This book includes contributions by leading experts across the globe with the first part of the book focusing on the analysis of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, examines COP26, and questions the political process in the US for the creation of policy for meaningful greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Part 2 explores various ways in which one can effectively mitigate climate change. The contents provide an analysis of carbon pricing, development of specific green energy technologies to promote economic prosperity, and analysis of electric vehicles and other elements of electrification in areas with carbon-intensive electricity supply. Part 3 analyses the international dimension of energy governance (both regional and global) and climate action. It further provides an analysis of the challenges faced by small island developing states, least-developed countries and other vulnerable places. It also offers an analysis of the prospects for a European Energy Union and explores why energy security and decarbonization are significant. Lastly, it explores global energy governance and how its fragmentation can be reduced. This volume will be a useful reference for those in industry and academia.
Author(s): Rafael Leal-Arcas
Series: Climate Change Management
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 272
City: Cham
Introduction
Contents
About the Editor
Part I Setting the Scene
1 Did the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement Change the Trajectory of the Global Response to the Build-Up of Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
Introduction
Background
Climate Change
Efforts to Mitigate Climate Change
The Paris Agreement
The Overall Approach of the Agreement
Noteworthy Aspects of the Agreement
The Effect of the Agreement
What Can Be Done?
The Flaws of the Paris Agreement
Alternatives to the Paris Agreement
Conclusion
References
2 COP26: Ambition, Coal, Finance, and the Paris Rulebook
Introduction
Focus Areas
Ambition
Coal
Finance
The Paris Rulebook
Bringing It Home
Singapore’s Climate Plan
Case in Point: Renewable Energy
Concluding Thoughts
Dispute Resolution and Enforcement
Different Mindset
References
3 Was COP26 Critical for the Implementation of the 2015 Paris Agreement?
Introduction
COP 26 Finalised the Guidelines of the Paris Agreement
Some Aspects Under the Paris Agreement Were Strengthened upon
Some Goals of the Paris Agreement Were not Achieved
Conclusion
References
4 Can the Political Process in Washington Create Policy for Meaningful Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions?
Introduction
The Political Process in the USA Cannot Create Policy for Meaningful GHG Emissions Reductions
The USA’s Executive in Relation to GHG Emissions Reduction
The USA’s Congress in Relation to GHG Emissions Reduction
For a Major Climate Change Initiative to Advance, Change Is Needed
An Independent Climate Change Committee
Changing Public Perception
The USA on the Global Arena
Conclusion
Part II How to Move Forward Effectively
5 Carbon Pricing: Some Problems and Solutions
Introduction
Form
Price
Scope
Point of Taxation
Revenue Distribution
Carbon Leakage and International Competitiveness
Pre-existing Policies
Conclusion
6 Carbon Pricing: Punitive Taxation on Beef
How Should Carbon Pricing Policies Be Structured—And to What End?
The Carbon Pricing Dilemma
The Failure of Current Carbon Pricing Regimes
Consumption-Based Carbon Pricing: A Potential Solution
The Beef Industry
An Opportunity to be Radical Rather than Incremental
WTO Rules and Potential Litigation
Conclusion
References
7 Should Policymakers Encourage the Development of Specific Green Energy Technologies? Advantages and Risks
Introduction
Scope and Context
Advantages of a Policymaker-Led Approach
Political Capital of Policymakers
Moral Mandate of Policymakers
Economic Command of Policymakers
Risks of a Policymaker-Led Approach
Political Deadlock of Policymakers
Economic Inefficiencies of Policymakers
Evaluation of Policymakers’ Role in Encouraging Green Energy Transition
Recommendations
Conclusion
References
8 Clean Energy Technologies as a Way to Combat the Climate Crisis
Introduction
Scope and Value of Research
Whether Policymakers should lead
Advantages of a Policymaker-Led Approach
Risks of a Policymaker-Led Approach
Considering Alternative Development Pathways: Should Other Actors Lead?
Should Industry Lead the Development?
Climate Resilient Development: Different Actors Must Exercise Leadership at Different Levels
Conclusion
9 Access to Clean, Affordable, and Reliable Energy Sources to Promote Economic Prosperity
Introduction
Definition
Policymakers Should Encourage the Development of Specific Clean Energy Technologies
Clean Energy Technologies Are Unavoidable
Clean Energy Technologies Are Beneficial
Policymakers Are Best Positioned
Risks of Developing Clean Energy Technologies
Insufficient Research
Disharmonious Climate Finance Mechanism
Mitigating the Risks
Conclusion
10 Should Policymakers Promote Electric Vehicles and Other Elements of Electrification in Areas with Carbon-Intensive Electricity Supply?
