Moving Toward Net-Zero Carbon Society
Challenges and Opportunities
- Open Access
- 2023
- Open Access
- Book
- Editors
- Hsing-Hao Wu
- Wan-Yu Liu
- Michael C. Huang
- Book Series
- Springer Climate
- Publisher
- Springer International Publishing
About this book
This open access book explores various issues concerning the net-zero emission achievement, ranging from carbon pricing, carbon trade schemes, energy transition, ecological conservation, and carbon sinks, as well as the economic and social impacts of introducing carbon neutral policies in the Asia-Pacific region.
The extreme flooding and drought problems, crop yield problems, and habitat changes brought about by climate change have seriously threatened the ecosystem and human survival, forcing people to rethink environmental management policies and limits on economic development. In the post-COVID-10 era, it is indispensable to adopt a more proactive climate change adaptation policy and establish bilateral cooperation with international partners who value climate change. 2021 is a critical year, and the leaders of major industrial countries at the recently concluded G7 meeting jointly stated the common objective seeking the establishment of carbon-neutral international community by the mid of the century. Major carbon-emitting countries or entities such as the European Union, US, Japan, Korea, China, and India have proposed specific timetables for net-zero carbon emissions and carbon neutrality before or at the COP26. Policy-makers around the world would also work closely with scientists, experts, and enterprises seeking appropriate policy instruments such as the development of carbon tax, carbon pricing, carbon sinks, global or regional carbon emission trade schemes, energy transitions, and other carbon-neutral policies moving toward net-zero emission society by the mid of the century. At a time when carbon pricing policies are being formulated, climate change related laws and policies will reshape the global governance and industrial layout during the period of 2021–-2030, and it is critical to move toward energy and industrial transformation, ecological conservation, and sustainable agricultural development.
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Table of Contents
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Chapter 1. Introduction: Connecting Global Issues of Net-Zero Carbon Society in the 21st Century
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter delves into the global commitment to achieve a net-zero carbon society by 2050, as declared by major industrial countries during the G7 and COP26 meetings. It discusses the urgency of climate change and the need for coordinated action, emphasizing the role of carbon pricing, renewable energy, and sustainable practices. The text is divided into three sections: net-zero measures from the land, ocean, and under international frameworks. Case studies from Taiwan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Japan, and Bhutan illustrate successful strategies and challenges in implementing net-zero policies. The chapter also explores the economic and environmental potential of blue carbon and the effectiveness of local content requirements in the offshore wind power industry. Additionally, it examines the climate impacts of black carbon and methane emissions in the Arctic and the frameworks for prevention. The chapter aims to provide evidence-based policy recommendations for a sustainable future, encouraging collaboration among stakeholders to address climate change effectively.AI Generated
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AbstractClimate change has caused severe flooding and droughts, crop yield problems, and habitat changes, which pose a serious threat to the ecosystem and humanity. As a result, stakeholders are reconsidering environmental management policies and economic development limitations. This chapter introduces the overview of the book that explores achieving net-zero emissions through carbon pricing, carbon trade schemes, renewable energy transition, ecological conservation, and carbon sinks. It also examines the economic and social impacts of introducing carbon-neutral policies in the Asia-Pacific region. The urgency of addressing climate change and finding solutions to mitigate its effects on the environment and society is emphasized. -
Net-Zero Measures from the Land
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Frontmatter
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Chapter 2. Potential Impacts of Afforestation Expansion Under Price Fluctuations of Carbon and Timber
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter delves into the effects of afforestation expansion under variable carbon and timber prices, with a focus on New Zealand and Taiwan's experiences in carbon trading and GHG emission reduction. It examines the historical context of GHG emissions and the implementation of carbon trading policies, highlighting the economic and environmental impacts of afforestation. The study uses a land expectation value (LEV) model to analyze the correlation between timber prices, carbon prices, and afforestation areas, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing afforestation decisions. The chapter also discusses the potential of afforestation as a tool for achieving GHG reduction targets and the challenges faced by countries in implementing effective carbon trading policies.AI Generated
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AbstractTaiwan, a non-contracting party to the UN Framework Convention to Climate Change, committed to Net-zero Emission goal by 2050. In implementing carbon trade schemes, forest landowners can acquire carbon credit revenue in addition to timber revenue. To assess the impacts on afforestation area in Taiwan, this study uses land expectation value (LEV) calculated from price of timber sale and carbon trading and analyzes the correlation with area of afforestation. Results indicate that timber price significantly affected the area of afforestation of Taiwania cryptomerioides (Taiwania). It suggests that to increase the afforestation by 1%, \({\text{LEV}}_{\log }^t\) must increase by an average of 100,261 NTD/ha. After conversion, the price of Taiwania increased by 240 NTD/m3 or 1.23%. The average carbon credit revenue accounts for less than 3% of the total LEV. It suggests that total LEV obtained from Taiwania is primarily determined by timber price, with minimal impacts from carbon price fluctuation. -
