Carbon neutrality for an individual in Slovakia is realistically achievable through the systematic implementation of the above practical steps and eventual final compensation. (more…)

The global initiative to achieve "net zero" emissions has fundamentally transformed many industrial sectors. The automotive industry, which was originally focused on (more…)

The European Commission reaffirmed its commitment to cut emissions by 90% by 2040, publishing a “Clean Industry Deal” setting out plans to help the biggest polluters (more…)

In a time of growing awareness of climate change, more and more individuals are interested in how they can contribute to reducing their carbon footprint. Achieving carbon neutrality is possible through a combination of reducing your own emissions and offsetting those that cannot be completely eliminated. The following guide will provide you with specific steps and values that you can apply in Slovakia to get closer to this goal.

1. Measure your carbon footprint

The first step to achieving carbon neutrality is to figure out how much CO₂ (and other greenhouse gases) you generate. You can use online calculators to do this, which take into account your activities in transportation, energy consumption, diet and more.

2. Reduce your emissions

Energy efficiency at home

Invest in insulation, replacing old windows, energy-efficient appliances, and LED lighting. These measures can significantly reduce your energy consumption and thus emissions.

Renewable energy sources

If possible, switch to a green energy supplier or install solar panels. Renewable energy sources are a key element for a sustainable future.

transportation

Minimize your car use – use public transport, cycle or walk instead. Alternatively, consider an electric car, which has lower emissions compared to traditional vehicles.

Eating habits

Reduce your meat consumption, especially beef and lamb, and focus on a more plant-based diet. Also minimize food waste, which helps reduce your overall carbon footprint.

3. Offset remaining emissions

Credit systems

Invest in tree planting projects or renewable energy projects that are certified with carbon offsets. These projects help offset the emissions you cannot eliminate.

Support for local initiatives

Get involved in community projects that reduce your carbon footprint, such as tree planting or local energy projects. This not only contributes to your own carbon neutrality, but also to the collective effort.

4. Sustainable lifestyle

Reducing consumption

Think about your purchases, prefer sustainable and local products. Reducing consumption contributes to less waste and lower emissions.

Recycling and waste minimization

Sort your waste, buy products with less packaging and encourage recycling. Minimizing waste is an important step towards a sustainable lifestyle.

5. Education and engagement

Education

Stay up-to-date on climate action and support discussions on sustainable development. Awareness is key to effective action.

Advocacy

Support public policies and initiatives that support the transition to a sustainable economy and energy efficiency. Your engagement can influence broader social and political change.

Specific values for an individual in Slovakia

For an individual in Slovakia, it is recommended to aim to reduce their annual carbon footprint to around 2 tons of CO₂e annually. For better understanding:

– Average carbon footprint of the population of Slovakia is approximately 5.66 to 8 tons of CO₂e annually, with some sources citing a value of around 6.5 tons of CO₂e per person (data from climate and Eurostat).

To achieve carbon neutrality, your goal should be:

– Emission reduction approximately 70–80 % – from the original 6.5 tons to approximately 1.2 to 2 tons of CO₂e per year.

Specific steps:

– Transportation: If a car contributes about 1.5 to 2 tons of CO₂e,  switching to public transport, cycling or shared rides can reduce this value by 50 % (i.e. save approximately 0.75 to 1 tonne CO₂e).

– Housing: Energy efficiency (insulation, LED lighting, switching to renewable energy) can reduce emissions from household appliances by 0.5 to 1 ton CO₂e annually.

– Diet: Reducing meat consumption, especially beef, and increasing the proportion of plant-based diets can reduce the carbon footprint by 0.5 to 1 ton CO₂e annually.

– Consumption and lifestyle: Small changes in purchases and reducing waste (recycling, waste reduction) can contribute further 0.2 to 0.5 tons of CO₂e annually.

By combining these measures, you could reduce your carbon footprint from the average 6.5 tons for approximately 1.2 to 2 tons of CO₂e per year, which is close to carbon neutrality (as part of compensation, for example by planting trees or investing in carbon offsets).

Achieving carbon neutrality is a realistic goal that you can achieve through a combination of reducing your emissions and offsetting those that cannot be eliminated. By implementing concrete steps and values, you contribute not only to your personal goal, but also to the broader effort to mitigate climate change.

