started. As a matter of fact, the atmospheric level of CO 2 was 273 ppm before
industrial age and has reached 410 ppm in 2019. Several international conferences
have deliberated rules to follow for controlling the CO 2 emission. For example,
already in 1992, a great concern about the impact on climate of anthropic activities
was expressed at the level of United Nations Organizations, where the equity
principle and differential responsibilities were debated.
The resolution of UN-FCCC sounds as follows:
protect the climate system for the benefit of present and future generations of humankind,
on the basis of equity and in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. (UNFCCC, 1992: Art 3)
Developed countries should, thus, make a wise use of resources using advanced
technologies, favoring the development of less advanced societies. Has such recommendation been implemented internationally? Let us see where we are.
Differently from what happened with CFCs, when the agreed reduction and
banning was implemented worldwide, with the CO 2 reduction several countries
have adopted an ambiguous attitude toward the implementation of agreed policies.
The 2015 COP 21 Paris Climate Conference has produced resolutions which go in
the direction of a reduced use of fossil-C and sustain to innovation with the target of
not trespassing the limit of 2° increase of the planet average temperature [2].
Nevertheless, major players such as USA have first signed the document and then
withdrawn from its implementation due to the change in political and economic
views. At the international level, several agreements have been signed which target
the CO 2 emission reduction. For example, the European Union (EU) has agreed the
so-called “202020” and the “502050” agreements. The former states a reduction of
the emission of CO 2 by 20% within 2020 with respect to the 1990 emission and the
latter a reduction of 50% by 2050. The first goal was not fully reached at the
Fig. 4.1 Trend of atmospheric CO 2 concentration [1]
46
4 Reduction of the CO 2 Production
industrial age and has reached 410 ppm in 2019. Several international conferences
have deliberated rules to follow for controlling the CO 2 emission. For example,
already in 1992, a great concern about the impact on climate of anthropic activities
was expressed at the level of United Nations Organizations, where the equity
principle and differential responsibilities were debated.
The resolution of UN-FCCC sounds as follows:
protect the climate system for the benefit of present and future generations of humankind,
on the basis of equity and in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. (UNFCCC, 1992: Art 3)
Developed countries should, thus, make a wise use of resources using advanced
technologies, favoring the development of less advanced societies. Has such recommendation been implemented internationally? Let us see where we are.
Differently from what happened with CFCs, when the agreed reduction and
banning was implemented worldwide, with the CO 2 reduction several countries
have adopted an ambiguous attitude toward the implementation of agreed policies.
The 2015 COP 21 Paris Climate Conference has produced resolutions which go in
the direction of a reduced use of fossil-C and sustain to innovation with the target of
not trespassing the limit of 2° increase of the planet average temperature [2].
Nevertheless, major players such as USA have first signed the document and then
withdrawn from its implementation due to the change in political and economic
views. At the international level, several agreements have been signed which target
the CO 2 emission reduction. For example, the European Union (EU) has agreed the
so-called “202020” and the “502050” agreements. The former states a reduction of
the emission of CO 2 by 20% within 2020 with respect to the 1990 emission and the
latter a reduction of 50% by 2050. The first goal was not fully reached at the
Fig. 4.1 Trend of atmospheric CO 2 concentration [1]
46
4 Reduction of the CO 2 Production