Climate action: how to reduce emissions even before 2020

wind energy plants on a fieldClick to enlarge
Renewables could save 1.4 gigatonnes CO2 per year in 35 selected countries.
Source: visdia / Fotolia.com

The international community resolved to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. The mitigation activities proposed by the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will not be enough to achieve that goal. An UBA report shows how the gap can be narrowed even before 2020, for example with more efficient electrical appliances and through renewable energy support.

The project undertook an analysis of mitigation efforts in 35 selected industrialised and emerging countries. It identified best practices and estimated their mitigation potential up to 2020. Four areas were analysed for saving potential, of which the promotion of renewable energy and efficiency standards in electrical appliances enable the greatest reduction. The report also identifies how to overcome policy barriers such as poor grid infrastructure with the aim to facilitate enhanced climate action by countries.