Spring

Japan has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The country has committed to reducing emissions by 46 % by fiscal year 2030 compared to fiscal year 2013 levels, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This commitment includes broad coverage of sectors and gases and uses IPCC methodologies to estimate emissions. The country is focused on decarbonizing the economy and society and promoting innovation in various sectors. In addition, Japan plans to use mechanisms such as the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) to achieve international emission reductions. Japan sees its contributions as fair and ambitious given its national circumstances. The aim is also to contribute to the goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. Spring

Standards ISO 14068-1 a PASSPORT 2060 differ in their approach to setting emission reduction targets and plans. ISO 14068-1 is more complex and precise, requiring more rigorous procedures and more extensive plans than PASSPORT 2060. (more…)

Document „A better mobility starts in cities„ by Eurocities looks at urban mobility policy in the EU and its objectives for 2030 and beyond in the context of the European Green Deal. It highlights the need to transition to zero-emission mobility in cities, support for public transport, walking and cyclingThe document also proposes concrete recommendations for EU institutions to support these goals. Key points include:

• Supporting multimodal and sustainable mobility: The document emphasizes the need to create a convenient and reliable mobility system that would encourage people to rethink their travel habits and switch to public transport, walking and cycling.
• Infrastructure investments: The document calls for increased EU and national support for investments in urban and long-distance transport infrastructure, based on new indicators for sustainable urban mobility. It is necessary to ensure greater budgetary allocations, clear rules for urban areas and greater involvement of cities in decision-making.
• The role of cities in transport plans: The document emphasizes that cities should have a greater role in deciding on major investment plans that affect their territory.
• Funding: It is proposed to establish a new CEF-Transport programme with an increased budget for urban areas. Cross-subsidies and national tax systems to support green transport need to be explored.
• Rail transport support: The document supports the EU's ambition to double the volume of high-speed rail transport by 2030 and to revive night trains and freight connections in Europe.
• Prioritizing sustainable modes of transport: Public transport requires significant investment to renew and expand networks. The document also proposes support for active and shared mobility.
• Transition to zero-emission mobility: The document supports the 2035 target for the phase-out of fossil fuel vehicles. It also needs to address vehicle categories where decarbonisation is lagging behind. It also needs to regulate vehicle energy efficiency and ensure that imported vehicles comply with EU legislation.
• Infrastructure for zero-emission vehicles: It is necessary to invest in adapting local infrastructure to introduce zero-emission vehicles.
• Addressing the consequences of combustion engine vehicles: The document proposes to address pollution from internal combustion engine vehicles through low- and zero-emission zones and other vehicle access regulations.
• Road safety: The document proposes a review of the EU framework for road safety and supports the use of intelligent assistance technologies.
• Climate resistance: The document emphasizes the need to assess and anticipate the impact of climate change on urban mobility and infrastructure.
• Inclusive mobility: The document also addresses ensuring equal access to employment and services regardless of gender, reduced mobility, ethnic origin or social conditions. It also addresses transport poverty.
• Innovations in urban mobility: It is necessary to support knowledge exchange and build the capacity of cities in the field of innovation in mobility.
• Data sharing: The document highlights the need to improve the availability and quality of mobility data held by private companies for local authorities.

Overall document presents a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in urban mobility and offers concrete steps that the EU and its Member States should take to achieve their goals in the areas of sustainability, safety and inclusion in transport. JaroR 

This one report deals with updating the analysis of scenarios for the development of greenhouse gas emissions in Slovakia with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050The “2050 Pathways Explorer” model is used, which allows modeling different emission trajectories in individual sectors national economy. The model takes into account energy conversion and consumption, the associated greenhouse gas emissions, as well as their removals.

Goals and starting points:

• The EU and Slovakia aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, which means reducing greenhouse gas production and offsetting remaining emissions.
• This target is binding within the framework of The European Climate Law of 2021.
• The European Green Deal and a package of measures "Fit for 55" are key to reducing emissions by 2030.
• The Slovak Republic has an Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), which was updated in 2023.

