Apresentação Agricultura

Should we implement stronger policies to fight climate change?

Alberto Gonzalez Sualdea

Index:

Overview

Tougher policies - No

Tougher policies - Yes

Conclusion

• Economic Impact

• Environmental Impact

• Increased Government Control

• Health Benefits

• Energy Costs

• Economic Opportunities

• Focus on Adaptation

• Long-Term Sustainability

Reasons why we should impose stronger policies to fight climate change?

Environmental Impact

8 million tons of plastic waste enter oceans yearly, harming marine life and disrupting ecosystems.

Human activities have warmed the planet by 1.1°C with deforestation, adding 11% of emissions and threatening biodiversity, sea-lever rise and extreme weather conditions.

Fossil fuel usage makes up 75% of Global greenhouse emissions and almost 90% of Co2 emissions.

How can we combat this?

A government policy that caps regional emissions of firms and allows companies to trade emission allowances to incentivize cost-effective reductions.

Clean Air Act

EU Emission Trading System

Cap-and-Trade

Reduced emissions by 47.6% from 2005 - 2019, with the largest annual drop in emissions in decades of 8.3% in 2023.

On average saves 230,000 lives annually by reducing air pollution in the U.S.

Paris Agreement

Aims to limit warming to 1.5°C to protect ecosystems.

If we have solutions, what are the problems?

Record Breaking Temperatures 2024

• Temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, driven by greenhouse gas emissions and El Niño.

Oceans and Ice Loss

• In 2024, oceans are set to absorb record heat levels, while glaciers will keep melting rapidly, driving rising sea levels.

Ecosystem Threats

• The Amazon faces collapse from deforestation and climate stress, worsening global warming.

Carbon dioxide levels consistently increasing

• 34% increase since 1980

Health Benefits

Stronger climate policies can improve public health by reducing air pollution and its associated health risks.

Air pollution causes 6.7 million premature deaths annually worldwide. reducing particulate matter and harmful gases like NO2 can lower rates of respiratory diseases.

Asthma affects 1 in 12 U.S. children. Reducing emissions could lower childhood asthma by 40% and save $56 billion annually.

Reducing air pollution could prevent 4.2 million deaths annually from heart disease and lower the risk of other cardiovascular diseases

Cleaner energy encourages active transportation, improving fitness, reducing obesity, and boosting mental health.

Sweden​

India​

Air Quality: Sweden has some of the world's cleanest air, with policies to reduce carbon emissions and a goal to be carbon-neutral by 2045

Air Quality: India is one of the most polluted countries, with cities like Delhi facing high levels of PM2.5, which causes respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

1.7 Million premature deaths each year due to air pollution

6,700 premature deaths each year due to air pollution

Stockholm's car-free zones, public transportation, and bike lanes reduce congestion and pollution, directly benefiting public health.

Contributes to increasing cases of asthma and COPD, with approximately 10% of Delhi’s population suffering from asthma.

The average life expectancy is 83 years, above the global average

The average life expectancy is 67 years, below the global average

Economic Opportunities

1. Solar Photovoltaic
2. Wind Turbine Technician
3. Manufacturing Jobs (Solar Panels, Turbines, Batteries)

Clean tech policies drive breakthroughs in energy and sustainable materials, with countries like China, Denmark, and Germany leading in innovation and exports. Lower pollution levels lead to reduced healthcare costs and fewer productivity losses.

• In 2023, air pollution reduced India’s GDP by 4.5% over 25 years.
• 2023, Sweden’s lower pollution levels resulted in €5.3 billion in annual health-related costs.

Job Creation in Green Industries

Innovation and Technological Advancements: Health Cost Savings

Long-Term Stability

Economic Risk Mitigation

Energy Security and Price Stability

Adaptation and Resiliance

Strong climate policies mitigate risks from climate change, like natural disasters, which can be very costly.

Renewable energy reduces reliance on foreign fuels, stabilizing energy markets and prices.

Effective climate policies boost resilience and cut recovery costs from climate impacts, as seen in Germany and Denmark.

