CO2
emission decoupled from growth in energy-intensive sectors
9
December 2009 - The domestic emission of CO2 in the industrial
sector in Denmark has fallen by almost 20 % when measured
against gross value added, in relation to 1990. This is
revealed in a highly topical report from the National Environmental
Research Institute (NERI), Aarhus University.
Here,
under the climate summit COP15 in Copenhagen, NERI is publishing
a report that, for the years 1990-2007, looks at a range
of indicators that compare CO2 emission with a range of
factors, including the economy.
An
area of frequent discussion is the degree to which economic
growth is closely linked to environmental impact. A new
indicator report from NERI shows examples where in certain
sectors it has been possible to experience growth without
a corresponding increase in CO2 emission. Experts here talk
of the concept of ‘decoupling’. Decoupling of
this kind can be seen for certain energy-intensive industries.
The
report shows that from 1990 to 2007 GDP rose by 44 % at
the same time as the domestic CO2 emission in 2005-2007
– as that reported to the UN and Kyoto Protocol -
fluctuated between 95 and 110 % in relation to the level
in 1990. The Danish domestic CO2 emission and the CO2 emission
from power generation measured in relation to GDP thereby
demonstrate a fall of approx. 25 % since 1990 (see figure).
This represents a decoupling of GDP from the CO2 emission
that Denmark is required to report. It is however important
to note that Danish operated ships and aircraft in international
shipping and aviation are included in the GDP figure but
not included under the Danish CO2 reporting obligation.
An unknown fraction of the decline in the indicator can
therefore be due to economic growth in this sector. The
report covers CO2 alone, which for 2007 accounted for 80
% of the total Danish emission of greenhouse gases (excl.
contributions from forests and land use).
Total
Danish CO2 emission and CO2 emission from power generation
in relation to GDP (1990-2007). Annual fluctuation due to
variations in the import/export of electricity. The close
correspondence of the two indicators is due to energy being
the main source of the national CO2 emission. Decoupling
is demonstrated over the time-series period (see text).
Index 1990=1.0.
Industry
and transport
As far as the industrial sector is concerned, decoupling
has occurred between CO2 emission and gross value added.
Gross value added rose by 27 % from 1990 to 2007, while
CO2 emission only rose 5 %. As in the case of power generation,
the cause is a shift in fuels used, but also structural
changes towards less energy-intensive activities are likely
to have played a role.
With
regard to transport, for cars decoupling can be demonstrated
to a minor degree, as the number of km driven rose 44 %
between 1990 and 2007, while the associated CO2 emission
rose 37 %. This decoupling is due to improved fuel efficiency,
among other reasons due to an increased number of diesel-powered
cars.
Industrial
CO2 emission divided by industrial gross value added (1990-2007).
Decoupling is demonstrated over the time-series period (see
text). Index 1990=1.0. Note the scale on the y-axis.
CO2
emission from cars divided by km driven (1990-2007). Limited
decoupling is demonstrated over the time-series period (see
text). Index 1990=1.0. Note the scale on the y-axis differs
from that in the other two figures.
About
the report
Member states are required under the EU Monitoring Mechanism
Decisions to report annually a range of indicators concerning
trends in greenhouse gases. In Denmark, the Ministry of
Climate and Energy requested NERI to prepare and report
the indicators in line with that it is NERI who prepares
the Danish national greenhouse gas inventories. The report
covers indicators for the EU monitoring mechanism decisions
and has been financed by the Ministry of the Environment
and the Ministry of Climate and Energy.
Indicators
for Danish Greenhouse Gas Emissions from 1990 to 2007. Lyck,
E., Nielsen, M., Nielsen, O.-K., Winther, M., Hoffmann,
L. & Thomsen M. 2009: National Environmental Research
Institute, Aarhus University. 94 pp. – NERI Technical
Report No 754. Summary | Sammenfatning | Full report in
PDF-format (4.4 MB).
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More
Small
environmental impact from olivine mining
7
December 2009 - Since 2005, the mineral olivine has been
mined at Seqi in Niaquungunaq (Fiskefjord) in West Greenland.
Prior to mining, baseline studies were performed in 2004
and 2005 to characterize the natural state and variability
of the environment. These studies included measurements
of element concentrations in biota such as lichens, seaweed,
blue mussels or fish and in the water of the fjord. No measureable
natural elevation of elements was found in biota or in water
near the mining area.
After
the mining activity started, environmental studies have
been conducted at Seqi every year to monitor the impact
from mining. In this report, the results from sampling in
2008 and 2009, which includes lichens (Cetraria nivalis),
brown seaweed (Fucus vesiculosus), blue mussels (Mytilus
edulis), shorthorn sculpins (Myoxocephalus scorpius), and
Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) are presented and discussed.
The most important impact from the mine has been streading
of dust from transportation and crushing of ore. In 2009
the mining company initiated countermeasures against dust
spreading.
Based
on the 2008 and 2009 studies, it is concluded that spreading
of dust near the mine increased from 2007 to 2008 but decreased
again in 2009. The impact of the mine on the marine environment,
however, is still very local and regarded as insignificant
for the Niaquungunaq fjord system.
Environmental monitoring at the Seqi olivine mine 2008-2009.
Søndergaard, J., Schiedek, D. & Asmund, G. 2009.
National Environmental Research Institute, Aarhus University,
Denmark. 48 pp. – NERI technical report no. 753.
Do Denmark's Ministry of the Environment
