2050 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY GOALS & STRATEGIES CARBON NEUTRALITY
Research Team: Tracy Crump, Carolyn Dean, Jason Halec, Eric Harris, Michael Somersall Ecological Economics Instructor: Dr. Sabine O’Hara April 27, 2021 ENSC-508 ASPIRE. ACCOMPLISH. TAKE ON THE WORLD.
ECOLOGICAL
ECONOMICS
TEAM PROJECT
INTRODUCTION: WHY SHOULD DC BE CARBON NEUTRAL? WHAT IS THE GOAL?
Washington DC has ambitious environmental policy goals. One of its goals is to be carbon neutral by 2050. These kind of ambitious goals often contribute to larger regional and even global goals. Yet sometimes, they encounter pockets of local resistance. This project will discuss the rationale/relevance of our research. Our presentation will identify the best strategies to reach the identified goals paying particularly close attention to those most negatively impacted by the status quo. We will also indicate key benefits and stakeholders required to implement our strategies and ways in which you will engage them. Our recommendations include the following overview:
Goal:
Make DC Carbon Neutral by 2050
Rationale:
Reduce Global Warming (Effects of Carbon Emissions)
Key Strategies:
Electrification of Surface Transport; Cool Roofs; Lighting; Green Roofs
Key Benefits:
Preserve the Planet; Live healthier lives; Reduce carbon footprint; Costs
Key Stakeholders: Businesses, Government, Service Agencies, and People ecological economics
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DEFINITION: WHAT IS CARBON? GREENHOUSE GAS?
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an odorless gas that is highly important to life on Earth. CO2 is also known as a greenhouse gas; an excessive concentration can disrupt the natural regulation of temperature in the atmosphere and lead to global warming.
The amount of carbon emissions trapped in our atmosphere causes global warming, which causes climate change, symptoms of which include melting of the polar ice caps, the rising of sea levels, the disturbance of animals' natural habitats, extreme weather events, and so many more negative side effects that are dangerous.
Carbon Capture Carbon Sequestrian Carbon Harvesting Carbon Credit Carbon Offsets Carbon Neutrality Net Zero
Source: Shutterstock, CO2 emissions from power plants Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere through burning fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil), solid waste, trees and other biological materials, and also as a result of certain chemical reactions (e.g., manufacture of cement). Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere (or "sequestered") when it is absorbed by plants as part of the biological carbon cycle. ecological economics
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OVERVIEW OF CARBON EMISSIONS Overview of U.S. CO2 Emissions in 2019
2019 U.S. Carbon Emissions, By Source
Source: US. Environmental Protection Agency (2021)
Source: US. Environmental Protection Agency (2021)
Total U.S. Emissions in 2019 = 6,558 Million Metric Tons of CO2 equivalent (excludes land sector). Percentages may not add up to 100% due to independent rounding.
2019 U.S. Carbon Emissions, by Source. Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2019
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GLOBALLY: WHO ARE THE BIGGEST CARBON EMITTERS?
Share of CO2 Emissions by Country The concentration of CO2 has especially increased as a result of the industrial revolution and exponential growth in manufacturing activities around the world. Deforestation, agriculture, and fossil fuel (natural gas, oil, coal) use are the primary sources of CO2. According to the most recent data from the Global Carbon Project, the top five countries that produced the most CO2 are China, the U.S., India, Russia, and Japan.
The biggest emitter of CO2 emissions for these countries is electricity, notably, burning coal.
Source: Investopedia/Union of Concerned Scientists CO2—also known as greenhouse gases—has become a major concern as climate change becomes a bigger issue. China is the world's largest contributing country to CO2 emissions—a trend that has steadily risen over the years—now producing 10.06 billion metric tons of CO2. ecological economics
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DOMESTICALLY: CARBON EMISSIONS BY STATE Per Capita Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions by State, 2005-2016 Washington, DC Other States
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions by State, 2005-2016 (February 27, 2019)
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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: WHO ARE THE MAIN CO2 CONTRIBUTORS? WHAT ARE WE SEEING IN THE DATA?