Chapter 3. Turning on the Lights with Renewable Energy: Solar PV Mini-Grid System for Lighting in Myanmar
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter focuses on a solar PV mini-grid system implemented in rural Myanmar to address electricity access challenges. It details the project's design, implementation, and impact on local lifestyles, including improved nighttime activities and economic benefits. The project's success is attributed to high-quality equipment, community engagement, and a sustainable operational model. The case study also provides valuable lessons for similar projects in remote and rural areas, emphasizing the importance of community participation and sustainable funding mechanisms.AI Generated
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AbstractMyanmar targets 100% electrification by 2030 through both of grid extension and off-grid electrification under the National Electrification Plan (NEP). Despite all the policies and plans of the government, a significant population living in remote rural areas will remain far from the nation grid and unable to afford connection fees in the distant future. The Myanmar Department of Rural Development, which is the leading government agency in implementing the off-grid component of the NEP, therefore seeks assistance from advanced countries and international societies, including Taiwan. Based on the local conditions of targeted villages, the International Cooperation Development Fund proposes a tailored pilot project for rural Myanmar. The project achieved the development goals of inclusive growth and environmental protection through access to affordable and renewable energy and demonstrated that even the poor or vulnerable groups in developing countries can contribute to a net-zero society. -
Chapter 4. Role of Renewable Energy Policy in Ensuring Net-Zero Carbon Emissions and Energy Sustainability: A Bangladesh Perspective
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter delves into the significance of renewable energy policy in achieving net-zero carbon emissions and energy sustainability, with a particular focus on Bangladesh. It begins by discussing the global shift towards clean energy and the role of renewable energy in mitigating climate change. The author examines Bangladesh's energy profile, highlighting the dominance of natural gas and the limited progress in renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar, and wind. The chapter identifies key barriers to the adoption of renewable energy in Bangladesh, including technological limitations and policy gaps. It also explores the prospects of solar and biomass energy and emphasizes the need for policy innovations to drive the energy transition. The study concludes with policy recommendations for Bangladesh and the broader South Asian region, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation and technological advancements in achieving sustainable energy goals.AI Generated
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AbstractThe current global energy crisis along with the climate impacts of non-green energy sources has necessitated the shift toward renewable and sustainable energy. Limited fossil fuel reserves and high climate change vulnerability index of Bangladesh necessitate the country’s need to achieve sustainable renewable energy governance and policy development to guarantee net-zero carbon emissions and energy sustainability. This study illustrates the implementation of national and regional policies in addressing the challenges of Bangladesh’s transition to green energy from fossil fuels. The study contributes in the domain of national and intergovernmental green energy policy by developing recommendations along the Bay of Bengal region to increase the scalability of technologies and innovations, highlighting the opportunities and strengths of Bangladesh being the founding member of BIMSTEC integration. -
Chapter 5. Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainable Development and Governance in South Asia: Case Study of Bhutan
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThis chapter delves into the critical interplay between sustainable development, governance, and climate change, using Bhutan as a compelling case study. Bhutan, the world's first carbon-negative country, has achieved this status through a holistic approach that balances economic growth with environmental and social well-being. The chapter examines Bhutan's innovative 'three G' model—gross domestic product (GDP), greenhouse gases (GHG), and gross national happiness (GNH)—and the policies that have enabled it to maintain a net carbon sink. It also explores the broader challenges and opportunities facing South Asia in sustainable development, highlighting the need for similar innovative approaches to address climate change while promoting economic growth and social welfare. By drawing on Bhutan's success, the chapter offers valuable insights and recommendations for other countries in the region and beyond, making it a must-read for professionals and policymakers interested in sustainable development and environmental governance.AI Generated
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AbstractThe future of the post-COVID, climate “red code” world, hugely depends on good governance and a transition to low carbon. World leaders have repeatedly stated a unified goal of establishing a carbon–neutral society by mid-century. Analysis shows that South Asia’s strong economic expansion has paved the way toward sustainable development, yet the region still has many unsustainable practices, except for Bhutan. As the first-only carbon-negative country globally, it is vital to extensively study, learn, and optimize Bhutan’s best practices to improve global climate practices. Bhutan’s three G model (gross domestic product—GDP, greenhouse gasses—GHG, gross national happiness—GNH) expands development metrics beyond GDP to people’s happiness and environmental well-being. This study demonstrates how adapting practices from Bhutan, which have been molded by local experiences, problems, and opportunities, would effectively bolster green climate practices in the South Asian region.
