World Energy Outlook 2010
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Global State of GHG Emissions needs COP16 to deliver
19th November 2010 by Madlen King
The ‘World Energy Outlook 2010’ published by the International Energy Agency last week reflects on what it calls ‘the twin challenges of climate change and energy security’.
According to the Annual report, the non-binding outcome of COP15 – the Copenhagen Accord – ‘falls a long way short of what is required to set us on a path to a sustainable energy system and to limit the increase in global temperatures to 2°C above pre-industrial levels’.
The statistics reported paint a black picture that even if countries act upon the commitments they made under the Copenhagen Accord, global GHG emissions will rise by 21% by 2035 to over 35 gigatonnes. All of this projected growth is predicted to come from Non-OECD countries, with OECD countries emissions continuing to rise until 2015 after which time they are predicted to decline.
Such an increase in emissions would increase concentrations of CO2 to 650ppm, which is likely to result in a 3.5°C rise in global temperatures, according to the report.
The report summarises what is needed to limit the increase in global temperatures to 2°C and includes: a more rapid implementation of the removal of fossil-fuel subsidies agreed by the G20, a doubling of the share of the energy mix provided by renewables and nuclear, and a significant role for carbon capture and storage.
All eyes now look hopefully to COP16 to recognise the shortfall of commitments under the Copenhagen Accord and to invoke appropriately challenging actions.
Read the ‘World Energy Outlook 2010, Executive Summary’
Madlen King is the Global Head of Climate Change & Sustainability. She ensures the technical integrity of LRQA climate change and sustainability services and liaises with external bodies and governments on climate change. Within this role, Madlen is responsible for the service design, delivery and maintenance of accreditations for all GHG validation and verification schemes [...]