Model used:

• Model "2050 Pathways Explorer" is a complex model of energy flows in individual sectors.
• The model was inspired by EUCalc, GlobalCalc and other models computational models.
• Allows testing of different measures, both technological and behavioral.
• It is available online and allows the preparation of new scenarios.
• Model does not include economic analysis.
• It uses data from the Eurostat and IDEES databases, adjusted based on national statistics.
• The model was updated in 2023, with new data and changes in sectors.

Scenarios:

• WEM approx. – scenario with existing measures.
• WAM approx. – scenario with additional measures.
• Zero Emission scenario (ZEM) – a carbon-free scenario that aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
• EST Behavior – a scenario based on conscious citizen behavior.
• EST Policy – a scenario based on compliance with government measures and policies.
• Ambitious Scenario (AS) – a scenario set to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.
• EARTH 2024 – a scenario combining environmentally conscious behavior and government measures.

Key findings and measures under the ZEM 2024 scenario:

• Total emissions could fall to -0.42 MtCO2e thanks to changes in behavior and an increased share of renewables.
• Final energy consumption should decrease by 38% compared to 2005 and by 44% compared to 2021.
• Electricity will be the most important energy carrier in 2050.

Sectoral changes:

• Buildings:
  • Emissions should fall to 0.65 MtCO2e by 2050.
  • Insulation, renovations, switching to renewable energy, and more efficient district heating systems are key.
  • Reducing energy demand for heating by 70% compared to 2021 and for hot water by 50%.
  • Electrification of heating, support for heat pumps and solar panels.
  • High rate of building renovation to the NZEB/ZEB standard.
• Transportation:
  • Emissions should fall to 0.11 MtCO2e by 2050.
  • Support for active transport, mass transit and emission-free transport.
  • Transition to electric, biofuels and synthetic fuels.
  • Ending sales of new cars with combustion engines by 2035 (except synthetic fuels).
  • Increasing the share of zero-emission vehicles and biofuels.
  • Improving energy efficiency, implementing CO2 standards for vehicles.
• Agriculture, forestry and other land use (AFOLU):
  • Emissions should fall to 1.25 MtCO2e.
  • Reducing meat consumption, food waste and the use of artificial fertilizers.
  • Afforestation, forest restoration and promotion of sustainable practices.
  • Emission capture could reach up to 5.9 MtCO2e in 2050.
  • Using bioenergy with BECCS technology.
• Industry:
  • Emissions should fall to 3.16 MtCO2e.
  • Improving energy efficiency and implementing circular economy principles.
  • Introduction of green hydrogen in the steel industry and geopolymers in the cement industry.
  • CCUS and DAC technologies for carbon capture and storage.
  • Support for energy-efficient and emission-friendly technologies.
• Energy:
  • Emissions could fall to -0.211 MtCO2e.
  • Increasing the capacity of renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal) and nuclear energy.
  • End of operation of coal-fired power plants.
  • The increase in electricity demand (by 80%) will be offset by an increase in RES and nuclear power.
  • The growing importance of energy communities and installation of small sources.

Conclusion and recommendations:

• The report highlights the need for ambitious measures and cooperation all stakeholders.
• It is necessary increase efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, involve government, businesses and households.
• It is necessary comprehensive analysis of socio-economic consequences transition to a low-carbon economy.

Methodology:

• The “2050 Pathways Explorer” model is a comprehensive model that links demand for energy, materials, land and food to emissions.
• The model uses data from Eurostat and IDEES.
• It is based on levers that allow testing of different scenarios.
• The model is alive and constantly evolving.

This report provides a detailed look at Slovakia's paths to carbon neutrality, with an emphasis on changes in behavior, energy, transport, industry, and agriculture. Spring