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Net-Zero Measure from the Ocean
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Frontmatter
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Chapter 6. Sustainable Fisheries Under Net-Zero Emissions: A Case Study of the Taiwan Fishery Administration
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThis chapter examines the efforts of Taiwan's Fishery Administration to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with global climate change mitigation goals. It reviews historical policies and current measures, such as fishing vessel buy-outs, energy-saving equipment, and fishing moratorium incentives, comparing these with international best practices. The study identifies gaps in policy implementation and proposes specific action plans to achieve sustainable fisheries under net-zero emissions. Highlights include the use of a three-step evaluation framework and the identification of priority research directions and stakeholders for effective policy development.AI Generated
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AbstractThis study focuses on the marine fishing industry, takes Taiwan’s fishery authorities as the subject of discussion, collects and compiles documents related to international trends and policy implementation in various countries, incorporates the implemented or planned policies and measures by Taiwan fishery authorities to conduct a comparative analysis on fishery policies in Taiwan and other developed countries, and determines the green policy strategies and opportunities for a low-carbon economy in the context of net-zero emissions. The comparative analysis results were used to examine the gap between the current situation and the future policy goals through the goal, reality, options, and will (GROW) evaluation method. Possible implementation directions to address the gap are discussed. Finally, policy issues within short-, medium-, and long-term plans and possible opportunities are determined through Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards materiality analysis and the priority research direction determination method. Priority stakeholders to be considered or involved in each policy stage are identified using the boundary identification method. -
Chapter 7. The Environmental and Economic Potential of Kelp as Blue Carbon: Case of Hakodate, Japan
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThis chapter delves into the concept of blue carbon, emphasizing the pivotal role of kelp forests as a crucial carbon sink. It discusses the historical and scientific evolution of blue carbon ecosystems, with a particular focus on the underappreciated role of kelp. The study presents a case study of Hakodate, Japan, where kelp production has significant economic and environmental implications. It explores the economic ripple effects of kelp cultivation and the potential for sustainable development. The chapter also underscores the need for conservation and restoration efforts to maintain the ecological balance and economic benefits of kelp forests.AI Generated
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AbstractKelp forests are a non-negligible blue carbon resource that has gained global attention as an ocean carbon source. In addition to the role of carbon storage, kelp forests have certain economic impact in Japan for a long time. However, the environmental and economic effects of kelp forests are not yet clear. Therefore, this chapter introduces the environmental and economic impacts of kelp forests in Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, as a case study. The study suggests promoting cultivation of kelp from both ecological and economic aspects by financial schemes for conservation and restoration of natural kelp. -
Chapter 8. The Legitimacy and Effectiveness of Local Content Requirements: A Case of the Offshore Wind Power Industry in Taiwan
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter delves into the ambitious development plan of Taiwan's offshore wind power industry, highlighting the role of local content requirements (LCR) in attracting foreign investment while promoting local economic benefits. It discusses the three phases of the industry's development, the incentives provided to foreign companies, and the specific LCR policies implemented by the Taiwanese government. The text also explores the compatibility of these policies with WTO rules and the effectiveness of LCRs in fostering local industry growth and job creation. Additionally, it compares the Taiwan model with other countries' experiences and provides recommendations for designing effective and WTO-compatible LCR policies.AI Generated
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AbstractThis study begins with a background introduction to the development of the offshore wind power industry and the local content requirement policies in Taiwan. Subsequently, it discusses the conflict and exceptions between local content requirement (LCR) policies and World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, further to probe into the pros and cons discussed in the literature about LCR policies, with particular emphasis on the energy sector. In the conclusion and policy recommendations section, the author suggests that the effectiveness of LCR policies differs across countries, and that the Taiwanese government should find its own way on a trial-and-error basis. It should also be considered that the government could align the LCR policies with the WTO framework to avoid conflict by designing them more carefully. -
Chapter 9. Impact Assessment of Eco-Friendly Cooling System Implementation on Sea Transportation: A GTAP-E-Power Model Application
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter delves into the critical issue of climate change's impact on global food security, particularly through increased temperatures and extreme weather events. It highlights the vulnerability of sea transportation, especially for agricultural commodities like cereals, which require specific temperature and humidity conditions. The study introduces the GTAP-E-Power model to assess the implementation of eco-friendly cooling systems in sea transportation, focusing on their impact on sectoral output, global supply chains, GHG emissions, and welfare. The results indicate significant improvements in energy efficiency and a reduction in GHG emissions, with notable benefits for Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. The chapter also discusses the broader implications for global trade patterns and economic growth, emphasizing the need for innovative measures to enhance grain shipping quality and reduce GHG emissions in the face of climate change.AI Generated
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AbstractClimate change and global warming have significantly threatened food security and the global supply chain. As the trade volume of bulk commodity grains has been growing steadily, ensuring quality while minimizing losses during long-distance shipping between warm and cold seawater has become a critical issue. An evidence-based approach to provide quantified implications is needed to illustrate a roadmap toward a net-zero-carbon society. This study applied the GTAP-E-Power model to examine the economic and welfare impacts of eco-friendly cooling system implementation on sea transportation in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. By creating scenarios of Japan’s technology change calibrated from SPIAS-e and capital-use subsidy on sectors of electronics, solar power, and sea transportation as cooling system implementation, the simulation results showed a GDP growth of 0.09% in Japan and 0.11% in Australia and New Zealand. Moreover, Japan's welfare could improve by USD 4,219 million, while greenhouse gas emissions might be reduced to 8.4 million tons, equivalent to 0.9% of the total emission of Japan’s sea transportation sector.