Transportation
Commercial Buildings
Source: mobilitylab.org
Source: Douglas Development
Commuters in the Washington, DC region increasingly turn to transportation options for a shorter, more pleasant commute. Happiest of all, the report reveals, are people who walk and bicycle, 54 percent of whom reported satisfaction with their commute. This suggests that dense, walkable, mixed-use communities pay off in health and life-satisfaction.
655 New York features world class design mixed with historic buildings and a sleek new modern mid-rise glass building.. The completed mega-complex features trophy office space and prime retail, helping to continue the renaissance of this neighborhood. ecological economics
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TRANSPORTATION: INTRODUCTION
Identify & Confer • Potential Partners & Stakeholders Focus on “People Movement Strategies” -reduce carbon emissions • Cars, SUVs, Buses, Pick-up Trucks and Vans Focus on Commercial Traffic • Street Cars, Light Rail, Commuter Rails, & Amtrak High Emission Transmitters • Airline Traffic and Shipping Source: Greater Greater Washington, Washington DC Traffic DC, along with three states, signs the Transportation Climate Initiative, yet controversy remains over just how much the TCI-P will help underserved and overburdened communities that have faced the brunt of air pollution and suffer from insufficient transit access. ecological economics
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TRANSPORTATION: IMPACT BY CHANGE
Transportation Modes Impacted by Change
Populations Most Impacted by Change
•
Passenger Cars
•
Low-income Families
•
Trucks, Freight
•
Racial & Ethnic Communities
•
Buses
o Indigenous (Native American)
•
Train
o African American
•
Airlines
o Latin
•
Tourist Boat Shuttles
o Asian/Pacific Islanders •
Elderly Community
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TRANSPORTATION: EMISSIONS AND TARGETS
Source: doee.dc.gov/NBC News, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Progress towards Emissions Reduction Goals. The District is on track to meet its ambitious goals to halve emissions by 2032, and to become carbon neutral by 2050; President Joe Biden at the Climate Change Leadership Summit, April 2021.
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TRANSPORTATION: EMISSIONS BY SECTOR
The Transportation Sector represents 22 percent of the total greenhouse gas inventory within the confines of the District of Columbia. Passenger vehicles are responsible for 83 percent, trucks & buses 10 percent and transit rounding out at 8 percent (Source: ddoe.gov)
Source: masstransitmag.com, DC Light Rail Washington DC transportation systems includes metro bus, rail, subway, and ride shares which contribute to the overall carbon footprint and climate change.
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TRANSPORTATION: RELEVANCE (WHY?)
Accountable for 35 percent of the total carbon emissions within the United States,
the
transportation
sector
represents one of the most significant opportunities
to
effect
change
in
reducing greenhouse gases by Instituting the following: •
Vehicle Electrification
•
Mode Shifts I.
Walking
II. Bicycling III. Shared Rides IV. Transit (buses & trains)
•
Source: mgrass.info, DC Metro Bus Washington DC transportation systems includes metro bus, rail, subway, and ride shares which contribute to the overall carbon footprint and climate change.
Transportation Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P)
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TRANSPORTATION: KEY STRATEGY (THE CEDC ACT)
Source: dccirculator.com, DC Circulator Bus Leading the globe in the fight against climate change, the District of Columbia, guided by the provision of the Clean Energy Omnibus Amendment Act of 2018 (the CEDC Act). The District has taken a proactive approach by decree to ensure: 100% of public buses, public fleets, private fleets of more than 50 vehicles,
taxis and limousines are to be zero-emission by 2045 (and 50% zero-emissions by 2030). It includes a provision to incentivize the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including the authorization of the Public Service Commission to consider the electric company's application to build infrastructure that promotes the deployment of electric vehicles."
