CLIMATE POLICY: ‘Don’t miss pre-2020 emissions cuts’; Negative emissions: First meet; ‘Quit plastic’; ‘Only 4 trades’ meeting Climate Goals

BASIC ministers back fair Paris ‘rule book’

Two-day BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) ministers’ meet noted that pre-2020 actions to cut emissions shouldn’t be ignored, till the Paris Agreement becomes operational in 2020. There was recognition that the mitigation components of NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) should not in any way undermine the ‘nationally determined’ nature of NDCs. There was disappointment that Doha Amendment was still not in force with 32 ratifications still required.

The ministers urged the developed countries to honour their commitments to reach the goal of $100 billion per annum in climate finance by 2020. The U.S. has vowed to quit Paris deal.

First “negative emissions” conference

The first international conference on “negative emissions” concluded in Sweden. Around 250 researchers discussed “natural”, or technological (with potential risks) ways to remove CO2 and store it on land, underground or in the oceans. Policy challenges were also discussed.

Global call to action: Beat Plastic, Breathe Life

India will be global host for World Environment Day 2018. In a countdown to June 5, India has launched clean-ups including single-use plastic bans across states, universities and national parks. Sessions on plastic pollution, marine litter, new plastic economy are being held and mobilization to fight toxic air is taking place online. On June 5, PM will make a global call to action to beat plastic pollution.

Only 4 sectors on track for climate goals: IEA

A study by International Energy Agency says just four of 38 energy technologies and sectors are on track to meet climate and air pollution goals. Solar PV, LED lighting, data centers and networks and electric vehicles, made “tremendous progress” last year, IEA said adding that energy efficiency improvements have slowed and progress on technologies like carbon capture and storage has stalled. This led to a 1.4% increase in CO2 emissions last year, IEA said.

‘24 million jobs’ by 2030

According to the UN’s International Labor Organization (ILO) study, the Paris accord will create 24 million jobs by 2030. Jobs in renewable energy and other low-carbon industries will “more than offset” fossil fuel job losses of 6 million, creating a “net gain of 18 million”.

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