How can we transition to a low-carbon city?

Subject : Environment

Section: Climate Change

Concept :

In the year 2020, an enormous amount of 29 trillion tonnes of carbon dioxide was released into the atmosphere by cities.
Considering the substantial influence cities have on the environment, the presence of low-carbon cities becomes essential in order to alleviate the consequences of climate change.
The process of transitioning towards cities with low carbon emissions, or even achieving net-zero emissions, necessitates the incorporation of mitigation and adaptation strategies across various sectors.
This approach, known as the ‘sector-coupling approach’, is vital for reducing carbon footprints in urban systems.

Sector-coupling approach:

It involves the integration of different energy sectors, such as electricity, heating and cooling, transportation, and industry, to create a more efficient and sustainable energy system.
By coupling these sectors, low-carbon cities can optimize the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and better manage energy demand and supply.
Energy storage technologies, such as batteries or thermal storage systems, can store excess renewable energy for later use during periods of high demand or when renewable energy generation is low.
This decentralised approach enhances energy resilience, reduces transmission losses, and minimises the need for fossil fuel-based backup power.
Sector-coupling emphasises demand-side management and flexibility to optimise energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.

Significance of energy-system transitions:

An energy-system transition has the potential to significantly decrease urban carbon dioxide emissions, potentially reaching a reduction of around 74%.
Recent advancements in clean energy technologies, coupled with declining costs, have eliminated economic and technological obstacles, making it feasible to adopt low-carbon solutions.
To achieve a successful transition, efforts should be focused on both the demand and supply sides.
On the supply side, this involves phasing out fossil fuels, increasing the use of renewable energy sources, and implementing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.
On the demand side, employing the “avoid, shift, improve” framework entails reducing energy and material consumption, substituting fossil fuels with renewables, and addressing remaining emissions through the adoption of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies.

Tailored strategies for different cities:

The strategies for addressing low-carbon challenges differ based on the unique characteristics of each city, highlighting the need for customized approaches.
Policymakers shall consider both social and environmental fairness, taking into account factors such as a city’s spatial structure, land use, development level, and degree of urbanization while formulating energy-transition policies.
Established cities can enhance energy efficiency and encourage sustainable modes of transportation like walking and cycling by retrofitting and repurposing existing infrastructure.
Rapidly growing cities can optimize their urban planning to reduce transportation energy demand by locating residential areas closer to places of work. These cities also have the opportunity to adopt low-carbon technologies, including renewables and carbon capture and storage, as they develop.

Ensuring equitable energy governance:

The social and economic impacts of transitioning to renewable energy sources vary across different sectors and economies.
A one-size-fits-all approach may lead to disproportionate effects on certain groups or communities. Therefore, issues such as energy security, urbanization, land dispossession, poverty concentration, gender disparities, and reliance on fossil fuel exports need to be considered.
Developing economies heavily dependent on fossil fuel exports, like Nigeria and Venezuela, may face economic hardships during the transition.
Developed countries also experience energy poverty and inequity, with high energy costs impacting low-income households’ ability to afford essential amenities.

Laws related to Pollution in India:

Article 21: Environment is directly related with article 21 of Constitution of India which deals with right to life of individual.
The two main laws that regulate air pollution in India:
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 (Air Act) and
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA).

Government interventions:

System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) Portal
Air Quality Index: AQI has been developed for eight pollutants viz. PM2.5, PM10, Ammonia, Lead, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide.
Graded Response Action Plan (for Delhi)
For Reducing Vehicular Pollution:
BS-VI Vehicles,
Push for Electric Vehicles (EVs),
Odd-Even Policy as an emergency measure (for Delhi)
New Commission for Air Quality Management
Subsidy to farmers for buying Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) Machine for reducing stubble burning.
National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP):
Under NAMP, four air pollutants viz. SO2, NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 have been identified for regular monitoring at all locations.