fuel cell vehicles inevitably grows, and it seems that it will occupy a part of
mainstream automobiles in the future.
12.4 Intended Nationally Determined Contributions and Low
and Zero-Carbon Initiative
The Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) are the climate actions
that the countries propose to undertake to limit the GHG emissions. So the INDCs
communicated to the UN body provide a picture of intentions that the countries
contemplate to achieve the goals of Paris Agreement. The countries determine their
contributions on the basis of their national policy and priorities, their responsibilities
and capabilities, and their socio-economic and other prevailing circumstances.
Further, INDCs pair national policy setting with a global UNFCCC framework
which drives collective and concerted action towards a climate resilient society
and climate resilient future with net zero carbon emissions. INDCs create constructive feedback between nations and decision making on climate change. INDCs
reflect each country’s ambition for decreasing GHG emissions, taking into account
its domestic circumstances and capabilities. Some governments also address how
they will adapt mitigation strategies to climate change consequences, and what help
they require from, or will contribute to other nations to adopt low-carbon plans and
to build climate resilience nations.
Policy targets are also being established for the expansion of renewable energy.
More recently, growing concerns about climate change and energy security have
prompted increased spending on energy research and development and total global
investment in sustainable energy technologies rose by over 50% in 2007 (UNEP
2008). The UK Government placed “Energy White Paper” for action on climate
change in their focused energy policy. That shows the government’s international
commitment to the reduction of CO 2 emissions. The UK’s energy policies plead
long-term strategic goals: placing the UK on a path to cut CO 2 emissions by 60% by
2050, with substantial advancement by 2020. In their core policy, they are
maintaining reliable energy supplies, promoting competitive markets in UK and
increase the rate of sustainable economic growth and to improve products and to
assure that every house is adequately and affordably heated (Dodd 2008).
European Commission’s environmental policy report confirms Europe’s commitment to achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. In 2018, the EU adopted
legislation striving to reduce its GHG emissions by 40% by 2030, as compared to
the 1990 level. It is estimated that when the EU legislation is completely
implemented, it can reduce EU emissions to reach about 45% by 2030 (Busu
2019). Like many other countries, Germany has defined goals to reduce its CO 2 -
emissions following the Paris Agreement on climate change. Aside from the
European targets, Germany has set itself targets for 2030 and 2050, based on the
reference year of 1990. These targets are also subject to the Paris Agreement ratified
by Germany. The main goal is to provide a reduction of GHG emissions of at least
55% until 2030 and 80–95% in 2050 compared to the 1990-levels. Additionally,
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S. Prasad et al.
mainstream automobiles in the future.
12.4 Intended Nationally Determined Contributions and Low
and Zero-Carbon Initiative
The Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) are the climate actions
that the countries propose to undertake to limit the GHG emissions. So the INDCs
communicated to the UN body provide a picture of intentions that the countries
contemplate to achieve the goals of Paris Agreement. The countries determine their
contributions on the basis of their national policy and priorities, their responsibilities
and capabilities, and their socio-economic and other prevailing circumstances.
Further, INDCs pair national policy setting with a global UNFCCC framework
which drives collective and concerted action towards a climate resilient society
and climate resilient future with net zero carbon emissions. INDCs create constructive feedback between nations and decision making on climate change. INDCs
reflect each country’s ambition for decreasing GHG emissions, taking into account
its domestic circumstances and capabilities. Some governments also address how
they will adapt mitigation strategies to climate change consequences, and what help
they require from, or will contribute to other nations to adopt low-carbon plans and
to build climate resilience nations.
Policy targets are also being established for the expansion of renewable energy.
More recently, growing concerns about climate change and energy security have
prompted increased spending on energy research and development and total global
investment in sustainable energy technologies rose by over 50% in 2007 (UNEP
2008). The UK Government placed “Energy White Paper” for action on climate
change in their focused energy policy. That shows the government’s international
commitment to the reduction of CO 2 emissions. The UK’s energy policies plead
long-term strategic goals: placing the UK on a path to cut CO 2 emissions by 60% by
2050, with substantial advancement by 2020. In their core policy, they are
maintaining reliable energy supplies, promoting competitive markets in UK and
increase the rate of sustainable economic growth and to improve products and to
assure that every house is adequately and affordably heated (Dodd 2008).
European Commission’s environmental policy report confirms Europe’s commitment to achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. In 2018, the EU adopted
legislation striving to reduce its GHG emissions by 40% by 2030, as compared to
the 1990 level. It is estimated that when the EU legislation is completely
implemented, it can reduce EU emissions to reach about 45% by 2030 (Busu
2019). Like many other countries, Germany has defined goals to reduce its CO 2 -
emissions following the Paris Agreement on climate change. Aside from the
European targets, Germany has set itself targets for 2030 and 2050, based on the
reference year of 1990. These targets are also subject to the Paris Agreement ratified
by Germany. The main goal is to provide a reduction of GHG emissions of at least
55% until 2030 and 80–95% in 2050 compared to the 1990-levels. Additionally,
276
S. Prasad et al.