Introduction
Electrification to Meet the Target of 1.5 °C?
United States
People’s Republic of China
European Union
Singapore
Should Policymakers Promote Electrical Vehicles and Other Elements of Electrification in Areas with Carbon Intensive Electricity Supply?
Electrification to Land Transport
Electrification of Buildings and Infrastructure
Electrification of Industries
Electrification is not a Standalone Solution
Conclusion
References
11 How to Promote Electrification, Decarbonize the Electricity Supply and Improve Energy Efficiency?
Introduction
Anti-Thesis
Thesis
Immediate Non-Climate Benefits of Electrification
A Cleaner, Faster and More Efficient Transition to a Low-Carbon Electric City
Policy Suggestions
Element 1: Strategic Policy Setting and Policy Alignment
Element 2: Policies and Incentives Encouraging Green Investment
Element 3: Financial Policies and Instruments Encouraging Green Financing
Element 4: Harness Resources and Build Capacity for Green Infrastructure Projects
Element 5: Promote Green Business and Consumer Behaviour
Conclusion
Notes
References
12 Promoting electric vehicles as the silver bullet for tackling climate change
Introduction
Definitions
Relevant Facts
EV adoption
Global electric supply
Promoting electrification in areas with carbon-intensive electricity supply
Decarbonizing electricity supply is necessary
Proposed solutions
Local policies
Coordinating electrification and decarbonization policies
Conclusion
Notes
References
Part III The International Dimension
13 Is the International Community Doing Enough to Address the Unique Climate Change Challenges Faced by Small Island Developing States, Least-Developed Countries, and Other Vulnerable Places?
Introduction
The Problem
Argument
Roadmap
The Current Situation
A. Issue #1: Discussion and Recognition in the Climate Negotiation Process of SLVs’ Unique Climate Change Challenges
B. Issue #2: Climate Financing for Adaptation Measures
Issue #3: Climate Migration
What is the International Community Doing Well?
Issue #1: Discussion and Recognition in the Climate Negotiation Process of SLVs’ Unique Climate Change Challenges
Issue #2: Climate Financing for Adaptation Measures
Issue #3: Climate Migration
What Gaps Can Be Addressed?
Issue #1: Discussion and Recognition in the Climate Negotiation Process of SLVs’ Unique Climate Change Challenges
Issue #2: Climate Financing for Adaptation Measures
Issue #3: Climate Migration
Is the International Community Doing Enough?
References
14 The European Energy Union: How Can It Be Achieved? What Are the Pros and Cons of Such a Union?
Introduction: SOS, We Need Energy Security
The EEU—Are We Finally Holding Hands?
So then, How Can the EEU Be Achieved?
The EEU’s Pros and Cons—Did the EU’s Dream Come True?
Way Forward—Is the EEU a Mountain Worth Climbing?
Notes
References
15 Prospects for a European Energy Union
Introduction
Definition of Energy Security
The EEU
How a EEU Can Be Achieved?
Advantages and Disadvantages of EEU
Energy Union in ASEAN?
Conclusion
Notes
References
16 Why Are Energy Security and Decarbonisation Important?
Introduction
Energy Security
Decarbonisation
Energy Independence
Energy Poverty
Adaptation to Climate Change
Conclusion
References
17 Reducing the Fragmentation of Global Energy Governance in a Post-pandemic World
Introduction
The State of Global Energy Governance
Fragmentation of Global Energy Governance
Areas of International Cooperation
Summary
A Post-pandemic Picture of Global Energy Governance
Conceptual Cohesiveness
Institutional Competence
Political and National Interests
Cautious Optimism for the Future of Global Energy Governance
Notes
18 Global Energy Governance
Introduction
Why Do We Need Energy Governance?
Global Energy Insecurity and Inequity
The Failures of a Liberalised Energy Market
The Relationship Between Energy and Politics
The Objectives of a Desirable Global Energy Governance System
The Feasibility of Achieving Global Energy Governance at Current State
Concluding Optimism
References
19 Is It Possible to Have Energy Governance at the Global Level?
The Current State of Energy Governance: The Rise of Regional Energy Governance?
A Brief Overview of Current REG Efforts
Benefits of Forming GEG Through REG as Compared to GEG Through a Single International Organisation
Is REG Conducive for GEG?
Cause for Hope?
Where Do We Go from Here?
Why Would Existing Organisations that Are Currently Pursuing REG Work Together?
Are the Regional Organisations Capable of Successfully Cooperating?
Conclusion
Notes
References