Glossary of Key Terms

• Carbon neutrality: A state where total greenhouse gas emissions are balanced by their capture, thereby eliminating the impact on climate change.
• Greenhouse gases: Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to global warming, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O).
• IPCC: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the UN scientific body assessing the state of climate change.
• Paris Agreement: An international agreement on climate change that aims to limit the rise in global temperatures.
• European Green Deal: The European Union's strategy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
• Fit for 55: A package of EU measures to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030 compared to 1990.
• NECP (Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan): A strategic document that sets out Slovakia's energy and climate goals until 2030.
• NUS (Low Carbon Development Strategy of the Slovak Republic): Slovakia's Strategy for Achieving Low-Carbon Development by 2030 with a View to 2050.
• RES (Renewable Energy Sources): Energy sources that are naturally renewable, such as solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy and biomass energy.
• BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage): Biomass energy production technology with carbon capture and storage.
• CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage): Technology for capturing and storing carbon, thereby reducing its concentration in the atmosphere.
• AFOLU: Agriculture, forestry and other land use sector.
• NZEB: Nearly zero energy buildings.
• ZEB: Zero emission buildings.
• District heating: Central heat supply.
• WEM: Scenario with existing measures.
• WAM: Scenario with additional measures.
• EARTH: Carbon-free scenario (zero emission measures).
• MtCO2e: One million tons of CO2 equivalent.
• "Levers": Variables in the "2050 Pathways Explorer" model that set the main factors affecting energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

In line with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, more and more companies in Slovakia are committing to achieving carbon neutrality. This goal has been set not only by large international corporations operating in our territory, but also by domestic companies across various industries.

Examples of companies

Heineken: Heineken has committed to achieving carbon neutrality globally by 2040. This commitment also includes its operations in Slovakia, where it is implementing measures to reduce emissions throughout the production process, including optimizing energy sources and increasing production efficiency.

PPA Control: PPA Controll is actively implementing future technologies with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality. The company invests in innovative solutions and supports projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including the use of renewable energy sources and the modernization of production processes.

Einpark Offices: In the construction industry, initiatives towards carbon neutrality are emerging. An example is the Einpark Offices building in Bratislava, which is the first carbon neutral building in Slovakia and Central Europe. This project demonstrates that even in the construction industry, it is possible to achieve significant emission reductions through innovative approaches and technologies, such as energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy sources and sustainable materials.

Certification companies

In addition to individual company initiatives, certification companies such as Bureau Veritas play an important role by providing carbon neutrality verification and certification, helping companies demonstrate their commitment to reducing emissions and promoting transparency in environmental claims.

Strategic approaches to achieving carbon neutrality

Achieving carbon neutrality requires a comprehensive approach that includes changes throughout the value chain – from raw material sourcing, through production, to distribution and consumption. Companies in Slovakia are aware of this challenge and are gradually implementing strategies to reduce their carbon footprint. These efforts not only contribute to environmental protection, but often also lead to increased efficiency and competitiveness in the market.

Government support and regulatory frameworks

The Slovak government also supports carbon neutrality efforts through various initiatives and regulatory frameworks. Renewable energy support programs, energy efficiency subsidies, and tax incentives for green investments are examples of measures that motivate companies to adopt sustainable practices.

Future outlook

Given the increasing pressure from regulators, investors and consumers, it is likely that the number of Slovak companies aiming to achieve carbon neutrality will increase in the future. This trend indicates a positive shift towards a more sustainable economy and society as a whole. Successful examples of current initiatives serve as inspiration for other companies that decide to follow the path of sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The transition to carbon neutrality is a key step in the fight against climate change. Slovak companies that commit to this goal not only contribute to environmental protection, but also strengthen their competitiveness and reputation in the market. Together with the support of the government and certification companies, they create a solid foundation for a sustainable future. Spring 

Document is a report on the implementation of the EU's 2040 climate target and identifies the main building blocks and measures needed to achieve a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to 1990. The report highlights that Achieving the target by 2040 is essential to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and subsequently achieving negative emissions.

Key points of the report:

