Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Research Paper Example

Abstract

This is a policy paper suggesting different alternative in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The alternatives presented are: The alternatives towards reducing the impacts of climate change are building the 21^st-century transportation through increasing fuel economy standards; adapting and developing modern transportation technologies; and cutting energy wastes in businesses, plants, and homes. These alternatives are compared in the determination of what is the optimum alternative to address the problem on global warming.

Letter of Submittal

Climate change due to excessive greenhouse gas emissions is a pressing issue in the society nowadays. The concern is not limited to the economic expenditures, in collective and to several regions and sectors in the country, which have affected the implementation of policies and regulations concerning climate change negatively. The efforts being made in relation to addressing the issues on climate change is surrounded with uncertainties and policies should be made to efficiently allow environmental perspectives to move forward.  Mainly, this policy paper, although a class project, aim to suggest alternative policies to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. The focus is geared towards the impact of the nation’s system of transportations on global warming and proposed certain alternatives to mitigate if not totally eradicate the effects of global warming. Each alternative presented poses both the benefits and limitations in its implementation. This paper also suggests an optimum alternative in addressing the issues on global warming without bias and after taking into consideration all the information researched and examined.

With the increasing greenhouse gas emissions, its detrimental effects to the society as a whole are very alarming. But, the author believes that the effects can be slowed down and reversed with the proper policies, regulations and climate action plans.

It is then the hope of the author that your good office will take time in reviewing and evaluating this policy paper. Your response as to how your office can use the information contained herein will be very much appreciated.

Thank you for your time and consideration regarding this matter.

Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Description of Policy Issue

Optimum Environmental Policy(s) for Addressing Climate Change by reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Environment. It is a known fact that the United States of America plays a lead role in the advocacy to reduce greenhouse emissions through its climate action plan such as reduction of carbon pollution, cleaner energy resources, protection of the communities directly affected by climate change such as children’s health, and the collaboration with international efforts to address climate change and to slow down its effects in the society. The goal is to achieve a cleaner and more sustainable environment for all its inhabitants.

Statement of the Problem and Its Importance

Global climate change is one of the many primary issues that policymakers all around the globe are trying to confront and provide solution for to say the least. Greenhouse gas emissions are considered to be the primary culprit in this phenomenon- the result of the exploitation of shared property reserve and ecological externality. The reality of climate change is getting more and more pressing each day. As a matter of fact, the U.S Global Research Program together with the American Geophysical Union revealed that the pieces of evidence pertaining to climate change are abounding. It can be seen from the highest of the atmosphere to the pits of the oceans. The behaviors of the earth species as well as the ecosystems indicate that the globe is warming and the cause for this phenomenon is driven mostly by the activities of humans.  In 2013, alone, the IPCC or the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change gives emphasis on the extraordinary warming of the climate system since the 1950s. It is undeniable that the oceans have warmed while the amount of snow diminished and the ozone layer depleted. Not to mention that rising of sea levels and increase in the concentrations of greenhouse emissions. The severity of the effects of the climate change can be measured in the projected temperature change by 2100 will be between 1.5 and 4.8 degrees Celsius.

Therefore, it is imperative to create policy that is not just geared towards the production of successions of climate plan actions and execution of some strategies and policies but also policies that will go beyond voluntary agreements, several sponsored programs and information dissemination. This means that policies should meet the following factors: 1) control and regulatory mechanisms in that it should be normative and informative; 2) fiscal tools and incentives, which includes instruments like taxes, public benefit charges, tax exemptions, and capital subsidies; 3) economic and market-based instruments comprising of energy performance, contracting cooperative procurement, and energy efficiency certificate schemes; and 4) support information and voluntary action.

Alternatives

The following are the alternatives to the policies that are in place in addressing climate change:

• Building 21^st century transportation through increasing fuel economy standards.
• Adapting and developing modern transportation technologies.
• Cutting energy wastes in businesses, plants and homes.

Criteria Used to Analyze the Policy Issue

To start evaluating the policy issue at hand, the following factors must be used:

• Economic Efficiency/Cost– This criterion refers to the ideal distribution of resources (financial and physical) among substitute uses.
• Technical Feasibility– This entails the determination of whether or not the working model or system developed is functional, provides satisfaction and producible.
• Political Feasibility– This is the criterion in which a determination of whether or not the proposed solution will address the issue. This is accomplished by conducting an examination of the key players, the environment and the events that are involved in the process of policy-making.

