13.2 National and Subnational Climate Change Policies
4 min read•august 9, 2024
Climate change policies span national and local levels, tackling emissions through various strategies. From to renewable energy mandates, governments are using diverse tools to curb greenhouse gases and promote sustainable development.
State and city initiatives play a crucial role in climate action. Local plans focus on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and fostering low-carbon growth, tailored to address specific community needs and opportunities.
Carbon Pricing and Emissions Reduction Policies
Clean Air Act and Carbon Pricing
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- regulates air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions in the United States
- implements and enforces Clean Air Act provisions
- Carbon pricing assigns a monetary value to carbon emissions
- Internalizes the external costs of carbon pollution
- Incentivizes businesses and individuals to reduce emissions
- Two main types of carbon pricing mechanisms
- directly sets a price on carbon by defining a tax rate on greenhouse gas emissions
- set a limit on total emissions and allow companies to trade emission allowances
- Carbon pricing encourages investment in clean energy technologies and energy efficiency measures
- Several countries and regions have implemented carbon pricing (European Union, California, British Columbia)
Emissions Inventories and Development Strategies
- quantify and track emissions from various sources
- Identify major emission sources and trends over time
- Help policymakers set reduction targets and develop effective strategies
- Inventories typically include emissions from energy, industrial processes, agriculture, and waste sectors
- outline plans for economic growth while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions
- Integrate climate change mitigation into national development planning
- Focus on sustainable energy, transportation, and land-use practices
- Strategies often include targets for renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency improvements
- Developing countries can access international support for creating and implementing these strategies
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policies
Renewable Portfolio Standards and Energy Efficiency
- mandate a specified percentage of electricity from renewable sources
- Set targets for utilities to increase renewable energy generation over time
- Typically include solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal energy sources
- Vary by state in the U.S., with some states setting more ambitious goals (California, Hawaii)
- establish minimum efficiency requirements for appliances and equipment
- Reduce energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions
- Cover a wide range of products (refrigerators, air conditioners, lighting)
- Updated periodically to reflect technological advancements
- Benefits of energy efficiency standards
- Lower energy bills for consumers
- Reduce strain on the electrical grid
- Decrease the need for new power plants
Green Building Codes and Sustainable Construction
- set standards for environmentally friendly construction and renovation
- Promote energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials use
- Address building design, construction, and operation
- Key components of green building codes
- Insulation and air sealing requirements
- Water-saving fixtures and appliances
- Use of recycled or sustainable building materials
- Green building certification systems (, ) provide frameworks for sustainable construction
- Benefits of green buildings
- Reduced energy consumption and operating costs
- Improved indoor air quality and occupant comfort
- Lower environmental impact throughout the building's lifecycle
State and Local Climate Action Planning
Climate Action Plans and Emissions Reduction Strategies
- outline specific goals and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Developed by states, cities, and local governments
- Tailored to address unique local challenges and opportunities
- Key components of Climate Action Plans
- Emissions reduction targets (short-term and long-term goals)
- Strategies for energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption
- Transportation and land-use planning initiatives
- Waste reduction and recycling programs
- Implementation often involves collaboration between government agencies, businesses, and community organizations
- Regular progress monitoring and plan updates ensure effectiveness and adaptability
Emissions Inventories and Low-Carbon Development
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories at state and local levels
- Provide detailed breakdowns of emissions sources within jurisdictions
- Help identify priority areas for emissions reduction efforts
- Enable tracking of progress towards climate goals
- Inventories typically include emissions from
- Energy consumption in buildings and industry
- Transportation sector
- Waste management
- Land use changes
- Low-Carbon Development Strategies at subnational levels
- Focus on sustainable economic growth while minimizing emissions
- Integrate climate considerations into local development plans
- Promote green jobs and clean technology industries
- Strategies often include
- Incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency
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- Benefits of local low-carbon development
- Improved air quality and public health
- Enhanced resilience to climate change impacts
- Economic opportunities in emerging green sectors
Key Terms to Review (19)
BREEAM: BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is a widely recognized sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings. It provides a framework for assessing the environmental performance of new and existing buildings, focusing on various sustainability criteria such as energy efficiency, water usage, indoor environmental quality, and materials sourcing. BREEAM certification is often used to demonstrate a commitment to reducing environmental impacts and enhancing the sustainability of the built environment.
Cap-and-trade systems: Cap-and-trade systems are market-based environmental policies that set a limit (cap) on total greenhouse gas emissions from regulated entities, allowing them to buy and sell emission allowances (trade) within that cap. This approach incentivizes companies to reduce emissions while providing flexibility to meet regulatory requirements, and it's often used in national and subnational climate change strategies to encourage cost-effective pollution reductions.
Carbon pricing: Carbon pricing is an approach that charges emitters of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases for their emissions, effectively putting a price on carbon to incentivize reduction in pollution. This financial mechanism encourages businesses and individuals to lower their carbon footprints, promoting cleaner energy and technologies. By incorporating the environmental cost of emissions into economic decisions, carbon pricing plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation strategies at various levels.