• Basic building blocks: The report identifies several key building blocks for achieving the goal by 2040:
  • Reducing energy consumption: Gross available energy is expected to decrease by approximately 30 % between 2021 and 2040. The largest reduction is expected in transport, followed by industry and the residential and tertiary sectors.
  • Availability of green electricity: Electrifying transport, buildings and industry requires vast amounts of green electricity. The document states that it is essential to increase storage capacity as systems are built on renewable energy.
  • Availability of sustainable biomass: Biomass and waste use is projected to increase by 30 % in IA S2 and S3 scenarios, representing approximately 20 % of gross available energy in 2040. However, the report highlights the uncertainty of biomass availability at this scale and the potential negative impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity.
  • Availability of green hydrogen: A rapid increase in hydrogen consumption is projected, reaching 55-95 Mtoe by 2040 in scenarios S1-S2-S3. However, green hydrogen production is still in its early stages.
  • Carbon capture and storage (CCS) and utilization (CCU): CCS plays a significant role in the IA scenarios, with annual carbon capture ranging from less than 100 MtCO2 in the S1 scenario to around 350 MtCO2 per year in the S3 scenario by 2040.
  • Carbon removal: Removing carbon from the atmosphere through natural and industrial methods is crucial, with up to 400 Mt CO2 expected. However, the report highlights the declining capacity of natural “sinks” and uncertainties surrounding industrial carbon removal methods.
  • Financing and investments: The report stresses the need to ensure sufficient financing for the transition to a low-carbon economy.
• Sectoral measures: The report also addresses specific measures in individual sectors:
  • transportation: Transport emissions must fall by 73 %, with domestic transport falling by 82 % by 2040This requires extensive electrification of road transport, a shift to more environmentally friendly modes of transport and a reduction in traffic volumes. The share of battery electric vehicles should increase to 57-58% of % in 2040.
  • Buildings: A combination of measures is needed to achieve emission reduction targets, including setting minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and renovation obligations for residential buildings, increasing the annual growth of renewable energy, and phasing out the installation of new fossil fuel boilers.
  • Industry: Electrification of industrial processes is key to achieving the goals, which requires large-scale infrastructure investments. In addition, the circular economy and material efficiency need to be improved.
  • Agriculture: Reducing emissions from agriculture requires reducing livestock numbers, changing eating habits, and tax measures on meat and dairy products. Technical measures have limited potential to reduce emissions from livestock farming.
  • Energetics: The report highlights the need to reduce gross emissions from the energy sector by around 100% by 2040. Key measures are expanding the use of renewable energy, using nuclear energy and maintaining the Emissions Trading System (ETS).
• The importance of demand measures: The report points out that demand-side measures (e.g. circular economy, more sustainable consumption, reduction of food waste) are essential to reduce the risk that supply-side measures will not be sufficient.

Finally, the report highlights that Achieving the EU's 2040 climate target requires large-scale and coordinated efforts across sectors, while it is the urgent need to implement existing and new measures a at the same time, it is necessary to take into account environmental, social and economic impactsThe report also points out that Many of the technologies needed to achieve the goal are still in the early stages of development and their widespread deployment requires significant investment and political support.. Spring

Glossary of Key Terms

• BECCS (Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage): Biomass CO2 capture and storage technology.
• BEV (Battery-electric vehicles): Battery electric vehicles.
• CBAM (Carbon Boarder Adjustment Mechanism): A carbon border adjustment mechanism aimed at preventing carbon leakage.
• CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage): Carbon dioxide capture and storage technology.
• CCU (Carbon Capture and Utilization): Capture and use of carbon dioxide, for example in fuel production.
• CDR (Carbon Dioxide Removal): Removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• CO2e (Carbon dioxide equivalents): Carbon dioxide equivalents, a unit used to compare different greenhouse gases.
• DACCS (Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage): Capturing CO2 directly from the air and storing it.
• ECL (European Climate Law): The European Climate Law, which sets the legal framework for EU climate policy.
• EED (Energy Efficiency Directive): The Energy Efficiency Directive, which sets targets for improving energy efficiency.
• EJ (Exajoules): Unit of energy.
• ENTSO-E (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity): European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity.
• ENTSO-G (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas): European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas.
• EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive): The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which sets energy standards for buildings.
• EU ETS (European Emissions Trading System): European Emissions Trading System.
• GAE (Gross Available Energy): Gross available energy.
• GHG (Greenhouse gas): Greenhouse gases.
• HGV (Heavy goods vehicles): Heavy trucks.
• IA (Impact Assessment): Impact assessment.
• ICE (Internal combustion engine): Internal combustion engine.
• LULUCF (Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry): Land use, land use change and forestry sector.
• Mtoe (Million tonnes of oil equivalent): One million tons of oil equivalent.
• NECPs (National Energy and Climate Plans): National energy and climate plans, which set national climate targets.
• NZIA (Net Zero Industry Act): Zero Emissions Industry Act.
• RFNBOs (Renewable fuels of non-biological origin): Renewable fuels of non-biological origin, such as e-fuels.
• RED (Renewable Energy Directive): The Renewable Energy Directive sets targets for the share of renewable sources.
• RRF (Recovery and Resilience Facility): A mechanism to support recovery and resilience.
• SAFs (Sustainable Aviation Fuels): Sustainable aviation fuels.
• STEP (Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform): Strategic technologies for the European platform.
• TEN-E (Trans-European Networks for Energy): Trans-European energy networks.
• TYNDPs (Ten-Year Network Development Plans): Ten-year network development plans.
• ZEVs (Zero-emission vehicles): Zero-emission vehicles.

