ACCESS to Better Health and Clear Skies: Telemedicine and Greenhouse Gas Reduction.

Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) are causing global climate change and decreasing the stability of the climate system. Long-term solutions to climate change will require reduction in GHG emissions as well as the removal of large quantities of GHGs from the atmosphere. Natural climate solutions (NCS), i.e., changes in land management, ecosystem restoration, and avoided conversion of habitats, have substantial potential to meet global and national greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets and contribute to the global drawdown of GHGs. However, the relative role of NCS to contribute to GHG reduction at subnational scales is not well known. We examined the potential for 12 NCS activities on natural and working lands in Oregon, USA to reduce GHG emissions in the context of the state’s climate mitigation goals. We evaluated three alternative scenarios wherein NCS implementation increased across the applicable private or public land base, depending on the activity, and estimated the annual GHG reduction in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) attributable to NCS from 2020 to 2050. We found that NCS within Oregon could contribute annual GHG emission reductions of 2.7 to 8.3 MMT CO2e by 2035 and 2.9 to 9.8 MMT CO2e by 2050. Changes in forest-based activities including deferred timber harvest, riparian reforestation, and replanting after wildfires contributed most to potential GHG reductions (76 to 94% of the overall annual reductions), followed by changes to agricultural management through no-till, cover crops, and nitrogen management (3 to 15% of overall annual reductions). GHG reduction benefits are relatively high per unit area for avoided conversion of forests (125–400 MT CO2e ha-1). However, the existing land use policy in Oregon limits the current geographic extent of active conversion of natural lands and thus, avoided conversions results in modest overall potential GHG reduction benefits (i.e., less than 5% of the overall annual reductions). Tidal wetland restoration, which has high per unit area carbon sequestration benefits (8.8 MT CO2e ha-1 yr-1), also has limited possible geographic extent resulting in low potential (< 1%) of state-level GHG reduction contributions. However, co-benefits such as improved habitat and water quality delivered by restoration NCS pathways are substantial. Ultimately, reducing GHG emissions and increasing carbon sequestration to combat climate change will require actions across multiple sectors. We demonstrate that the adoption of alternative land management practices on working lands and avoided conversion and restoration of native habitats can achieve meaningful state-level GHG reductions.

Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) are causing global climate change and decreasing the stability of the climate system. Long-term solutions to climate change will require reduction in GHG emissions as well as the removal of large quantities of GHGs from the atmosphere. Natural climate solutions (NCS), i.e., changes in land management, ecosystem restoration, and avoided conversion of habitats, have substantial potential to meet global and national greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets and contribute to the global drawdown of GHGs. However, the relative role of NCS to contribute to GHG reduction at subnational scales is not well known. We examined the potential for 12 NCS activities on natural and working lands in Oregon, USA to reduce GHG emissions in the context of the state's climate mitigation goals. We evaluated three alternative scenarios wherein NCS implementation increased across the applicable private or public land base, depending on the activity, and estimated the annual GHG reduction in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) attributable to NCS from 2020 to 2050. We found that NCS within Oregon could contribute annual GHG emission reductions of 2.7 to 8.3 MMT CO2e by 2035 and 2.9 to 9.8 MMT CO2e by 2050. Changes in forest-based activities including deferred timber harvest, riparian reforestation, and replanting after wildfires contributed most to potential GHG reductions (76 to 94% of the overall annual reductions), followed by changes to agricultural management through no-till, cover crops, and nitrogen management (3 to 15% of overall annual reductions). GHG reduction benefits are relatively high per unit area for avoided conversion of forests (125-400 MT CO2e ha-1). However, the existing land use policy in Oregon limits the current geographic extent of active conversion of natural lands and thus, avoided conversions results in modest overall potential GHG reduction benefits (i.e., less than 5% of the overall annual reductions). Tidal wetland restoration, which has high per unit area carbon sequestration benefits (8.8 MT CO2e ha-1 yr-1), also has limited possible geographic extent resulting in low potential (< 1%) of state-level GHG reduction contributions. However, co-benefits such as improved habitat and water quality delivered by restoration NCS pathways are substantial. Ultimately, reducing GHG emissions and increasing carbon sequestration to combat climate change will require actions across multiple sectors. We demonstrate that the adoption of alternative land management practices on working lands and avoided conversion and restoration of native habitats can achieve meaningful state-level GHG reductions.

