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Subnational climate actors are expected to play an increasingly important role in climate actions. However, a trade-off between equity and efficiency emerges when nationally determined contributions (NDCs) are distributed into subnational actions. In this study, we propose a two-staged carbon quota allocation method, with an equity-based 1st-stage allocation mechanism wherein provincial carbon reduction efforts are shared equally and an efficiency-based 2nd-stage allocation mechanism to maximize input–output efficiency. Using China as a case study, we convert China's NDC carbon intensity reduction target into a total emissions cap and apply the allocation method to show that the 2nd-stage allocation significantly increases the total provincial carbon emission efficiency without seriously compromising equity. As the allocation method changes from equity-based to efficiency-based, the carbon quotas mainly flow out from provinces with small emissions and high energy intensity to provinces with large emissions and low energy intensity. The two-staged carbon quota allocation method effectively considers the equity and efficiency principles, which can reduce resistance to the implementation of national NDCs. Generally, the approach has promising application potential for countries to break down the NDC into subnational shares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy sector in the selected Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries, namely Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam, was responsible for around 84% of total CO2 emissions (equivalent to 423.16 MtCO2) in 2015. Without the intervention of climate change mitigation actions, the emissions of CO2 from energy systems would be tremendously increased. Nevertheless, only Thailand appears to have clear targets for reaching carbon neutrality by the mid-21st century. This study investigates the possibility of energy system transformation to reach net-zero CO2 emissions in 2050 in the selected nations. The Net-Zero-Emission (NZE) scenario is built as a CO2 mitigation countermeasure to the reference scenario. Results show that to reach the goal of decarbonized energy systems in the NZE scenario, efficient and advanced technologies must be used on both the demand and supply sides to reduce around 41% of the final energy demand, and at least 81% of all electricity must be generated by renewable energy. Additionally, the application of advanced low-carbon technologies, including carbon capture and storage in the coal, natural gas, and bioenergy industries and power generation in cooperation with the utilization of electric vehicles in the transport sector, are the key measures for attaining carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy and institutions have emerged among other variables touted to address climate change problems. However, empirical results have been conflicting. With a relatively poorer state of institutional quality and a lower level of renewable energy development amidst rising carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions in Africa, the study assesses: a) the direct effect of renewable energy and institutional quality on CO 2 emissions in Africa; and b) the moderation role of institutional quality on the effect of renewable energy on CO 2 emissions in Africa. The study relies on panel data covering 2002–2021 for 32 African countries. The Fully-Modified OLS regression method is employed to analyze the data based on the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis and Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, & Technology (STIRPAT) model. The results show that urbanization and trade openness increase CO 2 emissions. Although income has a positive effect on carbon emissions, the square term has a negative confirming the EKC hypothesis. Renewable energy also reduces CO 2 emissions. Institutional quality variables of control of corruption, rule of law, regulatory quality, political stability and absence of violence, voice and accountability, government effectiveness and institutional index created from the above indicators reduce CO 2 emissions. In addition, except government effectiveness, the remaining indicators of institutional quality negatively moderate the effect of renewable energy on CO 2 emissions. The results among other things imply that intensifying the development and usage of renewable energy would help address the rising carbon dioxide emissions trend in Africa. Also, strengthening institutions promises to reduce CO 2 emissions. • Determinants of environmental degradation is estimated. • Renewable energy consumption reduces pollution. • Institutions reduce carbon emissions. • Institutions reinforce the effect of renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world needs to rapidly reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO 2) emission to stave off the risks of disastrous climate change. In particular, decarbonizing U.S. manufacturing industries is particularly challenging due to the specific process requirements. This study estimates the potential for future CO 2 emission reductions in this important sector. The analysis is a detailed accounting exercise that relies on estimates of emission-reduction potential from other studies and applies those potentials to the manufacturing sector using a bottom-up approach. The actions are grouped into four "pillars" that support deep decarbonization of manufacturing (DDM): Energy Efficiency, Material Efficiency, Industry-Specific, and Power Grid. Based on this bottom-up approach, the analysis shows that an 86% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from the Reference Case is feasible. No single pillar dominates DDM, although opportunities vary widely by sub-sector. The analysis shows that a strategy incorporating a broad set of elements from each pillar can be effective instead of relying on any single pillar. Some pillars, such as Energy Efficiency and Material Efficiency, have wide applicability; others have key niche roles that are Industry-Specific; the Power Grid pillar requires interaction between grid decarbonization and industry action to switch from fossil fuels to zero-carbon electricity where appropriate. [Display omitted] • Four technological strategies ("pillars") for deep decarbonization of U.S. manufacturing are investigated. • Seven energy-intensive and one non-energy-intensive industries are examined separately. • An 86% reduction in energy related CO 2 emissions is feasible in U.S. manufacturing by 2050. • No single pillar dominates implying a diversified approach to decarbonization is needed. • Some emissions remain in select industries, in particular chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]