Document focuses on how to reduce CO2 emissions from transport, especially in the context of short and long journeys. The European Union (EU) has set itself the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050. Transport is responsible for almost a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe, and more than 70 % of these come from road transport.

The document proposes several solutions to reduce emissions from transport, including:

• Transition to electric vehicles: The document highlights the growing interest in electric cars in Europe and their lower environmental impact. The EU is proposing regulations that would require countries to install charging stations at regular intervals on major roads.
• Cycling support: The document promotes cycling as an ecological and healthy mode of transport, especially for short distances. Cycling also helps reduce air and noise pollution.
• Improving public transport: The document emphasizes the importance of accessible, reliable and environmentally friendly public transport in cities.
• Air travel restrictions: The document recognises that aviation is one of the fastest growing sources of emissions. The EU is working to reduce emissions from flights within Europe and is supporting the development of similar measures around the world.

The document also discusses options for reducing emissions from long journeys:

• Support for train travel: The document emphasizes that train travel is an environmentally friendly alternative to flying, especially if the trains are powered by green electricity.
• Reduction in train ticket prices: The document proposes subsidies for train tickets to make train travel more affordable.
• Building a European rail network: The document describes the EU's efforts to create a pan-European rail network that would make train travel easier and simpler.

In addition, the document highlights the importance of sustainable business travel and proposes measures to reduce emissions from business travel, such as:

• Replacing in-person meetings with virtual ones.
• Switching to more environmentally friendly modes of transport.
• Introduction of ecological fleets.
• Remote work support.

Finally, the document calls on people to join the effort to achieve climate neutrality in Europe.

NEUTRALPATH aims to support cities in their transition to climate neutrality by designing a collaborative roadmap for a more sustainable future for all. To this end, the project will:

• Design two PCEDs in beacon cities to show that they are valid solutions to achieving climate neutrality.
• Establish five CN-Labs in the lighthouse and other cities, which will act as innovation centers to coordinate and facilitate co-creation processes.
• Implement innovative management strategies, which will enable the transformation of cities towards climate neutrality.
• Define metrics to evaluate PCED , annual energy and CO balance ₂ .
• Support upscaling and replication through PCED.
• Support urban networks to build on existing knowledge, technologies and financing, and on the other hand to provide a tangible contribution to climate goals

(more…)

This document  discusses the importance of cooperation between cities in achieving climate neutrality. Cities are responsible for 75 % of global CO2 emissions, therefore their role in the fight against climate change is crucial. The article highlights that stand-alone actions are not enough and cities need to work together and share their experiences and strategies.

Cooperation allows cities to:

• Exchange knowledge and experience.
• Learn from both successes and failures.
• To solve challenges together and achieve common goals.
• Be inspired by examples of successful cities.
• Gain access to technologies and European funds.

The article provides examples of projects and networks that support cooperation between cities, for example: NetZeroCities, NEUTRALPATH and EurocitiesThese projects connect cities from different countries and help them implement solutions to reduce emissions and achieve climate neutrality.

The article emphasizes that Cooperation between cities brings many benefits, including accelerating the transition to climate neutrality, increasing innovation and strengthening the impact of their activities.

Even cities with different sizes, climates and political environments face common challenges., therefore their cooperation and exchange of experiences is always beneficial.

Document summarizes the main topics, ideas and facts from multiple sources focused on the decarbonization of transport in the EU, with an emphasis on intermodal mobility, especially in the context of rural areas and a shift to rail and bus transport.