(DC.gov, Clean Energy DC Act, 2021) DC organizations are working to improve transportation while reducing CO2 emissions. ecological economics
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TRANSPORTATION: COST-BENEFITS
The cost associated with transitioning to electric propulsion is not expected to be unbearable. A recent analysis of studies of a rapid transition to an electric-vehicle-dominated car and truck system in California between 2020 and 2030 estimated $7 billion in additional cost for vehicles, energy systems, and refueling/recharging infrastructure due to
declining costs (Sperling et al., 2020). This represents the equivalent to less than 1 percent of the costs residents of the state would otherwise be paying over those years for fuel (Sperling et al., 2020).
Source: CHUTTERSHNAP/Unsplash, Electric Vehicle Batteries capable of fully charging in five minutes have been produced in a factory for the first time.
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TRANSPORTATION: KEY STAKEHOLDERS Transitioning from fossil fuel vehicles requires buy-in from multiple stakeholders, which includes; Local legislators, community leaders and the communities at large, transit operators, rail operators, local planning commissions, federal partners ( FRA, FTA, EPA), and local government agencies (DOEE, DPW, DDOT), construction workers, skilled workers, airport & airlines and the local hospitality sector. Continuous partnership engagement is paramount in fleshing out/ prioritization the best way forward.
Source: Politico.com, Mayor Muriel Bowser, Stakeholder Partnerships with local and federal government agencies can bring a step closer to reducing carbon emissions and adapting new practices, solutions, and policies to mitigate the effects of climate change. ecological economics
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COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: RELEVANCE (WHY?)
Half Street, SE
In 2010, buildings accounted for 32% of global final energy use.
1900 K Street NW
In 2010, buildings accounted for 19% of energy-related GHG emissions.
Source: cisl.cam.ac.uk/ipcc Key Findings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5)
CO2 emissions in the building sector could double or triple by 2050. ecological economics
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COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: ENERGY-RELATED EMISSIONS
Building Energy-related CO2 Emission, 1990-2050
Source: U.S Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy Review February 2018 These projections reflect a projected 22.8 percent growth in population, an increase in the number of households, and increased air conditioner use driven by migration to warmer regions of the country, offset by increases in energy efficiency and distributed generation.
Despite that growth in energy use, total direct and indirect energyrelated CO2 emissions from the residential sector are expected to decrease by 12.3 percent from 2016 to 2050, while total emissions for the commercial sector are expected to increase by 0.9 percent. ecological economics
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COMMERCIAL: EXISTING BUILDINGS
In 2015, CO2 emissions from fossil-fuel combustion in the U.S. building sector generated 565.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMt CO2 e) indirect emissions, or about 8.6 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions (Leung, 2018). In the District, energy used to power, heat, and cool buildings remain by far the most significant contributor to the District's citywide greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 73% of total emissions in 2018.
The building sector plays an essential role in stabilizing the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2). The next generation of buildings could provide a wealth of collateral benefits such as improved affordability, health, safety, and increased asset value (ESSI).
Source: Google Images, Existing Buildings Evaluation of existing commercial buildings and their impact on the environment. This includes their carbon emissions and energy consumption.
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COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: WHY RETROFITTING BUILDINGS MATTER?
As CO2 emissions are rise, so does the average global temperature, adversely impacting the environment, human health, and the economy (OECD). Buildings can be vulnerable to climate change. In the future there may be an increase in the risk of collapse, declining health and significant loss of value as a result of more storms, snow or subsidence damage, water encroachment, deteriorating indoor climate and reduced building lifetime. In the shortterm stronger storms are the greatest challenge. Storms will constitute a safety risk in those parts of existing buildings that do not meet the building code's safety requirements. In the longer term, more and longer-lasting heat waves could have health-related consequences.
Source: Google Images, Retrofitting Buildings Evaluation of commercial buildings as it relates to climate change.
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COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: WHY RETROFITTING BUILDINGS MATTER?