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Net-zero Measures Under International Framework
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Frontmatter
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Chapter 10. Moving Toward Net-Zero Emission Society: With Special Reference to the Recent Law and Policy Development in Some Selected Countries
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter delves into the pressing need for global net-zero emission strategies to combat climate change, emphasizing the critical role of law and policy development. It examines the Glasgow Climate Pact and the European Union's ambitious 'Fit for 55' package, highlighting the importance of comprehensive legal frameworks and coordinated institutional efforts. The chapter also discusses the unique challenges and approaches of Japan, Korea, and Taiwan in achieving their net-zero emission goals, including energy transition, carbon sink enhancement, and green transportation. Notably, it underscores the necessity of public participation and environmental considerations in policy formulation. The comparative study and policy suggestions offer valuable insights for policymakers aiming to achieve sustainable climate goals.AI Generated
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AbstractBy the Sixth IPPC Report issued in August 2021, man-made greenhouse gases emission is responsible for approximately 1.1 °C of warming between 1850 and 1900, and the global temperature is expected to reach or exceed 1.5 °C by 2041. The IPPC thus urges world leaders to adopt substantial and sustained reductions to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions to stabilize global temperature by the next 20–30 years. In East Asia, the Former Prime Minister of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, declared that Japan will become carbon–neutral by 2050. The commitment has been further endorsed by his successor Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. Korea enacted the Carbon Neutrality Act, which requires the government to cut greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 by 35% or more from the 2018 levels in August 2021. In China, President Xi Jinping committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 at the U.N. General Assembly in September 2020. In Taiwan, President Tsai Ing-wen announced on April 22, 2021, that Taiwan will achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The road to achieving net-zero emissions is an ambitious but challenging goal for each significant GHGs emitter in the Asia–Pacific region. Each country has its own economic, social, and technological foundation and capabilities and thus requires different approaches to achieve the same goal. This chapter explores the recent global trends with particular references to EU, U.S., and Japan’s law and policy development aiming to achieve carbon neutrality goals by 2050. -
Chapter 11. Climate Impacts of Black Carbon and Methane Emissions in the Arctic and Current Frameworks for Prevention
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter begins by highlighting the rapid environmental changes in the Arctic, driven by warming at a rate three times faster than the global average. These changes include the retreat of sea ice, land ice, and permafrost, impacting both Arctic ecosystems and global climate patterns. The Arctic Council, a high-level forum for cooperation among Arctic nations, is central to addressing these challenges. Established in 1996, the Council promotes sustainable development and environmental protection through various working groups and expert bodies. The chapter also discusses the Reykjavik Declaration, adopted at the 12th Ministerial Meeting, which emphasizes responsible governance and immediate climate action. Additionally, it explores Japan's initiatives in Arctic policy, including hosting the 3rd Arctic Science Ministerial and plans to build a new Arctic research vessel. The chapter concludes with an in-depth look at the Arctic Council's framework for reducing black carbon and methane emissions, crucial short-lived climate pollutants that significantly impact Arctic warming. The framework involves national reports and expert group recommendations, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in mitigating these emissions.AI Generated
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AbstractRapid environmental changes in the Arctic have brought increasing attention from the international community toward the region. Considering these circumstances, the Arctic Council (AC) provides an important vehicle for addressing Arctic issues. This paper first provides a basic overview on the Arctic Council and discusses recent organizational reforms. It also addresses how Japan is involved in the Arctic. Finally, this paper discusses what the Arctic Council, as well as other concerned countries, are doing to control black carbon emissions, which are a current problem in the Arctic.
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- Title
- Moving Toward Net-Zero Carbon Society
- Editors
-
Hsing-Hao Wu
Wan-Yu Liu
Michael C. Huang
- Copyright Year
- 2023
- Publisher
- Springer International Publishing
- Electronic ISBN
- 978-3-031-24545-9
- Print ISBN
- 978-3-031-24544-2
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-24545-9
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