Main findings:

• The importance of rural mobility: Rural areas play a key role in achieving transport decarbonisation goals, as around two-thirds of short-distance passenger car kilometres are on non-urban roads.
• Potential of intermodal mobility: Intermodal mobility, combining different modes of transport, such as rail, bus and cycling, has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector.
• Challenges in the development of intermodality: Existing regulatory frameworks and cultural factors pose barriers to the development of intermodality, especially in rural areas. For example, public transport and public procurement laws often limit the participation of smaller operators and community transport services.
• The need for targeted policies: Targeted policies and financial instruments at EU level are needed to overcome these obstacles and promote intermodal mobility.

Main recommendations:

• Defining minimum standards: Introducing a directive that would require regions in Member States to develop clear minimum standards for access to mobility in rural areas, based on the size, population density, employment and service profile of the region.
• SRMP support: Supporting the development and implementation of Sustainable Regional Mobility Plans (SRMPs) in EU regions.
• Making bus transport more attractive: Supporting the development of more attractive and integrated infrastructure for bus terminals, for example through updated SUMP guidelines and the exchange of best practices.
• Targeted support for railway infrastructure: Identification and targeted support of investments in sections of railway infrastructure that represent obstacles to the development of rail transport.
• Financial incentives: Introducing financial incentives to support intermodality, such as subsidies for the use of intermodal infrastructure and investments in sustainable intermodal transport solutions.

The role of financing:

• European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Cohesion Fund (CF): These funds can support the development of SRMPs, minimum standards for mobility services in rural areas and the promotion of low-carbon modes of transport.
• Connecting Europe Facility (CEF): The CEF can finance investments in intermodal infrastructure, such as rail terminals and logistics centres.
• Social Climate Fund (SCF): The SCF can support measures targeting vulnerable households, vulnerable transport users and vulnerable micro-enterprises in the context of intermodal mobility.

Decarbonising transport in the EU requires a comprehensive approach that includes targeted policies, financial instruments and behavioural change. Intermodal mobility, especially in rural areas, has huge potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to achieving the EU's climate goals. Spring

Our vision of “progress for humanity” is based on our commitment to universal mobility while supporting a zero-emission society. From the electrification of our models, to the launch of the IONIQ model range and our more than 20 years of research into hydrogen technology, we have continuously advanced on the path to more sustainable value creation. We firmly believe that the automotive industry has a great responsibility and an opportunity to take proactive steps against climate change. We promise to continue on the path we have taken for humanity and future generations – a path of continuous improvement in four key areas. (More on hyundai.com)

For the final edition of this year’s Green Deal Funding Alert, we bring you exciting news about the EU’s Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission. The mission, which aims to achieve 100 climate neutral cities by 2030, is now extending its support to all cities across Europe. Read on to learn more about the Cities Mission’s latest funding calls and training opportunities.

1. The EU Cities Missions Platform offers all EU cities opportunities for mutual learning and access to online resources!

We are happy to announce that the Cities Mission Platform is now extending its support to all cities across Europe and Horizon countries. This is a great opportunity for cities striving to achieve climate neutrality. (More on cor.europa.eu)

Document summarizes the main themes and key insights from the policy brief "Towards climate neutrality and a resource-efficient economy: Policy progress in rich democracies" by Christof Schiller and Thorsten Hellmann.

Main topics:

• Evaluating the effectiveness of policies aimed at transitioning to a resource-efficient and climate-neutral economy in 30 OECD and EU countries.
• Analysis of progress in three key areas:Implementation of climate policy frameworks
• Implementing strategies to build a decarbonized energy system by 2050
• Adopting circular economy approaches
• Identification of opportunities and barriers affecting the success of transformation policies.

Key findings:

• Climate action:
• Rich democracies that have implemented ambitious and consistent climate policy frameworks have often also developed effective policies for the transition to a decarbonized energy system or circular economy.
• However, even leaders such as Sweden, Finland, Spain and Denmark still face challenges in aligning policy objectives, institutions and policy measures or in developing safeguards to ensure the effective implementation of their ambitious climate policies.
• All 30 OECD and EU countries assessed are just beginning to prepare for the transition to a circular economy.
• "So far, none of the 30 countries surveyed have demonstrated full commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050."
• The average score for ambition and policy direction (6.5) is lower than the average score (6.7) for past policy outcomes, highlighting the urgent need to identify and address obstacles to progress.
• Decarbonized energy system by 2050:
• The energy sector is responsible for almost three quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions.
• Achieving climate neutrality by mid-century depends crucially on the successful decarbonization of national energy systems.
• The average score of 6.0 across all key indicators suggests that the 30 EU and OECD countries assessed still have a long way to go in the transition to a zero-emission energy system.
• Denmark, Latvia and Finland have made the most progress towards the goal of a net-zero energy system.
• Canada, the United States and Australia have made the least progress in decarbonizing their energy systems.
• Circular economy:
• The development of a circular economy strategy is still in its early stages in most countries.
• The limited available policy outcome indicators suggest that Italy, Germany and Spain are relatively well prepared to start the transition to a circular economy.
• With an average score of 6.1, industrialized countries face a long way to go in decoupling economic growth from resource consumption.

