Rio de Janeiro’s Starting Point to Achieve its “Zero Emissions” Target

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Reducing City Emissions Requires Multiple Strategies and Initial Investment

 

Cities are known to be responsible for around 75 percent of the world’s CO2 emissions and are also the greediest consumers of energy. By collecting biogas, cities can either use it directly as a source of energy or use it to generate clean electricity. But there is no panacea. Other projects employed by cities to reduce emissions include planting trees and improving public transport networks.

Rio hasn’t lacked emissions-reducing strategies, but the city has faced hurdles and may fall short of its 2020 goal despite its best efforts. Recent economic setbacks stemming mainly from low oil prices and corruption have delayed projects such as the construction of a second waste treatment plant, and the city is struggling to find bidders for tenders. Recently, a project for the replacement of streetlight globes with energy efficient LEDs fell flat after no companies entered tenders.

 

National Issues and An Unfavorable Political Climate May Negate Rio’s Efforts

 

Apart from an economic climate that delays investment in projects, observers are concerned that Brazil’s government is no longer committed to mitigating climate change. On, the contrary, the country’s president has promised to open more protected rainforest areas for mining and agriculture, a controversial move that would accelerate global climate change.

 

Rio Struggling to Reach C40 Target

 

With most of the green-house gases we produce coming from cities, they have a vital role to play in shaping a sustainable future for the planet. However, despite its remarkable progress in emissions reduction, particularly through waste management, it seems likely that Rio will fall short of its 2020 target. City managers say they hope to maintain an 18 percent reduction in emissions, but will only be able to do so if the situation remains unchanged during the coming year.

 

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