Up to 10º cooler in summer
Retains warmth in winter
Source: theconstructor.org, Building roofs in summer and winter Most of the roofs in the world (including over percent of the roofs in the world) are dark colored. In the heat of the full sun, the surface of a black roof can increase in temperature as much as 90 degrees F, reaching temperatures of 150-190 degrees F. ecological economics
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COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: KEY STRATEGY (COOL ROOFS) Cool roofs offer both immediate and longterm saving in building energy costs. White reflective membranes, coated roofs and planted or green roofs can: •
•
•
•
• •
Reduced building heat gain, as a white reflective roof typically increases only 10-25 degrees F above ambient temperature during the day. Create savings on summertime air conditioning expenditures. Enhance the life expectancy of both the roof membrane and the building’s cooling equipment. Improve thermal efficiency of the insulation; this is because as temperature increases, the thermal conductivity of the roof’s insulation also increases. Reduce the demand for electric power by as much as 10 percent. Reduce resulting air pollution and greenhouse gas emission.
Source: theconstructor.org, Cool Roofs Cool roofs can be made of a highly reflective type of paint, a sheet covering, or highly reflective tiles or shingles. Nearly any type of building can benefit from a cool roof but consider the climate and other factors before deciding to install one. ecological economics
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COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: COST-BENEFITS OF COOL ROOFS The cost premium for cool roofs versus conventional roofing materials ranges from zero to 5 or 10 cents per square foot for most products or from 10–20 cents for a built-up roof with a cool coating used in place of smooth asphalt or aluminum coating (Levinson and Akbar, 2002).
Strategies to increase cool roofs in the District: Change the Building Code Requirements Starting Oct.1, 2022. The District Building Code will require that roofing material used in residential buildings meet certain values for the e “aged solar reflectance” and “thermal emittance", or for “SRI“. Offer two levels of rebates for cool roofs: 1. Base rebate for roof materials that meet the Building Code requirement: $0.20 per square foot 2. Enhanced rebate for roof materials that significantly exceed Building Code requirement: $0.30 per square foot Source: Los Angeles Cool Roof Fact Sheet & FAQ.pdf
Source: nbcnews.com, Cool Roofs Best Roofing materials for Hot Climates: Terra-Cotta Tiles and Ceramic Roofs, Concrete Tiles and Slab Roofs, EPDM Roofing Membranes, Green or “Living” Roofs.
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COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: KEY STRATEGY (LIGHTING)
Source: Washington.org, Walter E. Convention Center Lighting systems have the most significant potential of any known appliance to reduce the United States energy use (Desroches and Garbesi 2011).
Lighting represents approximately one-third of electricity use in commercial buildings (U.S. Department of Energy). About one-quarter of the electricity budget is spent on lighting or more than $37 billion annually. In commercial buildings, lighting generally accounts for more than 30 percent of the total electrical energy consumed. (Nelson, 2016).
Washington DC has cultivated energy saving practices through the use of LED lighting in Commercial buildings. ecological economics
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COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: COST-BENEFITS OF RETROFIT LIGHTING There is an immediate opportunity to significantly impact emissions with lighting. Per the Department of Energy, Energy Savings Forecast of SolidState Lighting in General Illumination Applications report, LED lighting has saved over 1.1 quadrillions BTUs of energy in the United States since 2017.
Average lighting efficacy (light output per unit of energy consumed) and cost per bulb
light-emitting diode (LED) Strategies for Improving LED Lighting in the District: 1. Energy Performance Contracting in District Government 2. Implement District Government LED Street Light Projects 3. Expand Energy Efficiency Funds 4. Leverage Ongoing Public Infrastructure Projects and incorporate LED lighting can be incorporated into these projects. 5. Update organizational specifications to encourage LEDs. 6. Share information in order to encourage LED adoption
compact fluorescent lamp (CFL)
incandescent/halogen
Source: eia.gov, Monthly Energy Review, Lighting efficacy Projections of LED, CFL, and halogen bulbs and their environmental impact on climate change.