So what can we do?

Solutions:

End or reduce subsidies for polluting companies

Top Polluting Sectors

• Shifting financial support away from companies that pollute can reduce their incentives to continue harmful practices and encourage more sustainable alternatives.

Subsidizing green energy

• Would incentivize the transition to renewable sources, attract increased investment, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and cut carbon emissions, including CO2 and NO2 gases, thereby improving the health and wellbeing of people.

Encourage Urbanization

• Urban areas tend to have lower emissions per capita due to more efficient public transportation, better infrastructure for energy efficiency, and reduced reliance on private vehicles.

Transition to greener materials

• Concrete is a significant emitter of CO2; using greener alternatives, such as sustainable building materials, can help reduce overall emissions.

Solutions:

WTO and UN enforcement

Top Polluting Countries

• The WTO and UN could impose tariffs or sanctions on countries with high CO2 emissions to encourage compliance with climate goals. These penalties, such as carbon tariffs or trade restrictions, could incentivize nations to reduce emissions and adhere to international sustainability agreements.

Tougher Cap-and-trade policy

• Would incentivize the transition to renewable sources, attract increased investment, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and cut carbon emissions, including CO2 and NO2 gases, thereby improving the health and wellbeing of people.

Lowering CO2 emissions:

• Lowering CO2 emissions improves health and welfare by reducing air pollution, which lowers the risks of respiratory and heart diseases.

Widespread education

• Widespread education can lead to smaller family sizes, reducing resource consumption and pollution per child, as informed individuals are more likely to adopt sustainable practices and family planning.

Reasons why we shouldn’t impose stronger policies to fight climate change?

Economic Impact

Increased Costs for Businesses

Higher Consumer Prices

Job Losses

Trade Disruptions

Investment Uncertainty

Increased Government Control

Risk of Overregulation

• Climate policies like carbon tariffs could hinder innovation by imposing excessive regulation and limiting market freedom.

Bureaucratic Expansion

• Carbon pricing mechanisms and sanctions may require expanding government agencies, potentially leading to a larger, inefficient public sector.

Government Dependency

• Increased government intervention could create dependency and discourage private sector investment.

Political Influence

• Climate policies could give governments control over industries, leading to political influence, market distortion, and favoritism in policy enforcement.

Energy Costs

Energy cost (¢ per kWh)

Higher Energy Prices

Strict climate policies, like the EU's carbon pricing, can increase energy prices, raising household bills by up to 10%.

Impact on Developing Economies

Rapid changes in energy policy may disproportionately affect energy access and affordability, especially in developing countries.

Average Energy Pirce 2019 - 2024 (¢ per kWh)

Increased Cost of Living

Could lead to increased production costs in sectors like transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing, driving up consumer prices.

Focus on Adaptation

Immediate Needs over Long-Term Goals

• Strict policies may take time to produce results, potentially delaying urgent solutions.

Economic Resilience

• Strict climate policies, like carbon taxes, may harm vulnerable economies, while adaptation offers more affordable, region-specific solutions.

Local Context Matters

• Tailored adaptation strategies are more effective in addressing region-specific climate risks, whereas global policies may not suit diverse local conditions.

Short-Term Climate Change

• Focusing on adaptation helps communities cope with current and near-future climate impacts, as emissions reductions take decades to show significant effects.

So what should happen?

Solutions:

Emission & Innovation Strategies

Climate Adaptation & Solutions

Local Climate Solutions

Region-specific solutions tackle local climate issues. Water-saving technologies in Africa are cutting water use by 40%.

Public-Private Partnerships

Collaborations between government and businesses drive innovation. Tesla and government partnerships boosted global EV sales by 80% in 2023.

Adaptation Investments

Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure helps communities prepare for extreme weather. $1 invested in resilience generates $4 in benefits, reducing disaster costs.

Market-Based Incentives

Expanding carbon markets can drive emissions reductions and provide flexibility. The EU’s Emissions Trading System reduced emissions by 35% since 2005.

