Exactly What Is A Target For Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions?

Absolute emissions are the total volume of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted, while emissions intensity is the volume of GHG per unit of GDP. Absolute emissions reduction targets are straightforward and explicit, focusing on decreasing a company’s total GHG emissions by a set quantity within a defined timeframe. Setting a meaningful emission reduction target requires considering and communicating how the organization’s efforts are having a direct reduction.

This chapter analyzes the pros and cons of two ways to formulate emission limitation or reduction targets for countries under an international climate agreement: absolute and intensity targets. Absolute targets aim to reduce GHG emissions by a set amount, while intensity targets are normalized metric that sets an organization’s emissions target relative to an economic or operational variable. Intensity targets allow a business to set emissions reduction targets while accounting for economic growth.

A more concrete measure of emission reduction is an “absolute reduction”, which is the reduction in the total emissions. To tackle climate change, an absolute greenhouse gas reduction target is a goal to reduce total emissions of greenhouse gases, regardless of population or economic growth. Absolute reduction refers to the total quantity of greenhouse gas emissions being emitted, while intensity compares the amount of emissions to some unit of CO2.

An absolute target should include a base year to achieve a clearly defined, absolute GHG reduction to be achieved over a specified period of time. This paper presents a brief, non-technical exploration of the properties of absolute and intensity-based limits on GHG emissions. The goal is not to advocate for any specific approach, but rather to provide a framework for understanding and implementing effective emission reduction strategies.

What is the target for emission reduction in 2030?

The Climate Change Authority is developing advice on Australia’s 2035 emissions reduction targets, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 43 below 2005 levels by 2030. This includes a single-year point target and a multi-year emissions budget for 2021 to 2030. The authority is also working on achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The 2023 consultation papers provide more information on the authority’s approach.

What is the target for greenhouse gas reduction in 2030?

The EPA’s analysis indicates that the first two carbon budgets (2021-2030) for achieving a 51% emissions reduction by 2030 are projected to be exceeded by 17-27%. All sectors, except residential buildings, are expected to underperform relative to their sectoral emissions ceilings. Agriculture, Industry, and Electricity sectors are expected to be the furthest from their ceilings in 2030. Ireland will not meet its EU Effort Sharing Regulation target of 42% reduction by 2030.

The EPA’s projections suggest that a 29% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions could be achieved through full implementation of climate action plans and policies. This is well short of European and National emission reduction targets and highlights the need for substantial scale-up of policies to transition to a carbon neutral economy and society. The Agriculture sector is projected to decrease by 1-18% between 2022 and 2030.

What is an example of an absolute target?

An intensity target is a metric that sets an organization’s emissions target relative to an economic or operational variable, allowing businesses to set emissions reduction targets while accounting for economic growth. For example, a company could set a goal of reducing GHG emissions by 20% by 2025 or a 20% reduction per square foot of facility space by 2025. Setting and reaching intensity-based targets does not guarantee actual reductions.

What is the difference between ACA and SDA?

An SBT is a science-based target that outlines a business’s goal to reduce its GHG emissions compared to a base year, considering expected growth. Some sectors use the Sectoral Decarbonization Approach (SDA), while most businesses use the Absolute Contraction Approach (ACA), which calls for an emission reduction of 4. 2 year on year. Once set, reductions are permanent and can only be altered when a company undergoes significant changes or mistakes.

While emissions may change with fluctuating markets, the carbon budgets remain constant. Setting ambitious science-based targets can give businesses an edge over competitors and help them collaborate with their supply chain to transform their business and move towards a more sustainable future.

What is the absolute GHG reduction goal?

Absolute emission reduction targets are a method of reducing a company’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by a set amount within a specific timeframe. These targets are often seen as direct contributions to global climate goals and are often supported by policymakers and environmental organizations. They align with the broader imperative of reducing total GHG emissions, such as the Paris Agreement, which commits countries worldwide to reduce their emissions collectively.

However, these targets can sometimes be overly uniform due to unique circumstances of each company, such as sector, industry, and supply chain complexity. This can lead to difficulties in setting realistic, attainable targets for all companies.

What is a greenhouse gas reduction target?

Organizations are setting increasingly aggressive targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning them with science. As of May 2023, over 3, 200 companies have set targets based on guidance and resources provided by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). SBTi considers targets as “science-based” if they align with limiting global warming to 1. 5°C above pre-industrial levels. Publicly declaring GHG reduction targets provides transparency, accountability, and credibility to the target setting process. Best practices include setting targets 5 to 10 years from the base year, adhering to best practices, and ensuring the target is met within 5 to 10 years.

What is the SBTi target?

Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) is a corporate climate action organization that helps companies and financial institutions combat the climate crisis by developing standards, tools, and guidance to set greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. SBTi is incorporated as a charity and partners with organizations like CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, We Mean Business Coalition, WRI, and WWF. The organization’s subsidiary will host target validation services.

What is an absolute reduction target?

Absolute targets aim to reduce GHG emissions by a set amount, while intensity targets are normalized metrics that set an organization’s emissions target relative to an economic or operational variable. Intensity targets allow businesses to set emissions reduction targets while accounting for economic growth. For example, Company A aims to reduce GHG emissions by 20% by 2025, while Company B aims to reduce GHG emissions intensity per square foot of facility space by 20%.

What is the target for GHG reduction by 2050?

Net zero is crucial to limit global temperature increase to 1. 5°C above pre-industrial levels and preserve a livable planet. The Earth is already 1. 1°C warmer than in the late 1800s, and emissions continue to rise. To achieve this, emissions need to be reduced by 45 by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. Transitioning to a net-zero world requires a complete transformation of production, consumption, and transportation. The energy sector, which produces around three-quarters of greenhouse gas emissions, holds the key to averting climate change’s worst effects.

Replacing polluting coal, gas, and oil-fired power with renewable sources like wind or solar would significantly reduce carbon emissions. A growing coalition of countries, cities, businesses, and institutions is pledging to reach net-zero emissions. Over 140 countries, including China, the United States, India, and the European Union, have set a net-zero target, covering about 88 of global emissions.

Over 9, 000 companies, over 1000 cities, 1000 educational institutions, and 600 financial institutions have joined the Race to Zero, pledging to take immediate action to halve global emissions by 2030.

What is the greenhouse gas reduction target for 2030?

The EPA’s analysis indicates that the first two carbon budgets (2021-2030) for achieving a 51% emissions reduction by 2030 are projected to be exceeded by 17-27%. All sectors, except residential buildings, are expected to underperform relative to their sectoral emissions ceilings. Agriculture, Industry, and Electricity sectors are expected to be the furthest from their ceilings in 2030. Ireland will not meet its EU Effort Sharing Regulation target of 42% reduction by 2030.

The EPA’s projections suggest that a 29% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions could be achieved through full implementation of climate action plans and policies. This is well short of European and National emission reduction targets and highlights the need for substantial scale-up of policies to transition to a carbon neutral economy and society. The Agriculture sector is projected to decrease by 1-18% between 2022 and 2030.

What is an absolute target in SBTi?

An absolute target is a set amount of emissions that a company aims to reduce, while an intensity target is a normalized metric that sets a company’s emissions targets relative to economic output, such as number of employees or revenue. Both types of targets are used to account for economic growth and allow businesses to set emissions reduction targets while accounting for growth. The most effective type of target depends on the company’s specific needs and goals. For example, a company with an intensity target may have decreased emissions over the past decade, but their electricity use may have increased due to the normalization of their intensity target.