Gas Mitigation Policies Research Articles

A Study on Selecting Greenhouse Gas Reduction Options: A Simulation Analysis for Vietnam

When it comes to greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation, both bottom-up and top-down policies have limitations. Bottom-up policies are region-specific and cannot be applied at the national level. Top-down policies may not balance the considerations of economic growth and the environment. Therefore, a combined approach is necessary. This Vietnamese case study investigates optimal GHG mitigation options for both economic development and emission reduction by simulating four scenarios characterized by the different carbon tax and subsidy rates. Interventions, like replacing old buses with low-carbon buses and conventional electricity generation with solar power, are considered in a dynamic input–output framework. The objective function is Green GDP—industries’ total value added reflecting GHG emissions’ social cost. The simulation model comprises four cases: business as usual, low subsidy rate (up to 10%), medium subsidy rate (up to 20%), and high subsidy rate (up to 30%), which are analyzed on parameters, including economic development, GHG emissions, and development of innovative sectors, like transportation and electricity. In three cases with different subsidy rates, the optimal carbon tax is simulated at the rate of USD 1/tCO2 equivalent, the lowest rate among the world’s current carbon prices. In addition, the medium subsidy (up to 20%) option yields the most competent scheme, with the highest GHG emission reduction and economic development effectiveness.

Intergovernmental climate change mitigation policies: theory and outcomes

AbstractThis paper develops a framework for analysing intergovernmental relationships around greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation policies along a cooperation-conflict spectrum that affects the probability of their enactment. Cooperative policies, such as federal fiscal transfers to sub-national governments, facilitate enactment. Coordination policies, including enabling and funding mechanisms, promote interdependence between jurisdictions. Competitive policies, such as federal performance standards and price mechanisms, increase political conflict over authority. We categorise 23 policies developed by over 1,500 state stakeholders into the cooperation/coordination/conflict taxonomy. If scaled to the national level, these policies could reduce GHG emissions by over 3 billion tonnes by 2020 and generate nearly 2.2 million jobs (1.19 per cent above baseline projections). Nearly two-thirds of the job gains are from coordinated and cooperative policy options that are unlikely to occur under the status quo policy process. We recommend a national climate action planning process to reduce GHG emissions while increasing aggregate economic efficiency.

A systems approach to reducing institutional GHG emissions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to establish necessity and methods for considering greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation policies at a system‐level. The research emphasizes connecting narrowly focused GHG mitigation objectives (e.g. reduce single occupancy vehicle travel) with broader institutional objectives (e.g. growth in student population) to demonstrate how policies operating at different scales individually and collectively influence GHG reductions.Design/methodology/approach – First, a framework for defining divergent policy types and associated GHG impacts is developed. Second, relying on data from a higher education institution, a quantitative model for testing policy impacts is formulated. Last, through adjustment of the model's policy levers, GHG emission trajectories by policy type are compared.Findings – The central finding is that broad level policies associated with housing stock and student growth are more capable of influencing GHG emissions than traditionally classified mitigation poli...

Slovenia and its new environmental mechanisms for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate different greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation policy instruments implemented in Slovenia, especially their impact on industrial competitiveness.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis of existing mitigation policies.FindingsThe introduction of new policy instruments in Slovenia has not been very effective in curbing GHG emissions, but it certainly brought attention to the problem. As there is still a lot of space for improvements, additional effort should be made to improve existing instruments or to propose additional mitigation measures.Practical implicationsThe paper evaluates existing policy instruments, which are still in their evolutional phases. The significance of this paper is to help to intensify indirect influence on GHG emissions reduction, especially on the national level, as proper introduction and understanding of the problem leads to more comprehensive and credible solutions regarding GHG emission reduction strategies. In addition, some new steps and/or measures are also indicated with this paper, especially concerning future evolution of EU emission trading scheme and national CO2 tax regulation.Originality/valueThe paper is a new source of information about implementation of GHG mitigation policy measures in Slovenia. Analysis of adaptation and mitigation activities as well as integration of all aspects of climate change issues into strategies for sustainable development is of significant importance for the relevant decision makers – to monitor the impact of their own policies for domestic assessment purposes, that is to choose a policy strategy, to understand the implications of existing and alternative policy strategies, and to understand the joint interactions of multiple, individual policy strategies.