Analysis of Criteria and Alternative

After the oil shock of the 70’s, the United States of America has set regulations for the Corporate Average Fuel Economy. Such regulation required that new car fuel efficiency be mandated over the years. The standards have been met by all automakers and have produced an estimated cumulative $80 billion dollars in economic benefits. However, in the 1980’s, policymakers failed to tighten the targets of the mandate. As a result, the progress and efforts to improve fuel-efficiency dwindled while there is an extraordinary increase in improving the attributes of the vehicles, acceleration rate, horsepower and even speed. The consumers are now buying vehicles that are powerful rather than fuel-efficient. The IPCC or the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change noted that vehicles that have improved efficiency that contribute to fuel savings have net benefits. But the market is low despite of its huge economic potential. This is due to the fact that the consumers’ consideration is not based on savings but on power and size of the vehicle. Hence, factors such as market forces and the fuel costs are not likely to lead to a substantial reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (Ewing, 2008).

In other words, exploitation of cost-effective opportunities such as increasing fuel economy standards in virtuously financial terms will not suffice due to the existence of non-financial factors and considerations such as the market’s and consumers’ preferences. This is an opportunity, however, for the government to plan and implement policies, standards and regulations that will realize the opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through outweighing the society’s non-financial predilections. For example, cars have an average of fuel economy of 27.5 mpg must be improved to 37.8 mpg by the year 2016 while trucks should improve from 23.5 mpg to at least 28.8 mpg in the same year. This only means that there should be at least 37% improvement on cars and 23% on trucks as far as fuel efficiency is concerned. The statistics, however, is based on old highways and cities (Bartholemew, 2005).

Rules, at the present time, oblige automakers to average their fuel economy in all their models. Anything that does not meet the standards set out will be canceled out. It is imperative to note, though, that certain constraints like the limited coverage of vehicle fleet and higher incomes may hinder the effectiveness of the policy. Because of the fact that road transportation is the number one contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, building 21^st century fuel efficient transportation is more cost-effective considering the impact it will have in the reduction of the emissions and the environmental benefits that can be attained from it. Environmental improvements will be the direct result of this action.

The adaptation and development of modern transportation technologies alternative on the other hand, allows for the linking of core outlay, and work platform as it includes construction of road infrastructure, design, operations and maintenance. Suggestions by the Street Design Manual of the NYDT (New York’s Department of Transport include the utilization of roadways made of asphalt comprised of light-coloured aggregate and binder generating SRI (Solar Reflectance Index) for the purpose of reducing the heat the asphalt roadways produce. The usage of porous asphalt is likewise being promoted (Popp, 2006). In addition, urban street planning and designing involves encouraging cycling and walking as part for the expansion of green infrastructure linkage. Fail infrastructure can also be adapted as it will improve the defenses against flooding cost by the climate change. However, development in various areas that are susceptible to flooding is restricted. Materials to be used must be durable and corrosion-resistant. In addition, improved drainage system is also necessary. But there are problems that are attached to this type of adaptation. These types of adaptation are geared more towards managing the effects of climate change rather than addressing the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The adaptation of these mitigating factors and means to address the problems of greenhouse gas emissions might take a long time to be fully implemented because of the torpor of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. It cannot be denied that these measures might be effective complimentary strategies to address the issue at hand. However, there is also a great possibility that these measures will not mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emission but rather contribute to the increase of emissions due to the machineries and equipment needed to update the roads and highways for better and sustainable transport system (Shoup, 2005).

Another alternative that can be utilized to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases is the is the establishment of new goals for energy efficiency that can help cut consumer bills, save energy, and cut energy wastes in homes, business and factories. This could mean controlled heating and cooling systems at homes, offices and building; updated windows big enough to allow the passing of natural light; proper insulations; and use of energy saving house appliances such as televisions, washer and dryers and refrigerators. The government must provide stricter regulations on reduce, reuse and recycle system. Power and water conservation is likewise proven to be effective in the plight to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, not a lot of people are educated enough to reduce, reuse and recycle. The government must work harder in educating the public through the utilization of the print, online, and television media. Advertisement and public information dissemination is an effective means in conveying to the public what needs to be done to help the maintenance and sustenance of the environment.

With this in mind, the government will be able to upsurge the positive reception of energy efficiency in the country and promote societal participation for a greater cause of environment preservation and restoration for the future generation. Although, taking into consideration the financial incentives that can be attained from this alternative, it will not be as efficient and effective as the first alternative. This is due to the fact that it will be harder for the government, even locally, to monitor the recycling process. It will be hard to persuade people to use energy-saving appliances or to conserve power, water and energy. There will be less governmental and regulatory control to be afforded and therefore, the effectiveness is not as apparent as the other alternatives being offered.

Identification of the Stakeholders and Analysis of the Importance of the Issue

The main stakeholders include the government, donors, citizens, and policy-makers. The government plays an important role in the provision of the needed leadership, resources, and policies. The donors provide the resources for tackling the problem of global warming. Such resources range from manpower and financial support necessary for battling the issues of global warming. Citizens play a leading role in providing the needed cooperation in implementing policies while policy-makers formulate the needed laws on reducing the impact of global warming.

