration of bioenergy than the one proposed by the government of Quebec in its 2030 Energy Policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapidly increasing catastrophic environmental incidents and changes in global climate have compelled researchers to take proactive measures for climate change mitigation. Consequently, reducing greenhouse gas emissions has become one of the most significant global targets. The transportation sector has a massive carbon footprint accounting for 22% of the total carbon dioxide emissions. In this regard, road transport contributes the largest fraction of the total emissions within the transportation sector. Conversely, the railway which is the cleanest form of transportation contributes slightly more than 1% of the total emissions. Moreover, since most of the rail systems are operated by government or private companies, it is relatively convenient to implement policies and replace conventional technology with environmentally friendly ones. This could be achieved by taking certain measures from technical and operational viewpoints for conserving energy to lower the carbon intensity of all transport modalities. Hence, this review paper focuses on investigating the railway sector to encourage a modal shift to the least carbon-intensive option. This study provides a critical review of the past and present rail technologies in terms of the environmental, economic, social, and technical perspectives. Moreover, a comparative assessment of the various locomotive types has been performed. The results reveal that battery-hydrogen hybrid locomotives are the best choice to be considered as a future locomotive technology. Hydrogen locomotives have the potential to be a promising alternative to diesel railway locomotives. However, certain technical barriers need to be overcome to enhance the overall system's performance and reliability to further improve the viability of its deployment in the railway sector. [Display omitted] • A critical review of the various rail technologies is provided through different viewpoints. • The assessment constitutes environmental, economic, social, and technical perspectives. • A decision-support tool for comparison of four rail technologies is also developed. • Battery-hydrogen hybrid locomotive results in the highest score of 1.47. • Standalone hydrogen locomotive results in the second highest score of 1.38. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global firms are increasingly adopting greenhouse gas mitigation targets in response to climate change. These targets serve as a spur for carbon mitigation initiatives, provide guidelines to select appropriate mitigation actions, and set the standards to measure the progress of the mitigation efforts. Despite their important functionalities, firm-level mitigation targets have rarely been studied. In this paper we aim to provide a comparative view on mitigation targets set by global firms across different countries and industrial sectors. The analysis focuses on four dimensions, i.e., adoption, metric, scope, and stringency. We find Japan far leads the other major countries in terms of target adoption, but the targets of Japanese firms are generally less stringent. Canadian firms are laggards in both target adoption and target stringency. The mitigation targets are also considerably uncommon among Australian firms. Firms in developing countries fall behind in target stringency and display a significantly greater divergence than developed countries in sectoral adoption rate. The European Union firms are most likely to cover the emissions in their supply chains in targets. Target stringency has substantially tightened from 2005 to 2012. For all the countries in this study, around 95% of the firm-level targets are more stringent than the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions submitted to the Paris Agreement. Setting mitigation target has a significant positive impact on both the likelihood of investing in renewable energy and the amount of investment in renewable energy. However, there is no evidence that more stringent targets lead to higher investment. These findings point to the most pressing issues with regard to corporate mitigation target-setting that policymakers and corporate management should address. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the climate emergency declaration (CED) movement in cities and its effects and synergies with local climate planning. Urban areas are experiencing a wide range of climate-induced extreme events, particularly those located in the Mediterranean hotspot. The focus is on Italian cities, which have only recently become key players in climate planning. The method is based on the collection, analysis, and comparison of data on CEDs and local climate plans (LCPs), integrated with information on city membership in climate networks, to extrapolate key performance indicators of the CED movement. The results show that the CED movement can motivate municipalities to become more ambitious in climate action. As of February 2021, the "climate emergency" movement was supported by 105 Italian cities geographically concentrated in the northern regions (66.7%). The motivation behind a CED is often attributable to local populations calling for concrete climate action (91.1% referred to the Fridays for Future movement) but also to a greater perception of the impacts of climate change (85.6% referred to the Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C). Networking plays an important role (85 cities in the Covenant of Mayors). Interestingly, 36 cities (34.3%) were not engaged in local climate planning previously, but the CED shows now they see the urgency to act. 24.4% cities aim at carbon neutrality in their CEDs (most with local adaptation aspirations), with a much smaller fraction of cities doing so in LCPs and generally lower ambition in terms of greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. [Display omitted] • Case study: 105 IT cities that have declared climate emergency (66.7% in the north). • Motivation: 91.1% refer to the FFF movement, 85.6% to the 2018 IPCC Special Report. • Networking: 85 cities are members of CoM