Carbon tax: A carbon tax is a financial charge imposed on companies or individuals based on the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions they produce. This tax aims to encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by making it more expensive to emit CO2, promoting cleaner energy sources and more sustainable practices.
Clean Air Act: The Clean Air Act is a comprehensive federal law designed to regulate air emissions from stationary and mobile sources to ensure that air quality meets health and environmental standards. It represents a critical framework for controlling air pollution in the United States, addressing various aspects of air quality management, pollution control strategies, and public health protection.
Climate action plans: Climate action plans are strategic frameworks developed by governments at national or subnational levels to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change through targeted policies and actions. These plans typically outline specific goals, measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and methods for adapting to climate impacts, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Emissions reduction strategies: Emissions reduction strategies refer to the various methods and policies implemented to decrease the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. These strategies aim to combat climate change by promoting cleaner technologies, enhancing energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices across different sectors such as transportation, industry, and agriculture. They often involve a combination of regulatory measures, market-based approaches, and voluntary initiatives at both national and local levels.
Energy efficiency standards: Energy efficiency standards are regulations set by governments to ensure that appliances, vehicles, and buildings use energy more efficiently, thereby reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. These standards help to promote the adoption of technology and practices that lead to reduced energy waste and environmental impact, which is crucial in the fight against climate change.
Energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems: Energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are technologies designed to provide indoor comfort while minimizing energy consumption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These systems utilize advanced technologies such as variable speed motors, programmable thermostats, and high-efficiency heat exchangers to optimize energy use. By enhancing energy efficiency in HVAC systems, significant contributions can be made towards national and subnational climate change policies aimed at reducing overall energy demand and promoting sustainability.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a U.S. federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment by enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress. Established in response to the growing environmental concerns in the 1970s, the EPA plays a crucial role in addressing key environmental issues such as air and water quality, hazardous waste management, and climate change policies.
Green building codes: Green building codes are regulations that set standards for the design, construction, and operation of buildings to enhance their environmental performance and sustainability. These codes aim to reduce energy and water consumption, minimize waste, and promote the use of sustainable materials, ultimately contributing to climate change mitigation and resilience in urban development.
Green space preservation: Green space preservation refers to the practice of protecting and maintaining areas of land that are predominantly covered with vegetation, such as parks, forests, and wetlands. These spaces provide vital ecological functions, enhance urban environments, and contribute to the overall health and well-being of communities. In the context of climate change policies, preserving green spaces is critical for mitigating urban heat islands, improving air quality, and supporting biodiversity.
Greenhouse gas emissions inventories: Greenhouse gas emissions inventories are systematic assessments that quantify and record the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted into the atmosphere from various sources, such as industries, transportation, and agriculture. These inventories are essential for understanding the total emissions profile of a region and for informing policy decisions aimed at reducing GHG emissions. They serve as a foundational tool for national and subnational climate change policies, enabling governments to track progress toward emissions reduction targets and identify areas for improvement.
LEED: LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a globally recognized green building certification system that promotes sustainable construction and design practices. This system provides a framework for buildings to be evaluated based on their energy efficiency, water usage, indoor environmental quality, and other sustainability metrics. LEED certification can apply to various types of projects, including new construction, existing buildings, and neighborhood developments, playing a vital role in advancing national and subnational climate change policies.
Low-carbon development strategies: Low-carbon development strategies are plans and policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while promoting sustainable economic growth. These strategies emphasize the transition to cleaner energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and fostering innovative technologies to achieve environmental goals without sacrificing economic progress. By integrating climate considerations into national and subnational policies, these strategies seek to create resilient communities and promote long-term sustainability.
Public transit: Public transit refers to a system of transportation that is available for use by the general public, typically consisting of buses, trains, subways, and other forms of mass transportation. It plays a vital role in reducing traffic congestion, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and providing affordable mobility options to urban populations. Public transit systems are crucial for promoting sustainable urban development and addressing climate change challenges.
Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS): Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) are regulations that require electricity suppliers to obtain a certain percentage of their energy from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. These standards are designed to promote the growth of renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, supporting broader goals of environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.
Sustainable transportation initiatives: Sustainable transportation initiatives are strategies and programs aimed at creating transportation systems that are environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially equitable. These initiatives often promote public transit, biking, walking, and the use of clean fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, aligning closely with broader climate action goals at both national and local levels.
Urban forestry programs: Urban forestry programs are initiatives aimed at managing and enhancing the tree canopy and green spaces in urban areas, focusing on the benefits these trees provide to communities. These programs are designed to improve air quality, enhance aesthetic value, and promote biodiversity while addressing climate change impacts and urban heat islands. By integrating trees into urban planning and policy, these initiatives help create more sustainable cities.