Conclusion and outlook:

• Assessing the extent to which rich democracies are moving towards climate-neutral and circular economies requires more than just examining past policy outcomes.
• Countries with more ambitious and cohesive climate strategies have often also developed effective policy approaches to transform their energy systems and, to a lesser extent, to develop a circular economy.
• The transition to a circular economy is largely in its early stages.
• No country is fully prepared to achieve a climate-neutral and resource-efficient economy in the foreseeable future. Even leaders face significant challenges.
• For transformational policies to succeed, it is essential to consider the broader political context.

Recommendations:

• Better alignment of policy objectives with existing regulations.
• More robust safeguards to ensure effective implementation of climate transition policies at all levels of governance.
• Considering the broader political context and strengthening the legitimacy of transformation policies.

This document provides an overview of the key themes and findings from the aforementioned policy brief. For a more detailed analysis and further information, please read the original document. Spring

A carbon offset credit is a certified unit that corresponds to one metric ton of CO2 or its equivalent of another greenhouse gas. These credits are created through projects that either reduce emissions or capture them. Examples include renewable energy projects such as solar and wind power, afforestation and conservation of existing forests, energy efficiency improvements, and landfill methane capture projects.

Organizations that cannot directly reduce their emissions to the required level can purchase these credits to offset their emissions. In this way, they support projects that contribute to the overall reduction of global emissions.

"No institution, no company will be carbon neutral without the use of carbon offsets. There is literally no way to reduce emissions to zero.” 

Carbon credit market mechanism

The market for carbon offset credits is divided into two main segments: the regulated and the voluntary market.

1. Regulated market: This market is defined by international and national regulations, such as the Emissions Trading System under the Kyoto Protocol or the European Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Organizations in these jurisdictions are required to meet emission limits and must purchase carbon credits if they exceed them.

2. Voluntary market: This market allows individuals and organizations to offset their emissions voluntarily, outside of legislative or regulatory frameworks. Many companies use this market as part of their corporate social responsibility strategy to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

Certification and credibility

The credibility of carbon offset credits is essential. Therefore, there are several certification programs and standards that ensure that emission reductions are real, measurable and additional (ie, emission reductions would not have occurred without the project). Some of the most well-known certification standards include Verra's Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), Gold Standard and The Climate Action Reserve.

Criticism and challenges

Although carbon offset credits are a valuable tool for mitigating climate change, they also face some criticism and challenges. Critics say they allow polluters to "buy off" their carbon footprint without actually reducing emissions. Another concern is that not all emission reduction projects have the same impact, and some might even proceed without support from offset credits.

There is also the question of how effectively and transparently these projects are evaluated and monitored. However, without offset credits, many sectors would face a huge challenge in achieving net zero emissions. This is especially true for industries where the technologies required for full decarbonization are not yet available or economically viable.

Despite these challenges, carbon offset credits remain an important tool on the path to a carbon-neutral future. To achieve optimal efficiency, they require thorough evaluation and continuous improvement of standards and certification processes, as well as innovation in emission reduction technologies. Spring

Green transformation is currently being tackled by all large corporate entities on the market. How to meaningfully invest in decarbonization while maintaining competitiveness are questions that most major industrial companies across Europe are dealing with. Decarbonization, or reducing the carbon footprint, however, is not only solved by clients, but also by banks. In the case of the banking sector, the effort is even more complicated, since the carbon footprint of banks is created primarily indirectly, by loans provided to bank clients. (This article is PRestige, commercial content created in collaboration with the client and the team Forbes BRANDlab,)