#GlobalEmissionsReduction

[thxnews]

UK Sets New Carbon Pricing for Imports by 2027

Ensuring Fairness in Global Emission Efforts

A Pioneering Move in Environmental Policy The United Kingdom is taking a significant stride in its journey towards decarbonisation by implementing a UK Import Carbon Pricing mechanism by 2027. This innovative approach aims to balance the environmental impact of imported goods, ensuring they meet the same carbon standards as domestically produced items. This policy targets the iron, steel, aluminium, ceramics, and cement sectors, among others, aligning them with the UK's robust climate goals.  

Tackling Carbon Leakage Head-On

Protecting Global Climate Initiatives One of the critical challenges in global decarbonisation efforts is 'carbon leakage' – where emission reduction efforts in one country result in increased emissions in another. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is designed to address this issue. By imposing a levy on imports from countries with lower or no carbon pricing, the UK intends to prevent the displacement of emissions and ensure a level playing field for its industries.   The Mechanism Behind CBAM Bridging the Carbon Pricing Gap The CBAM levy will depend on the carbon emissions associated with the production of the imported good and the difference in carbon pricing between the country of origin and the UK. This mechanism supports the Decarbonisation Drive Support by ensuring that environmental integrity is maintained and encourages industries to invest in greener practices.  

Government’s Commitment and Industry's Role

Encouraging Sustainable Progress Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt highlighted the importance of this levy in ensuring that decarbonisation efforts translate into genuine global emission reductions. This move is expected to instill confidence in UK industries to invest in decarbonisation technologies. The government’s commitment is further illustrated through its response to a consultation on domestic carbon leakage mitigation measures.   Further Consultations and International Engagement Shaping the Future of the UK’s Environmental Policy The government plans to conduct further consultations in 2024 to refine the CBAM, including defining the specific products it will cover. Engaging with trade partners, including developing countries, and affected businesses will be crucial to minimize trade impact and ensure compliance.  

Voluntary Standards and Carbon Content Framework

Promoting Low Carbon Products The UK government is also considering establishing voluntary product standards to help businesses promote their low-carbon products. Additionally, a framework to measure the carbon content of goods is on the anvil, supporting other future decarbonisation policies.   Aligning with the UK Emissions Trading Scheme A Holistic Approach to Carbon Leakage The CBAM will complement the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), which is currently under review to better target industries at risk of carbon leakage. The government is seeking industry input on potential measures, including the design of a new Supply Adjustment Mechanism, ensuring the ETS continues to incentivize decarbonisation effectively.  

Supporting Industry’s Transition to Net Zero

A Collaborative Path to Environmental Sustainability The UK government remains dedicated to aiding industries in their transition to net zero. This includes the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, and a significant investment in carbon capture and storage technologies. In conclusion, the UK Import Carbon Pricing mechanism represents a pivotal shift in the UK's environmental policy. By addressing carbon leakage and incentivizing sustainable industry practices, the UK is reinforcing its commitment to the Global Emissions Reduction goal and its Net Zero Goal. This comprehensive approach ensures that the UK's decarbonisation efforts are not only effective domestically but also contribute to the global fight against climate change.   Sources: THX News, HM Treasury & The Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP. Read the full article

[newsbites]

Environmental news from BC, Canada, 16 July.

Drought conditions in British Columbia are worsening, with unprecedented levels of drought observed early in the season, emphasizing the need for water conservation.

2. British Columbia has requested 1,000 additional international firefighters to help combat the province's wildfires.

The Canadian government is prepared to deploy resources, including military assistance, to support firefighting efforts in B.C.

The province is experiencing a severe fire season, with over 350 wildfires burning, and is looking for more firefighting support, particularly air equipment.

3. British Columbia and Alberta have contrasting policies on coal mining, with B.C. continuing coal mining in the Rocky Mountains while Alberta restricted it due to environmental concerns.

Alberta's shift away from coal mining in the 1970s was influenced by the emergence of an environmental movement and the rise of the oil industry in the province.

B.C.'s support for the metallurgical coal industry and the failed plan to make every resident a shareholder in a coal company contributed to the continuation of coal mining in the province's Rockies.

4. Metallurgical coal, also known as coking coal, is a high-quality coal used in steelmaking that emits significant greenhouse gases during the production process.

British Columbia is a major producer of metallurgical coal, with stringent regulations and high-quality reserves, making it a trusted source in the industry.

While demand for metallurgical coal is expected to decline in the future due to the development of greener alternatives like hydrogen, the industry continues to play a significant role in steel production worldwide.

5. The Port of Vancouver is the busiest coal export terminal in North America and exports large amounts of both metallurgical and thermal coal.

Coal exports from the Port of Vancouver contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and may lead to increased shipping traffic and potential environmental damage.

More on thermal coal here and here. In brief:

The B.C. government saw record revenue from coal exports in 2022, which facilitated social spending.

Canadian thermal coal exports continue to rise due to demand from Asian countries, despite global efforts to phase out coal production. Asian countries are still building coal plants and relying on Canadian thermal coal for its high energy output and supply diversification.

The market for coal is expected to shrink in the coming years as global commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions increase.

The provincial government is promoting its CleanBC plan to lower emissions while simultaneously projecting lower revenue in the short term as natural resource prices are expected to fall. The government is also working on a trade diversification strategy.