Dealing with Climate Change

Overview

Background and Context

Climate change remains the most significant long-term challenge in energy and environmental policy. Energy production and consumption are the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions leading to climate change. The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, requires OECD member countries and economies in transition to reduce their net greenhouse gas emissions by more than 5% below 1990 levels.

Methodology

This report details over 300 actions taken by IEA member countries in 1999 to mitigate climate change. Each country contributed and endorsed descriptions of their activities, making this report an authoritative source of information on new policies to address climate change in the energy sector.

Key Findings

• Market Instruments: Countries are elaborating new market instruments like the Clean Development Mechanism and emissions trading.
• Direct Action: Direct domestic measures include tax and regulatory policies, voluntary agreements between governments and private companies, and investments in research and development.
• Volume of Actions: Despite these efforts, it is uncertain whether the Kyoto targets will be met. Further action is necessary.

Acknowledgments

The preparation of this volume involved the assistance of all member countries, particularly those in the Energy and Environment Division of the IEA. The report was primarily authored by Jonathan Pershing, Kristi Varangu, Amy Emmert, and Stéve Gervais.

Country-Specific Actions

Australia

• Tax and regulatory policies focused on reducing emissions.
• Voluntary agreements with private companies.

Austria

• Implementation of energy efficiency standards.
• Promotion of renewable energy sources.

Belgium

• Investment in research and development for clean technologies.
• Regulatory frameworks to reduce emissions.

Canada

• Implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms.
• Support for renewable energy projects.

Czech Republic

• Promotion of energy efficiency in buildings.
• Encouragement of renewable energy use.

Denmark

• Promotion of wind energy.
• Implementation of carbon capture and storage technologies.

European Union

• Harmonization of climate policies across member states.
• Promotion of renewable energy targets.

Finland

• Promotion of district heating systems.
• Support for bioenergy.

France

• Implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms.
• Promotion of nuclear energy.

Germany

• Promotion of renewable energy sources.
• Implementation of energy efficiency standards.

Greece

• Promotion of energy efficiency programs.
• Support for renewable energy projects.

Hungary

• Implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms.
• Promotion of energy efficiency in buildings.

Ireland

• Promotion of wind energy.
• Implementation of energy efficiency standards.

Italy

• Promotion of renewable energy sources.
• Implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms.

Japan

• Promotion of energy efficiency in industry.
• Investment in renewable energy.

Luxembourg

• Implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms.
• Promotion of renewable energy projects.

Netherlands

• Promotion of energy efficiency in buildings.
• Support for renewable energy projects.

New Zealand

• Implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms.
• Promotion of renewable energy sources.

Norway

• Promotion of wind energy.
• Implementation of energy efficiency standards.

Portugal

• Promotion of renewable energy sources.
• Implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms.

Spain

• Promotion of energy efficiency programs.
• Support for renewable energy projects.

Sweden

• Implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms.
• Promotion of renewable energy sources.

Switzerland

• Promotion of energy efficiency in buildings.
• Support for renewable energy projects.

Turkey

• Implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms.
• Promotion of renewable energy sources.

United Kingdom

• Promotion of energy efficiency programs.
• Support for renewable energy projects.

United States

• Implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms.
• Promotion of renewable energy sources.

Conclusion

The report highlights the diverse and extensive actions taken by IEA member countries to address climate change. However, it also underscores the need for further action to ensure the success of the Kyoto targets.