Regulation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Regulating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is a critical aspect of addressing climate change and its impacts.

Various governments and international bodies have established regulations and agreements aimed at limiting and reducing these emissions.

Some key examples include:

Paris Agreement

Adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees. 

Countries set their own nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to reduce emissions and enhance climate resilience.

European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS)

The EU ETS is a cap-and-trade system where industries are allocated a certain number of emissions allowances. 

They can buy, sell, or trade these allowances to meet their emissions targets. It covers various industries and is one of the world’s largest carbon markets.

Clean Air Act (USA)

The Clean Air Act in the United States empowers the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate air pollutants, including greenhouse gases. 

The EPA has set emission standards for various sectors and initiated actions to address climate change impacts.

Carbon Pricing

Some countries and regions have implemented carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes or emissions trading schemes, to put a price on carbon emissions, incentivizing industries to reduce their emissions.

National Legislation

Many countries have introduced national laws to regulate GHG emissions and promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. 

These laws can include emission reduction targets, renewable energy mandates, and energy efficiency standards.