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COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: COST-BENEFITS OF RETROFIT LIGHTING The adoption of advanced interior lighting technologies continues to bring U.S. businesses and other organizations significant energy savings,” said the Energy Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency Kathleen Hogan. “By investing in more efficient lighting, Interior Lighting Campaign (ILC) partners demonstrate how cost-effective measures can make a big difference in a building’s energy consumption.” The primary barrier to broader deployment of LED-based lighting remains high upfront costs despite the energy, environmental, and maintenance savings that a light retrofit can deliver over many years. Replacing 150W high-pressure sodium light fixtures, with 1,000 Crouse-Hinds series VMVL-7-UNV1 light fixtures saves 1.2 million kilowatt-hours of energy per year (Over $100,000 in annual savings), 369 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and 184 tons of coal emissions (Source EPA greenhouse gas equivalencies)
Source: Shutterstock, LED Lighting Lights will turn into data today and a new technology called LiFi like Wi-Fi will be an emerging trend of 2020. Lights will be now used for light as well as communication. This technology will transform your shops, museums and indoor spaces into the high-tech places where the new system will be created. ecological economics
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COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: KEY STRATEGY (GREEN ROOFS)
Carbon Capture and Sequestration Extensive green roof systems can be installed with a lifespan of 40 to 50 years, with a CO2 payback of between 5.8 to 15.9 years and can contribute to CO2 reduction though carbon sequestration (Kuronuma et al, 2018). Energy Use and Heat Island Reduction Additional CO2 reduction can be met through lower energy costs, lower long-term maintenance costs (roof replacement, and lower air temperatures near green roofs providing heat island reduction, potential local lower cooling costs if implemented on a city-wide scale. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2008; United States General Services Administration, 2011). Stakeholders and Incentives • Lower overall operating costs shared by building owners, managers, and tenants. • Additional usable space creates value through use and beauty • Increased infrastructure needs creates jobs through installation and maintenance, material supply, and potential agriculture.
Source: Jason Halec, UDC (Building 44) Green Roof Time in nature reduces stress and provides mental health benefits (Tillmann et al, 2018; Cornell U., 2021). Accessible green roofs can contribute to available natural space in dense urban environments
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COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: KEY STRATEGY (GREEN ROOFS)
Implementation Program • Building code and zoning updates, additional regulation • Financial support and incentives • Partnerships: City, businesses, community
groups, UDC (land grant college) and other institutions, design firms
• Pilot projects • Design competitions • Agriculture, Food Hubs Source: Jason Halec, UDC (Building 44) Green Roof Time in nature reduces stress and provides mental health benefits (Tillmann et al, 2018; Cornell U., 2021). Accessible green roofs can contribute to available natural space in dense urban environments
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COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: NEW CONSTRUCTION
Follow Clean Energy DC recommendations of Net zero codes updates and adoptions, incentive packages, and a federal innovation request Propose Clean Energy DC New Construction Roadmap consider integration of additional strategies, partnerships, and programs to link all parties in the District for shared success: • Developers and owners (property use and value) • Communities (neighborhood impact, property use and value, job creation/resilience) • Design firms (neighborhood impact, property use and value, job creation/resilience, innovation) • Institutional (community impact, property use and value, job creation/resilience) • Higher education centers (neighborhood and community impact, property use and value, job creation/resilience, innovation) Innovative rating systems that combine building design and construction, operations and maintenance, and include the human experience, wellness, and health on a continual basis.
Source: Jason Halec, New Construction “The Clean Energy DC plan lays out a thoughtful set of actions that the District Government, local businesses, and residents can take over the next 15 years to dramatically reduce the District’s role in climate change.” (Bowser, 2018)
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COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: KEY STAKEHOLDERS Recognizing that climate change is already impacting Washington, DC, the city is taking steps to prepare for change through its Climate Ready DC plan. DC is committed to reducing its own contribution to the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. In December 2017, Washington, DC pledged to become carbon neutral by 2050. In order to get started now to achieve that goal, DC has developed Clean Energy DC, a roadmap to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2032 by cutting energy use and increasing the use of renewable energy.