Co-effect assessment on regional air quality: A perspective of policies and measures with greenhouse gas reduction potential

Analysis of electrification and its greenhouse gas reduction potential in the industrial sector of Korea using mixed methods

Cost-effectiveness analysis on improving fuel economy and promoting alternative fuel vehicles: A case study of Chongqing, China

There are various methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the construction and operational processes of chemical plants; however, the greenhouse gas reduction effects, investment costs, and benefits of their application have not been evaluated. Therefore, this study proposes greenhouse gas reduction measures that can be applied to chemical plant projects, including photovoltaic power generation, power factor improvement, VSD (Variable Speed Drive) motors, LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting, and minimizing on-site business trips. Subsequently, the potential greenhouse gas reduction, estimated costs, and expected benefits for each measure were calculated by region. Among these measures, power factor improvement demonstrated the highest CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; reduction potential, with an estimated investment cost as low as 27 USD/tCO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;, making it an effective greenhouse gas reduction strategy. Additionally, LED lighting and minimizing on-site business trips, which require little initial investment, should be implemented promptly. The proposed five measures, considering the potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, estimated investment costs, and benefits, can be applied to identify ways to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in new chemical plants.

The purpose of this study is to estimate potential greenhouse gas(GHG) reductions of offshore fisheries following the implementation of 「2050 Carbon Neutral」 strategy and then to suggest policy alternatives based on the analysis results. To estimate the potential GHG reductions, a dynamic optimal fisheries theory was used in the analysis. As a result, the offshore fisheries" fishing effort was inputted 30% more than the optimal level. If excess fishing effort were reduced, the potential GHG reductions of offshore fisheries was estimated to 464,683tCO₂. In addition, when GHG emissions are regulated, the profit rate of offshore fisheries decreases by 0.46%, but it is analyzed that there is no significant damage. Thus, in order to reduce GHG emissions, it is necessary to expand fishing vessel buyback program and start discussion on the development of electric hybrid fishing vessels.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine a greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction potential from different waste management practices in Croatia. Energetic, environmental and economic benefits can be accomplished by utilizing municipal solid waste (MSW) and landfill gas as fuel in industry and energy sector, which is emphasized in this paper. The paper gives an overview of measures for energy recovery from MSW and landfill gas that could be implemented in Croatia. These measures also represent measures for an additional GHG emission reduction by decreased use of fossil fuels.Design/methodology/approach – A methodology used for emission calculation (kinetic model) is explained. Three different scenarios of GHG reduction in waste management were defined. Implementation of best available techniques in waste management is envisaged by cross‐sectoral impact and effect of respective measures. Findings –This paper gives maximum achievable potential of GHG emission reduction with defined measure impleme...

Impact of future urban form on the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from residential, commercial and public buildings in Utsunomiya, Japan

The combination of bioethanol production and carbon capture and storage technologies (BECCS) is considered an indispensable method for the achievement of the targets set by the Paris agreement. In Croatia, a first‐of‐its‐kind biorefinery project is currently underway that aims to integrate a second‐generation ethanol plant into an existing fossil refinery. The goal is to replace the fossil fuel production by second‐generation ethanol production using miscanthus. In the ethanol fermentation, CO2 is emitted in highly concentrated form and this can be directly compressed, injected and stored in exploited oil reservoirs. This study presents an assessment of the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential of miscanthus ethanol produced in combination with CCS technology, based on data from the planning process of this biorefinery project. The GHG reduction potential is evaluated as part of a full environmental life cycle assessment. This is of particular relevance as a lignocellulosic ethanol industry is currently emerging in the European Union (EU) and LCAs of BECCS systems have, so far, often omitted environmental impacts other than GHG emissions. Overall, the ethanol to be produced in this planned biorefinery project would clearly achieve the EU's global warming potential (GWP) reduction target for biofuels. Depending on the accounting approach applied for the biological carbon storage, reduction potentials between 104% and 138% relative to the fossil comparator are likely. In addition, ethanol can reduce risks to resource availability. As such, the results generated from data based on the intended biorefinery project support the two major rationales for biofuel use. However, these reductions could come at the expense of human health and ecosystem quality impacts associated with the combustion of lignin and biogas. In order to prevent potential environmental trade‐offs, it will be imperative to monitor and manage these emissions from residue combustion, as they represent significant drivers of the overall environmental impacts.

본 연구의 목적은 실행 가능한 온실가스 감축목표를 설정하기 위해 가능한 온실가스의 감축잠재량을 산정하기 위한 것이다. 2020년 BAU 대비 온실가스 감축목표가 30%로 설정되어있기 때문에 우리나라는 온실가스 의무감축국이 아니다. 그러나 온실가스 총 배출량 세계 9위(2009년 기준)로 높고, 세계 15위 경제규모를 갖추고 있어 2020년 온실가스 의무감축국에 편입될 가능성이 커지고 있다. 이를 대비한 각 지자체의 역할이 중요해지고 있으며, 지자체는 현실적으로 온실가스 감축목표 설정을 하는 데 노력해야 한다. 이를 위해 본 연구는 총 3단계로 진행되었다. 첫째, 온실가스 감축목표와 감축잠재량, 온실가스 감축목표 설정 방법에 대한 이론적 고찰을 하였다. 둘째, 시나리오 기법을 이용하여 시나리오 별로 감축목표를 설정하였다. 셋째, 각 시나리오의 감축목표별로 감축기법의 적용비율을 설정하여 감축잠재량을 산정하였다. 이러한 결과로 본 연구는 각 시나리오에 따른 감축기법의 적용비율을 적용하여 감축잠재량을 산정하였다.This study intends to estimate reduction potential using scenarios to set a practical target for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction. Since South Korea does not have a mandatory obligation to reduce GHG emissions, its target for GHG reduction is set at 30% of that of BAU in 2020. However, South Korea is increasingly likely to be obliged to reduce its emissions according to 2020 GHG emission target, and thus the local governments should make efforts to set its own realistic reduction target as their roles become more important. This study has proceeded in three stages as follows. First, it reviewed the literature about GHG reduction target, GHG reduction potential, and the relevant methodology for setting GHG emission reduction target. Second, reduction targets were set up by scenario. Third, reduction potential was estimated by setting the application rate of reduction technique for each of the scenarios on a practical target for GHG emission reduction.