Technological Innovations

Advancements like carbon capture are essential for emission reductions. Carbon capture could reduce CO2 emissions by 15% by 2050.

Renewable Energy Expansion

Increased private-sector investment in solar and wind energy reduces fossil fuel reliance. In 2023, global renewable investments reached $500 billion.

Overview

Environmental Impact:

Economic Impact:

Reducing carbon emissions mitigates global warming, protects ecosystems, and prevents biodiversity loss.

Stricter regulations may burden industries, increase costs for businesses, and reduce economic competitiveness.

Health Benefits:

Increased Government Control:

Improved air quality reduces respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, benefiting public health.

Expanding regulations could infringe on personal freedoms and give governments excessive power over industries and individuals.

Economic Opportunities:

Energy Costs:

Transitioning to green technologies fosters innovation, creates jobs in renewable energy sectors, and enhances energy independence.

Transitioning to renewable energy sources might lead to higher energy costs, particularly during the transition period.

Long-term Sustainability:

Focus on Adaptation:

Strong policies ensure resource preservation, securing a stable environment for future generations.

Resources should prioritize adapting to inevitable climate changes rather than attempting to prevent them entirely.

Conclusion

Thank you.

Bibliography

• Paris Agreement - The agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels (UNFCCC, 2015)

• https://unfccc.int/most-requested/key-aspects-of-the-paris-agreement

• Clean Air Act - The Act prevents approximately 230,000 premature deaths annually in the U.S. by reducing air pollution (EPA, 2011)

• https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/benefits-and-costs-clean-air-act-1990-2020-second-prospective-study

• EU Emission Trading System - Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 47.6% from 2005 to 2019, with an 8.3% drop in 2023 (European Commission, 2023)

• https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_5605

• Amazon collapse - Deforestation and climate stress significantly risk Amazon's collapse, impacting global warming (Earth.org, 2024)

• https://earth.org/up-to-47-of-amazon-rainforest-at-risk-of-collapse-by-mid-century-due-to-unprecedented-stress-from-global-warming-and-deforestation/

• Air pollution and health - Air pollution causes approximately 7 million premature deaths globally each year (WHO, 2021)

• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/household-air-pollution-and-health

Bibliography

• Childhood asthma - Emissions reductions can lower U.S. childhood asthma cases by 40%, saving $56 billion annually (EDF, 2023)

• https://www.edf.org/media/new-study-quantifies-health-impacts-oil-and-gas-flaring-us

• Cardiovascular benefits - Reducing air pollution can prevent 1.3 million deaths annually from cardiovascular diseases (WHO, 2021)

• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health

• Sweden's pollution impact - 6,700 premature deaths annually are attributed to air pollution in Sweden (Sage Journals, 2024)

• https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/14034948241264099

• India air pollution - 2.3 million premature deaths occur annually in India due pollution (BBC, 2023)

• https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-61489488

• Renewable energy jobs - Solar panel, wind turbine, and battery manufacturing industries are growing rapidly, creating numerous jobs (IRENA, 2023)

• https://www.irena.org/Digital-Report/Renewable-energy-and-jobs-Annual-review-2023

Bibliography

• Energy costs and climate policies - EU carbon pricing increases energy costs by up to 10% for households (European Commission, 2023)

• https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Electricity_price_statistics

• Carbon capture advancements - Carbon capture could reduce global CO2 emissions by 15% by 2050 (IEA, 2023)

• https://www.iea.org/reports/ccus-in-clean-energy-transitions/ccus-in-the-transition-to-net-zero-emissions

• Private sector investment - Global renewable energy investments reached $500 billion in 2023 (IEA, 2023)

• https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-investment-2023/overview-and-key-findings

• Climate-resilient infrastructure - Investing in resilience yields $4 in benefits for every $1 spent, reducing disaster costs (World Bank, 2023)

• https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2019/06/19/42-trillion-can-be-saved-by-investing-in-more-resilient-infrastructure-new-world-bank-report-finds