Policy Recommendation

Building the 21^st-century transportation system is the alternative that best fits the criteria of evaluation (efficiency/cost). This is because, transportation is the leading greenhouse gas emission source and adopting efficiency standards and fuel economy standards will greatly reduce the impact of global warming. This policy alternative will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thus improving the health of the public, create job opportunities, and boost the economy. This policy must include an obligatory fuel economy, blending of biofuel and carbon dioxide regulations and standards for all road transportations. In addition, purchased vehicles must be taxed as well as the registration of vehicles, pricing for road and parking, and the use of motor fuels. Furthermore, there is a need for the government to effect movement requirements through land utilization guidelines and protocols and infrastructure forecasting. Investment in attractive community transportation amenities and measures and non-motorized means of transports such as cycling and biking will also boost this policy aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Optimum Alternative and the Public Interest

It cannot be denied that building the 21^st -century transportation by making sure that fuel economy standards are met and the need to establish new goals for efficiency standards are set to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is the best way in addressing the issue. This is due to the fact that road transportation, the congested traffic and the copious amount of cars on the roads are the main contributors of the increase greenhouse gas emissions. However, the government should not stop with the proposed alternative. As a matter of fact, it will greatly assist the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions if there will also be an implementation of a strong, solid, and unswerving long-standing emission price signal all through the entire American economy. When the emission price is applied, there will be a reasonable dispersal of cost while finding means to decrease emissions in all the sectors of the economy.

Targeted measures must all be complimented with emission pricing which covers regulations, support and funds for research and development, calculated investments towards infrastructure and programs that will allow demonstration of measures where the efforts are less effective. Dissemination of information is crucial in ensuring that Americans will get educated about the issue to yield support and participation in actions and efforts geared towards the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Confidence in the policies and regulations is crucial in order to follow-through the direction where the efforts are heading bearing in mind the long-term goals and consistency of the targeted measures and results.

It is also a known fact that there are various health-related concerns surrounding climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Due to this phenomenon, people are at risk to experiencing severe life-threatening weather conditions that can result to deaths, dehydration, injuries and heat stroke. Also, people are being exposed to respiratory problems as well as cardiovascular and several types of cancers due to the rising temperatures and air pollution. There is also the risk of increasing air-borne and water-borne diseases. The sad truth is that the elderly and the children are the ones more susceptible to the negative effects of climate change. Therefore, it is important now more than ever that the issues on climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions be addressed properly and aggressively to ensure the safety of the general public and to preserve the environment.

Conclusion

With all the foregoing, it cannot be denied that policies and regulations are effective in terminating the gaps between the problems in greenhouse gas emissions and targeted results when the society and the economy work hand-in-hand in the effort to preserve and restore the environment. Regardless of the constraints and limitations (market and consumers’ preferences) in the policy of building 21^st century transportation, regulatory policies are still favored over both the financial discouragements and incentives. The reason being is that regulatory policies provide more confidence in environmental results. Also, financial incentives will generally enforce higher spending on the government and taxpayers to compensate for the lack of information or the dissemination of the same. It must be noted, though, that these policies do not eradicate the problems brought by greenhouse gas emissions. Rather, they are use as mitigation. They are investments that the government has to make in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Needless to say, the level of ambition of the country to make climate actions will ultimately determine on how the policies are going to be implemented. There are various climate action plans that are strategically being implemented all across the United States of America whether the main goal is reduce emissions extremely or scarcely at all. These actions are insufficient. In order to attain the goals set out, say in 10 years from now, a progressive application of technologies must be conducted. This means that there is a need to choose policies that will require new goals for efficiency standard aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Undeniably, transportation poses a threat in the environment and the society. Although transportation is a local issue, global warming is an international one. Therefore, there is a need not just for a local attempt to address the issue but also for an international collaboration to increase collaborative efforts, measures and strategies that can help attain the desired results. The main function of the government in this plight is to ensure that all forces, offices and resources to be utilized in addressing the problem are being appropriated properly. Citizens, ultimately, are the one who can make the change. Policy-makers can draft all the necessary regulations and policies but if the citizens are not willing to cooperate, the efforts will go in vain and the battle will be lost. In the quest to address the issues on global warming, there is a need for collaborative efforts between all the stakeholders involve- the government, the citizens, policymakers, and donors. The policies and regulations will not stand on their own. Education is a key component as well as promotion of environmental perspectives.

References

Bartholemew, K. (2005). Integrating land use issues into transportation planning: Scenario planning. University of Utah: Prepared for Federal Highway Administration.

Ewing, R. (2008). Growing cooler: The evidence on urban development and climate change . Washington, DC: Urban Land Institute.

Popp, D. (2006). R&D Subsidies and Climate Policy: Is There a Free Lunch? Climate Change, 77: 311-341.

Shoup, D. (2005). The high cost of free parking. Chicago, IL: APA Planners Press.