Abstract
The analyses in Chapters 2 and 3 of this report concluded
that the emissions gap in 2020 will likely be between 8
and 13 GtCO2e. The chapters also estimated the difference
between BaU emissions in 2020 and the emissions level
consistent with a “likely” chance of staying within the 2°C
target to be 14 GtCO2e.
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This chapter explores the potential
for bridging this gap using a sector policy approach.
Firstly, the chapter provides a summary and update of the
estimated emission reduction potential by sector from the
Bridging the Emissions Gap Report (UNEP, 2011). Secondly,
it examines a number of sector-specific policies that have
already been adopted by national or local governments in
several countries and regions around the world, and that
have been successful in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Without pretence of being comprehensive in either the
choice of sectors or policy instruments, the focus of the
second part of the chapter is on best practices in three sectors:
buildings, transport and forests. Together, the emission
reduction potential of these three sectors makes up roughly
40% of the total emission reduction potential estimated in the
Bridging the Emissions Gap Report (UNEP, 2011).
Besides the relative importance of these sectors in terms
of their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, they also
offer examples of how ambitious policy instruments that lead
to significant emission reductions can foster innovation and
economic growth, bolster national energy security, improve
public health and address other key developmental priorities.
A key objective of the review of best practice policies is to
demonstrate how they can be scaled up (both in ambition and
geographical reach) in different countries and regions with
due consideration to national differences and circumstances.
Therefore, the chapter focuses not only on efficiency and
equity issues, but also on political and economic factors that
are the basis for successful policy design, implementation
and enforcement. Regulatory issues of governance and legal
and institutional settings are also discussed. Other policy
instruments which could help achieve emission reductions
in the power, industry, agriculture and waste sectors will be
analysed in subsequent UNEP Emissions Gap Reports.
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