and 33 of the Italian Green City Network. • 34.3% of the CED cities had not previously a mitigation or adaptation plan. • 24.4% of CEDs aim at carbon neutrality, while LCPs have less ambitious GHG targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While feeding 20% of global population, China's agriculture is a large greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter, posing a major challenge to the country's carbon neutrality target. However, the pathways of agriculture towards carbon neutrality remain unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we conduct a comprehensive life-cycle assessment and show that valorization of sustainable biomass wastes (crop residues, forest residues, livestock manure, food waste, and sewage sludge) into biochar can contribute importantly towards agricultural carbon neutrality in China. The maximum potential of biochar production from these waste resources in 2018 is 145 Mt yr−1 with a corresponding GHG mitigation potential of 455.7 (405.5–572.4) Mt CO 2 -eq yr−1. This can fully offset the total CH 4 and N 2 O emissions from China's croplands (∼400 Mt CO 2 -eq yr−1), which are difficult to be entirely eliminated due to rice paddy irrigation and intensive use of fertilizers. Distribution of biomass waste varies across regions, and at the national level , crop residues (48.8%) and livestock manure (25.4%) and food waste (15.6%) are the main sources of biochar feedstocks and should be prioritized in biochar development. Forest residues have a marginal contribution due to competing uses from other sectors, and sewage sludge derived biochar is a net source of GHG emissions due to the large energy consumption required for sludge drying. The total GHG mitigation potential of biochar is greatly affected by pyrolysis temperature and the highest mitigation effect is observed under 300–500 °C. These results underscore the benefit of sustainable biochar production to agricultural carbon neutrality, and to maximize the climate benefit requires differential policies and pyrolysis technologies tailored to regional availability of biomass resources. • The GHG mitigation potential of sustainable biochar in China was analyzed. • The maximum mitigation potential can offset all CH 4 and N 2 O emission from croplands. • Biochar GHG mitigation potential is affected significantly by pyrolysis temperature. • Sustainable biochar can contribute toward agricultural carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal target 7.1, to provide universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy by 2030, must be achieved in the context of rapid reductions in global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While replacing solid cooking fuels with liquid petroleum gas (LPG) opens questions about the compatibility of energy access and climate mitigation objectives, the environmental impact of 2.6 billion people continuing to rely on solid fuel for cooking and heating is significant. However, models used to map deep decarbonization pathways typically do not feature a granular pathway for universal clean cooking access, which limits the representation of these two interconnected transitions, mitigating climate change and achieving universal energy access. Here, we present a novel methodology for representing residential cooking pathways within the TIMES energy systems optimization model (ESOM) framework. The methodology is demonstrated using India as a proof-of-concept case study, where scenario analysis explores solutions that reach universal clean cooking access in the context of GHG emissions reductions. The model presented here is published and publicly available to access. • Sustainable Development Goal 7.1 targets universal access to clean cooking facilities by 2030. • Energy access and climate mitigation interconnection is underrepresented in energy systems modelling. • The Clean Cooking Model (CCM) represents energy access options in an energy systems optimization framework. • CCM maps cost-optimal, granular pathways to energy access and climate mitigation goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deep decarbonization of the power systems is pivotal to the efforts of global energy transition and climate mitigation. The small modular reactor (SMR) is a decarbonized, reliable and secure generating technology that can bring new possibilities for global power-sector transition. However, such a transition involves a variety of complexities even beyond conventional systems. We comprehensively explore the SMR deployment and the decarbonization pathway in a number of diversified power and jurisdictional systems under various complexities associated with multiple variables, objectives, criteria and constraints that have dynamic and interactive relationships. This effort is based on the development of an SMR-embedded multi-region power system management model (SMPM). Using Canada as an example, here we show that SMRs would play different roles in diversified power systems, particularly for fossil-fuel dependent, highly variable renewable energy-penetrated and off-grid. The introduction of SMRs to Canada would result in up to 71% (/48%) emission reduction from 2005 (/2018) level in the country by 2045. Our results would help show the significance of SMRs for supporting the global energy transition. [Display omitted] • An SMPM model is developed to analyze low-carbon power system transition in Canada. • Multiple complexities and uncertainties in power systems are reflected. • SMR development issue is investigated within a power-system optimization framework. • The regional development of Canada is analyzed by a holistic optimization method. • GHG emissions from Canada's power sector would be 48% lower in 2045 than in 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithuania has developed several important climate change mitigation policy documents however there are no attempts in Lithuania to develop local climate change mitigation policies or to decentralize climate change mitigation policy. The aim of the paper is to analyse climate change mitigation policies in households. The paper presents the framework for the assessment of reasonably achievable GHG emission reduction (RAER) potential in households based on behavioral changes related to energy consumption. The paper presents the results of empirical application of developed framework in Lithuanian households. Community based social marketing approach was implemented and GHG emission reduction potential was assessed in focus groups of Kaunas region county during preparation of sustainable development strategy and long-term strategic development plan for Kaunas region county. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a world constrained by climate change, it is of utmost relevance that energy technologies offer a low level of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at a comparatively low cost level. A literature overview is presented, which shows that the common view of PV systems contradicts its position as an economically viable key solution in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, most of the found research is outdated and instead of being a region-oriented specific analysis, most of the research has focused on general cost level calculations. A simple methodology is introduced for estimating the climate change mitigation relevance of PV systems by calculating the avoided GHG emissions for specific representative PV applications in respective regions. The potential of GHG mitigation by PV systems is combined with the related economics based on discounted cash flow calculus. PV applications ranging from small PV systems in rural off-grid regions up to large scale PV power plants and commercial PV rooftop systems show financial benefits for avoided GHG emissions. Even in Germany, the costs of avoiding GHG emissions using residential rooftop systems are 17–70 €/tCO 2eq depending on the applied assumptions. These costs are distinctly lower than the 80 €/tCO 2eq threshold for the cost of climate change impacts. PV power plants in Germany show financial benefits of 19–93 €/tCO 2eq for avoiding GHG emissions. Summing up, PV systems are a highly attractive climate change mitigation option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind energy is a mature and cost-effective solution to greenhouse gas emission reduction and climate change mitigation. Wind resource assessment is the most pivotal activity before wind farm development since it determines the bankability of the wind project. Based on the joint use of a Doppler wind sodar (sonic detection and ranging) system and a microwave radiometer, this paper investigates the wind and thermal characteristics and wind energy resources in a coastal region of Hong Kong. First, wind climatology and variability, as well as their correlation with large-scale and local meteorological and geographical conditions, are analyzed and discussed. Then, statistical distributions of wind speed are evaluated, and the goodness-of-fit of the Weibull, Kappa, Wakeby, Normal-Weibull mixture, and Weibull-Weibull mixture distributions is assessed. Subsequently, the probability distribution and variation of atmospheric stability are examined, and their effects on vertical wind shear, wind profile, and wind speed at turbine hub height are revealed. Lastly, the spatiotemporal variation of wind power density is investigated with attention paid to air density. The results presented in this paper are expected to offer insights into coastal wind and thermal characteristics, provide references for vertical extrapolation of wind speed and wind turbine load evaluation, and facilitate wind farm development in coastal regions. • Investigation of coastal wind climatology and variability in Hong Kong. • Evaluation of statistical distributions of wind speed, gradient Richardson number, and air density. • Exploration of vertical variation of wind speed, air density, and wind power density. • Analysis of wind shear coefficient under different atmospheric stability conditions. • First known study of wind resources that jointly uses sodar and microwave radiometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The near future change in productivity of photovoltaic energy (PVE) in Europe and Africa is assessed by using the climate variables simulated by the ECHAM5-HAM aerosol-climate model, and a model for the performance of photovoltaic systems. The climate simulations are forced by green-house gases emissions from the IPCC SRES B2 scenario. In addition, different scenarios for future anthropogenic aerosols emissions are applied. Thus, the sensitivity of the future PVE productivity to changes in aerosol atmospheric burdens between 2000 and 2030 is analyzed. The analysis indicates that reductions in aerosols emissions in the near future result in an increase of global warming, and a significant response in surface solar radiation and associated PVE productivity. A statistically significant reduction in PVE productivity up to 7% is observed in eastern Europe and northern Africa, while a significant increase up to 10% is observed in western Europe and eastern Mediterranean. The changes in surface solar radiation and PVE productivity are related to global effects of aerosols reduction on the large scale circulation and associated cloud cover pattern, rather than to local effects on the atmospheric optical properties. PVE assessment is then discussed in the frame of the present situation and next decades evolution of the photovoltaic market, highlighting that the effects on productivity induced by industrial and public policies, and technological development are comparable to climate related effects. The presented results encourage the improvement and further use of climate models in assessment of future renewable energies availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy has potential synergies with climate change mitigation, although quantitative evidence for these synergies in the consumer product sector has not yet been systematically evaluated. We conducted a systematic review of existing studies of consumer-oriented product-service systems (PSS) on the lifecycle impacts, focusing on a meta-analysis of global warming potentials. Potential reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and the risk of backfire as a result of 10 types of