As highlighted in the outcome of the Paris Agreement at the 21st Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change there has been a recent push for the stronger mitigation actions of cities, regions, and local governments. Energy efficiency is a tool that can be leveraged by not only industry or national governments but also cities, regions, and local governments for mitigation purposes. However, studies on energy efficiency as a mitigation tool thus far have focused on the national or transnational scale, and on certain sectors of industry. The purpose of this paper is to find the most cost-efficient energy efficiency measures (EEMs) at the city, region, and local government level. To that end, this paper examines the yearly energy savings and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction intensity, as well as energy savings and GHG reduction efficiency, in the case of EEMs conducted by South Korean local governments. Yearly energy savings intensity and GHG reduction intensity are estimated to be in the range of 0.094∼0.375 tonne of oil equivalent (TOE)/M-KRW (million Korean won) and 0.287∼1.180 tCO2e/M-KRW. Results show that inverter installation at water and sewage treatment plants and improvement of pump efficiency are the most cost-efficient EEMs. Moreover, energy savings efficiency and GHG reduction efficiency are within the range of 18.29∼45.31 %, at an average of 30.5 % GHG reduction potential. If this reduction potential is applied to the buildings and facilities regulated and run by cities/local governments, there is a worldwide reduction potential of 1.023 billion tCO2 compared to 2020 business as usual levels.

Waste management is a key process to protect the environment and conserve resources. The contribution of appropriate waste management measures to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the city of Bucharest was studied. An analysis of the distribution of waste flows into various treatment options was conducted using the material flows and stocks analysis (MFSA). An optimum scenario (i.e. municipal solid waste stream managed as: recycling of recoverable materials, 8%; incineration of combustibles, 60%; landfilling of non-combustibles, 32%) was modelled to represent the future waste management in Bucharest with regard to its relevance towards the potential for GHG reduction. The results indicate that it can contribute by 5.5% to the reduction of the total amount of GHGs emitted from Bucharest.

In this study, various scenarios were developed that correspond to estimations of future biomass availability and biofuel demand from the maritime industry. These marine biofuel demand scenarios were based on the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction targets of the Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). A multi-objective Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model was developed which is used to optimize the Well-to-Tank (WtT) phases of each studied scenario. This resulted in an overview of the most feasible use of feedstocks, deployment of new conversion technologies and trade flows between regions. Additionally, the results provided insight into the costs and emission reduction potential of marine biofuels. By analyzing the results from this study, improved insight into the potential of drop-in biofuels for reaching the proposed emission reduction targets for the maritime sector was developed. A trade-off between costs and emissions was found to result in potential GHG reductions between 68–95% compared to Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) for 800–2300 EUR/ton. More specifically, 80% GHG reduction compared to HFO can be achieved at fuel costs of between 900–1050 EUR/ton over the studied time period.

Liquid biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel are considered important renewable replacements for petroleum fuels such as gasoline and diesel. Biomass-based energy carriers are traditionally treated as inherently carbon neutral, so that only the fossil-based carbon dioxide (CO2) and other non-CO2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with their production are counted when assessing their global warming impact. This accounting convention is embedded by construction in lifecycle assessment (LCA) models, which on a direct basis (i.e., excluding economically induced effects) often find that biofuels from efficient industrial agricultural production systems reduce GHG emissions relative to their fossil fuel counterparts. LCA modeling can be subjected to an independent empirical test that bounds a biofuel's potential GHG reduction within the dynamics of the terrestrial carbon cycle. Such a test can be performed using annual basis carbon (ABC) accounting, which entails spatially and temporally explicit analysis of the direct GHG exchanges between the atmosphere and a physical vehicle-fuel system. An ABC case study of a corn ethanol biorefinery and the farmland that supplies it shows that using the ethanol it produced instead of gasoline provided no significant reduction in GHG emissions, in contrast to an LCA result that found a 40% GHG reduction for the same facility. ABC accounting reveals that the renewable ethanol so produced was not carbon neutral when substituting for gasoline, and sensitivity analysis indicates that its net GHG emissions impacts are likely to higher than those of petroleum gasoline in practice.