IPCC - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

The IPCC was started in 1989 through collaboration by the United Nations (UN) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO).  It was tasked with the responsibility of providing comprehensive, objective, and open scientific information regarding climate change, impacts of climate change, scientific knowledge of climate change, and possible measures to effect the changing climate.  Governed by the UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) and the WMO, it is organized into four groups.  Each of the four groups relies on many contributors to produce and analyze the scientific information they collect and report on.  The four groups are designated as:

• Working Group One "The Physical Science Basis"; (referred to as WG I)
• Working Group Two "Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability"; (WG II)
• Working Group Three "Mitigation of Climate Change"; (WG III) and
• Task Force on National GHG Inventories (TFI).

These four groups are regulated by the IPCC Plenary and Bureau.  Members of the IPCC Bureau are elected by the Plenary.  The activities of the four groups are overseen by the Secretariat. 

Since it's creation in 1989, the IPCC has released four Assessment Reports, in addition to several 'Special Reports', 'Methodology Reports' and various translations of these reports.  Assessment Reports consist of content provided by each of the three working groups.  Reports were produced in 1990, 1995, 2001, 2007, and a fifth Assessment Report is in progress. 

Cap And Trade - Emissions Trading

A cap and trade system is a method of reducing overall carbon emissions by rewarding companies which are able to reduce their emissions, and penalizing those that are not, while reducing the emissions of industry as a whole.  Emission offsetting may also be considered towards reduction levels. 

The 'cap' component of the system is dictated by a regulating organization or government.  It sets carbon emission limits for major emitting companies by allowing emissions permits.  These permits dictate a set amount of carbon the company is allowed to emit.  Companies which are able to reduce (or offset) their emissions are able to sell the remaining permits for a profit.  Companies which are unable to keep their emissions within permitted levels must purchase additional permits, or face fines by the regulatory body.  The exchange of permits between the emissions-reducing company and the over-emitting company comprises the 'trade' component of the system.  One article suggests that the cost of permits might be approximately $10 - $15 per metric ton of carbon emitted.  There are two main methods of distributing permits: free allocation or auctioning.  Some systems may employ a mix of both methods.  Free allocation allows some companies to receive an automatic profit (if their emissions are already low), but auctioning does not necessarily provide all companies with a fair opportunity. 

By allowing excess allowances to be traded to companies producing excess emissions, the cap and trade system encourages companies to reduce their emissions, while balancing the emissions of the industry within the total capped amount.  The total capped amount is reduced or offset annually, with the intent to meet a set future goal of reduced emissions.  In addition, this system encourages the development of green technology which not only contributes to reducing climate change, but creates the potential for new jobs and businesses (like emissions management advice, or softwares).   

Both pros and cons can be argued with respect to a cap and trade system.  Some sources hold that emission targets can be met without actually reducing emissions.  If the cost of purchasing additional permits is less than that of reducing emissions, companies may maintain the status quo at a slightly higher cost.  If a company can make cheap changes to reduce or offset emissions, they may make a quick profit if allowances are allocated using the 'free allocation' method.  However, if the cap is reduced over time, it does provide an absolute reduction in total carbon emissions, and as allocations become less available, companies will be motivated to look into different solutions. 

The effectiveness of the program depends on the method of employment and the level of monitoring.  It also depends on the ambitiousness of the cap limit, and the level of enforcement by regulating bodies.  However, the implementation of emissions reducing programs such as the cap and trade system is a step in the right direction. 

References:
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/01/capandtrade101.html
http://www.news.ontario.ca/ene/en/2009/12/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions.html
http://www.iea.org/papers/2007/ET_Trends&Prospects.pdf
http://www.dhf.uu.se/pdffiler/cc7/cc7_web.pdf
http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2010/07/29/its-time-give-spreadsheets-tracking-carbon-emissions

BC Climate Action Plan - Legislated Targets

I recently attend the 2010 CaGBC National Conference in Vancouver, BC.  This was my first real exposure to the growing sustainability and 'green' industries.  Mayor Gregor Robertson and Premier Gordon Campbell were both keynote speakers, and spoke about BC's Climate Action Plan.  While I had heard the term, I had no knowledge of the Climate Action Plan or it's goals and implications.  Naturally, after the conference, I looked it up. 

You can find the BC Climate Action Plan Phase One here.  It was released in June of 2008 and contains figures based mostly on 2007, with targets for as soon as 2010 and as futuristic as 2050.  I haven't yet been able to find a recent update or progress report to compare the Climate Action Plan to.

The Climate Action Plan outlines the BC government's stand on climate change, and refers to a report issued November of 2007 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to outline the current climate change situation, as well as to speculate what the future may bring.  The Climate Action Plan is based on four main actions by government of British Columbia:

1. Legislated and non-legislated targets for GHG reduction,
2. Legislated and non-legislated measures to reduce emissions in major economic sectors,
3. Strategies to assist in adaptation, and
4. Education and engagement of the public.

Section One of the Climate Action Plan, titled 'Setting The Course', discusses measures taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pertaining to the first action.  Following the release of this report, in November 2007, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Act was established as Bill 44.  This Act legislates three targets for 2010, 2020, and 2050. 

By 2010 and moving forward, each public sector organization must be carbon neutral.  In addition, for 2008 and 2009, each public sector must take action to reduce carbon emissions in preparation for 2010.  If this includes emission offsets, they must be applied no later than June of the following year.  For 2008 and 2009, both the provincial government and each public sector organization must prepare a report for each year (also by June of the following year) detailing what actions were taken and what plans are in place.  Starting in 2010 and for subsequent years, both the provincial government and each public sector organization must provide an annual report detailing actions taken, future plans, and the state of their carbon emissions. 

By 2020, BC GHG emissions must be 33% less than emission levels in 2007.  In November of 2008, interim targets of 6% reduction by 2012 and 18% reduction by 2016 were set. 

Finally, by 2050, BC GHG emissions must be 80% less than emission levels in 2007. 

Mandated carbon-neutrality for the public section provides a starting point for British Columbia to reach complete carbon-neutrality.  This legislation forces the government to 'walk the talk' and contribute in a positive manner to climate change.  In addition, it will raise awareness and provide a means to connect with the public and encourage positive initiatives. 

The measures outlined in the Climate Action Plan are expected to bring BC 73% of the way to the 2020 goal of a 33% reduction in GHG emissions.  Thes policies and programs identified in the Climate Action Plan provide numerous resources and ways to contribute for both businesses and individuals.  Policies to meet the remaining 27% reduction are to be identified by the British Columbia Climate Action Team (CAT).  You can find the 2008 report by the Climate Action Team here.     

References:
http://www.livesmartbc.ca/attachments/climateaction_plan_web.pdf
http://www.leg.bc.ca/38th3rd/1st_read/gov44-1.htm#section7
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/codes/ggrta/offsets_reg.htm
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/cas/mitigation/pdfs/CAT_FINAL_REPORT_July_23_2008.pdf