circular economy strategies were investigated by reviewing 103 studies and more than 1500 scenarios for consumer durable and semi-durable products. As many as three-quarters of the reviewed studies analyse only one circular economy strategy rather than comparing (e.g., reusing, sharing, and renting) or integrating multiple strategies (e.g., leasing combined with remanufacturing). Approximately one-third of the reviewed studies rely on assumptions for set parameters of use, transport, and end-of-life phases, whereas more than half of the studies do not consider service and infrastructure provisions, or imperfect product substitution. Among the reviewed case studies, upgrading, repair, refurbishing, and pooling showed moderate to high improvement potentials with lower risks of backfiring, whereas servitisation, sharing, and reuse were associated with higher backfire risks, but they had high improvement potentials. The risk of backfiring was explained by factors such as transport, number of uses, product substitution and lifetime, maintenance, energy source, and energy efficiency. This meta-analysis revealed the importance of prioritising low-risk strategies, controlling for rebound effects of high-potential strategies, and integrating multiple strategies in order to utilize PSS for climate change mitigation. • More than 1500 consumer-oriented PSS scenarios in 103 studies were reviewed. • Low-risk strategies (upgrading, repair, refurbishing, and pooling) should be prioritised. • High-potential strategies (servitisation, sharing, and reuse) need rebound controls. • Synergies can be expected by integrating multiple circular economy strategies. • Empirical analysis of critical parameters is required for improved PSS assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of comparative assessment of future road transport technologies is to find the cheapest motor vehicles in terms of private and external Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission costs under various international climate change mitigation scenarios in 2020 and 2050. The comparative assessment of the main road transport technologies ranging from conventional vehicles to hybrid electric vehicles was performed. The main indicators for comparative future motor vehicles assessment are: private costs and life cycle external costs of GHG emissions. The obtained ranking of road transport technologies allows to identify the most perspective future motor vehicles taking into account international climate change mitigation constraints and to promote these road technologies by policy tools. The cheapest road transport technologies in 2020 and 2050 are: the main results presented in this paper were obtained during EU financed Framework 7 project “PLANETS” dealing with probabilistic long-term assessment of new energy technology scenarios. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Climate change is fast becoming the major environmental and energy concern worldwide. There is a major dilemma between the continued reliance on fossil fuel for our energy supply and the pressing need to address the problem of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from combustion process. This paper reviews the potential for carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a part of the climate change mitigation strategy for the Malaysian electricity sector using a technology assessment framework. The nation''s historical trend of high reliance on fossil fuel for its electricity sector makes it a prime candidate for CCS adoption. The suitability and practicality of the technology was reviewed from a broad perspective with consideration of Malaysia-specific conditions. It is apparent from this assessment that CCS has the potential to play an important role in Malaysia''s climate change mitigation strategy provided that key criteria are fulfilled. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The development of renewable energy sources (RES) is considered to be a key instrument in addressing climate change. However, different RES have different potential and economic feasibility depending on country-specific conditions and mitigation ambitions. Understanding the relative importance of each RES could help policymakers focus their efforts on the most promising options. In this paper, we focus on Ukraine and explore the potential of biomass use under two mitigation scenarios – with 68% and 83% of greenhouse gas emissions reduction in 2050 relative to the 2010 level. First, using the TIMES-Ukraine energy system model, we show that biomass would play a major role in the future climate mitigation. If constrained at the baseline scenario level (due to political or other reasons), mitigation costs would be substantially higher – by 14.0–19.6 B € or 10.8–14.3 €/tCO 2 -eq., over the 2020–2050 time frame. Second, we quantify the importance of each biomass source. We show that woody biomass and bioliquids are the most important biofuels under the high-ambition climate scenario, while biowaste and bioliquids play a key role in the lower ambition pathway. Finally, we analyse the current policy environment in the context of future biomass development and conclude with a set of policy recommendations toward the realization of the biomass potential in Ukraine. We believe that findings presented in the paper would be relevant not only for supporting the decision-making process in Ukraine, but could also provide useful insights for other countries with similar conditions. • Two scenarios with 68% and 83% reduction in GHG emissions in 2050 relative to 2010. • Over 50% of all renewable energy is coming from biomass under both scenarios. • Bioenergy constraint increases mitigation costs by 10.8–14.3 EUR/tCO 2 or 2.4–3.2 times. • No significant impact of the biogas availability on the mitigation costs. • Constraining biowoods , bioliquids or biowaste increases costs by at least 35% each. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a developing country like Bangladesh, there exists research gaps on the long-term trend, regional variation, potential renewable energy use from livestock wastes in the urban areas as a means for circular economy adoption, associated climate change mitigation benefits, and policy regime analysis. This study investigates the (i) pattern and regional variation in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the livestock sector, (ii) climate change mitigation benefits of circular economy-based resource consumption from livestock waste-based renewable biogas use in the urban areas of Bangladesh, and (iii) policies and measures driving the renewable energy generation from livestock wastes. This research employed standard GHG emission quantification model, and scenario analysis. Between 1996 and 2016, the GHG emissions of Bangladesh's livestock sector increased from 20.54 to 26.55 million of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO 2eq). The business as usual (BAU) scenario exhibits 2.37 times growth from 26.55 Mt CO 2eq in 2016 to 62.96 Mt CO 2eq in 2050. In the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) substitution scenario, GHG emissions fall to 37.56 Mt CO 2eq by 2050. A combination of all the renewable energy use measures can result in a drop of 37.5% GHG emissions compared to the BAU level. The study observed that promoting the biogas generation from livestock wastes through commercial biogas generation is currently absent in Bangladesh. Most of the existing financial schemes and subsidy programs are dedicated to the household level. The outcome is supportive to enhance renewable energy use in urban areas of Bangladesh and other countries alike thinking to promote the circular economy. Image 1 • 26.55 Mt CO 2eq greenhouse gas emitted by the livestock sector in Bangladesh. • 37.5% emissions reduction compared to the BAU level can be achievable through circular economy-based principle. • Existing financial schemes and subsidy programs are focused on household scale rather than commercial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews climate change mitigation policies implemented in five major emitting economies: China, the European Union, India, Japan and the United States. It analyses their historical performance in terms of energy system and greenhouse gas emissions indicators. In cases where policies aim to reduce future emissions, their target performance levels are assessed. The review centres on the sectors of electricity generation, passenger vehicles, freight transport, forestry, industry, buildings, agriculture, and oil and gas production. Most focus countries have implemented successful policies for renewable energy, fuel efficiency, electrification of passenger vehicles, and forestry. For other sectors, information is limited or very heterogeneous (e.g. buildings, appliances, agriculture) or there are few comprehensive policies in place (e.g. industry). The article further presents an explorative emissions scenario developed under the assumption that all countries will replicate both the observed trends in sector-level indicators and the trends that policies for future emissions reductions aspire to achieve. It shows that the global replication of sector progress would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 by about 20% compared to a current policies scenario. All countries analysed would overachieve the emissions reduction targets in their post-2020 climate targets. However, the resulting reduction in global emissions by 2030 would still not be sufficient to keep the world on track for a global cost-effective pathway that keeps temperature increase below 2°C. The findings of this study emphasise the need for transformative policies to keep the Paris Agreement temperature limit within reach. • China, the EU, Japan, India and the USA have effective policies for renewable energy, passenger vehicles, and forestry. • Other sectors are lagging behind in climate change mitigation. • Global replication of sector policies would reduce emissions by 20% in 2030. • This would, however, not close the emissions gap in 2030. • Implied emissions reductions go beyond the Nationally Determined Contributions for all economies analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As bioenergy produces neutral or even negative carbon emissions, the assessment of biomass resources and associated emissions mitigation is a key step toward a low carbon future. However, relevant comprehensive estimates lack in China. Here, we measure the energy potential of China's domestic biomass resources (including crop residues, forest residues, animal manure, municipal solid waste and sewage sludge) from 2000 to 2016 and draw the spatial-temporal variation trajectories at provincial resolution. Scenario analysis and life cycle assessment are also applied to discuss the greenhouse gas mitigation potentials. Results show that the collectable potential of domestic biomass resources increased from 18.31 EJ in 2000 to 22.67 EJ in 2016 with overall uncertainties fluctuating between (−26.6%, 39.7%) and (−27.6%, 39.5%). Taking energy crops into account, the total potential in 2016 (32.69 EJ) was equivalent to 27.6% of China's energy consumption. If this potential can be realized in a planned way to displace fossil fuels during the period 2020–2050, cumulative greenhouse gas emissions mitigation would be in the range of 1652.73–5859.56 Mt CO 2 -equivalent, in which the negative greenhouse gas emissions due to the introduction of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage would account for 923.78–1344.13 Mt CO 2 -equivalent. Contrary to increasing bioenergy potentials in most provinces, there are declining trends in Tibet, Beijing, Shanghai and Zhejiang. In addition, Yunnan, Sichuan and Inner Mongolia would have the highest associated greenhouse gas mitigation potentials. This study can provide valuable guidance on the exploitation of China's untapped biomass resources for the mitigation of global climate change. • China's bioenergy potential in 2016 accounted for 27.6% of its energy consumption. • The bioenergy potential in Tibet, Beijing, Shanghai and Zhejiang was declining. • GHG mitigation potentials of China's bioenergy would be 1653–5860 Mt CO 2 e by 2050. • China's bioenergy can contribute 6–21% to a global carbon mitigation goal in 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]