Source: Greater Greater Washington, Stakeholders Partnerships with local and federal government agencies can bring a step closer to reducing carbon emissions and adapting new practices, solutions, and policies to mitigate the effects of climate change. ecological economics
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COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Source: Carbon Neutral City Alliance, Climate Ready DC Plan In December 2017, Washington, DC pledged to become carbon neutral by 2050. Taking these actions will make the District more innovative, sustainable, and resilient.
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SUMMARY OF REDUCING CO2 EMISSIONS
The most effective way to reduce CO2 emissions is to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Many strategies for reducing CO2 emissions from energy are cross-cutting and apply to homes, businesses, industry, and transportation. This includes: •
Energy Efficiency
•
Energy Conservation
•
Carbon-negative Technologies
•
Fuel Switching
•
Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS)
•
Changes in Uses of Land and Land Management Practices
Source: Shutterstock, Net-Zero Plan No technology or quantity of trees planted could offset the emissions currently generated globally. That’s why nearly every net-zero plan includes first reducing, and eventually replacing, fossil fuels. ecological economics
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CONCLUSION: CARBON-NEGATIVE (CASE STUDY)
Bhutan is the Only Carbon-negative Country in the World More than 70 percent of the country is covered in trees. This large amount of tree cover has seen Bhutan becoming a carbon sink – meaning that it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it produces. Bhutan absorbs roughly seven million tons of carbon dioxide annually and only produces around two million tons.
Bhutan also exports most of the renewable hydro-electric power that it generates from its rivers. This counteracts the country’s contribution towards carbon emissions by millions of tons each year. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Free Electricity Environmental subsidies Protected areas Biological corridors
Source: greenmatters.com, Bhutan As companies, researchers, scientists and entrepreneurs work to make industries and systems carbon-neutral, one tiny nation in the Eastern Himalayas has them all beat: Bhutan is world's first – and only – carbon-negative country.
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CONCLUSION: CARBON-NEGATIVE (CASE STUDY)
Here are some of the ways Bhutan became carbon negative: •
A ban was placed on log exports.
•
The constitution was amended to include that forested areas would not drop below 60%.
•
Free hydroelectric power generated by Bhutan’s
many rivers is used instead of less environmentally friendly fossil fuels.
•
Free electricity is provided to rural farmers.
By 2030 Bhutan plans to reach zero net greenhouse gas emissions and to produce zero waste. This means putting a comprehensive plan of action into place, with items such as increasing its reliance on renewable energy sources – like wind, biogas, and solar power.
Source: gvi.co.uk, Bhutan Why this Matters: The environment is something that impacts each of our lives, and local governments and organizations are being more conscientious about the climate footprint that they leave.
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DISCUSSION: NET ZERO AND ECOLOGOCIAL IMPACT
Let’s Discuss 1. What, in your opinion, is the biggest obstacle in the way of a move towards net zero, and how might that obstacle be overcome?
2. Does "community solidarity" contribute
to larger ecological footprints?
3. Through advances in technology can we significantly reduce our impact on the environment in the long run, or are we just reallocating our ecological impact?
Source: Bloomberg.com, Electric Vehicle Switching to EVs in mass could help bring down planet-killing carbon emissions. But Americans also need to drive less, right now.
Source: globalsportsmatter.com Why this Matters: The environment is something that impacts each of our lives, and sports organizations are being more conscientious about the climate footprint that they leave. ecological economics
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2050 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY GOALS & STRATEGIES CARBON NEUTRALITY
Research Team: Tracy Crump, Carolyn Dean, Jason Halec, Eric Harris, Michael Somersall Ecological Economics Instructor: Dr. Sabine O’Hara April 27, 2021 ENSC-508 ASPIRE. ACCOMPLISH. TAKE ON THE WORLD.
ECOLOGICAL
ECONOMICS
TEAM PROJECT
Thank You!