Focus on Arts and Ecology

09 NOV 2021 

To ensure a stable climate and make real on the commitment of the Paris Agreement UNEP has identified six sectors with the potential to reduce emissions enough to keep the world below the 1.5°C mark.

It is possible to cut 30 gigatonnes greenhouse gas emissions annually by 2030. There is a lot that can be done. Solutions exist as highlighted below.

Agriculture and Food

Our food systems are critical to reducing emissions. In total, food production solutions can cut emissions by 6.7 Gt a year. Reducing food loss and waste while shifting towards more sustainable diets could reduce emissions by more than 2 Gt a year. Actions are required at every level: government, private sector and the public.

Buildings, Cities and Construction

By 2030 buildings will account for an estimated 12.6 Gt of energy-related emissions. The good news is that some 70 per cent of the urban infrastructure that will be needed to accommodate a fast-growing world is yet to be built. Actions are required at every level: government, private sector and the public.

Energy

The energy sector can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5 gigatonnes (Gt) annually. Humanity does not need to wait for new inventions. Actions are required at every level: government, private sector and the public.

Transport

Transport is responsible for about one-quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions. The sector’s emissions are set to double by 2050. Actions are required at every level: government, private sector and the public.

Industry

Industry could reduce its emissions by 7.3 Gt yearly by embracing passive or renewable-energy-based heating and cooling systems, improving energy efficiency and addressing other pressing issues, such as excessive methane leaks. Actions are required at every level: government, private sector and the public.

Forests and Land Use

Connected to our food systems, the world can reduce emissions by 5.3 Gt annually if it halts deforestation and restores degraded woodlands. These actions would also improve air quality, increase water supplies to cities, boost biodiversity, bolster food security and shore up rural economies. Actions are required at every level: government, private sector and the public.

(Sources: UNEP)