News 26 April 2022 News from SKAO
Power of procurement and the CO2 Performance Ladder mentioned in IPCC report
It's really 1 minute to 12 now. The new IPCC report 'Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change' leaves no room for doubt. The options for halving our emissions in the next eight years are clearly described. It is striking that government purchasing power is specifically mentioned as one of these options for bringing about change.
Using the purchasing power of the government
In the new report, attention is drawn to the large purchasing volume of governments and the possibility of using this for the required transition. Local, regional and national governments can use their purchasing power to create niche markets and stimulate demand for products and materials with low CO2 emissions. The CO2 Performance Ladder is specifically mentioned in the report. It states that companies in the Netherlands can gain a competitive advantage in public procurement by being certified according to the CO2 Performance Ladder.
Options in all sectors
To limit global warming, major transitions in the energy sector are needed. This means a substantial reduction in the use of fossil fuels, widespread electrification, improved energy efficiency and the use of alternative fuels (such as hydrogen).
Cities and other urban areas also offer great opportunities for emissions reductions. These can be achieved through reduced energy consumption (such as by creating compact, walkable cities), electrification of transport combined with low-emission energy sources and increased carbon capture and storage with the help of nature.
To reduce emissions in industry, materials should be used more efficiently, products should be reused and recycled and waste should be minimised. This sector accounts for about a quarter of global emissions. Solutions include new production processes, low- and zero-emission electricity, hydrogen and, where necessary, carbon capture and storage.
Agriculture, forestry and other land uses can deliver large-scale emissions reductions and also remove and store carbon dioxide on a large scale.
Countries need to invest more
The report shows that although financial flows are three to six times lower than the level needed in 2030 to limit warming to below 2°C, there is sufficient capital and liquidity globally to close this investment gap. However, this depends on clear signals from governments and the international community, including better alignment of public finances and policies.
Download report and policy summary
Source: PIANOo