Global CO2 emissions are on the rise again
Global CO2 emissions are expected to rise again following the first decrease in over a decade, according to the latest statistics released today by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The report states that due to the 2008-2009 economic crisis global CO2 emissions decreased for the first time since 1990, but a large rebound is anticipated in 2010. While carbon dioxide emissions in developing countries continued to grow in 2009 (+3.3%), emissions of developed countries fell sharply (-6.5%), according to a new publication. Most of the reduction, however, comes from a decrease in the energy consumption due to the 2008-2009 economic crisis. Statistics for 2009 show that emission levels for the group of countries participating in the Kyoto Protocol – a multinational agreement to mitigate climate change – were just shy of 15% below their 1990 level. To read this article in full click here
World Petroleum Congress will be a ‘carbon-neutral’ event in Doha
The 20th World Petroleum Congress, to be held in Doha from December 4 and attended by 5,000 delegates, 500 speakers and 50 ministers, will be a carbon-neutral event, host Qatar Petroleum said yesterday. The WPC and international law firm Baker & McKenzie have acquired sufficient carbon credits to offset the anticipated emissions associated with the event, which will be held at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), a green-technology venue. The credits will be progressively retired to cover all the verified emissions from the WPC shortly after it concludes. The organising committee insisted upon strict criteria for any offsetting projects. The event is also developing a detailed recycling plan in conjunction with Qatar Foundation to replicate at the QNCC (during the five-day congress and exhibition), the recycling operation currently being used at QF.
This is the first time since its establishment in 1933 that the triennial World Petroleum Congress will be hosted in the Middle East. To read this article in full click here
This is the first time since its establishment in 1933 that the triennial World Petroleum Congress will be hosted in the Middle East. To read this article in full click here
China’s Per Capita Carbon Emissions to Surpass U.S. in 2017
China became the largest national carbon emitter in 2007, overtaking the US. Last summer China also became the world's largest consumer of energy. Currently its per capita carbon footprint (6.8 tons) is roughly similar to that of Italy and greater than those of France--meaning that on an average basis, acknowledging significant differences based on income, people in China consume resources and use energy to a similar degree as a low-emitting developed nation.
Now, starkly, a new report from the European Commission Joint Research Centre projects, based on current emission trends, that China's per capita emissions could overtake or match those of the United States by 2017--which, incorporating recent declines, stand at about 16.9 tons per person.
To read this article in full click hereLexus Becomes The Cleanest Premium Brand For Carbon Emissions
Lexus has seen average emissions fall to 130.62g/km, a 22.63% drop from 2010's figures, making Lexus the "cleanest" premium brand for vehicle carbon emissions and putting it in the top 10 of all volume car makers. The improvement is a result of the Lexus CT 200h's technologies including the latest generation Lexus Hybrid Drive, producing 94g/km CO2, the lowest figure for any car in its class. As a result, the CT 200h benefits from zero annual road tax and low company car benefit in kind rates a zero first year Write Down Allowance for business fleet operators. Richard Balshaw, Lexus Director, said: "Cleangreencars' independent data confirm that Lexus is delivering real-world results in bringing down emissions while maintaining the levels of luxury and refinement that are central to the brand. To read this article in full click here
Nissan pledges to reduce carbon footprint and shift to renewable power
Japanese carmaker Nissan has pledged to reduce its carbon footprint and shift to renewable power as part of a new six-year environmental plan. The Nissan Green Program 2016 (NGP 2016) also promises to increase the diversity of resources used by the company. The carmaker says its third environmental plan, which builds on its progress to date, will position the company as the number one seller of zero-emissions vehicles, with sales topping 1.5 million by 2016, and improve fuel efficiency 35% across all the Nissan vehicles sold in Japan, China, Europe and the US compared with 2005. The company has already totted up sales of over 16,000 for its all-electric LEAF to date and will be adding three new electric models to its portfolio with partner Renault in coming years. “More consumers are demanding products in line with their values, including cars and trucks with a lower carbon footprint. At the same time, we are using technology to make our factories greener and more efficient,” said president and CEO Carlos Ghosn at the unveiling of the plan late last week. To read this article in full click here
High California CO2 prices to spur offset scramble
LOS ANGELES, Oct 28 - California will in 2013 likely launch an emissions trading scheme with a CO2 price far higher than the EU or NZ markets, a move that could trigger a gold rush for cheap offset projects. Under rules approved last week, companies covered by the state's scheme will be able to use carbon credits from emission reduction projects, instead of state-issued permits to cover up to 8 percent of their emissions. Analysts say California's aim of returning state-wide emissions to 1990 levels by the end of the decade could potentially create demand for about 221 million offsets over the next 8 years. And with Californian CO2 permit prices already fetching around $19 -- 30 percent more than prices in the EU -- the rules could spark a scramble to develop emission reduction projects that can produce credits that the state's emitters can use. So far, eligible credits can come from four project types endorsed by regulators -- those that cut emissions of ozone depleting substances, methane from agriculture and others that store carbon in trees. They currently fetch around $12 and are already in demand due to the $7 discount they fetch below permit prices, but the number of approved projects is set to expand. To read this article in full click here
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