UPM-Biofore-Magazine-1-2016-ENG

CHINA To achieve the

peaking of carbon dioxide emissions around 2030 and making best efforts to peak earlier

RUSSIA 25–30% cut below 1990 levels by 2030

The climate agreement may be the first step in levelling the playing field between Europe and other economic regions, predicts Ahti Fagerblom , Manager for Energy and Climate Policy at the Finnish Forest Industries. “Not all industrialised countries have committed themselves to decreasing CO 2 emissions at the same rate as Europe, so the current agreement is not fully equal yet. However, this is a step in the right direction as other economic regions are now more dedicated to climate actions.” The ultimate goal of the agreement is to limit global warming to below two degrees. The agreement commits countries to implementing transparent actions, but the carbon emission reduction targets are not legally binding. Fagerblom points out that the EU’s CO 2 emission targets are still more ambitious than those of competing economic regions like the US, China and Japan. The agreement does not include the global emission trading system either. “Here we have a danger that the EU will now imagine that the playing field is level and that there is no risk of carbon leakage.” Forestation has gained importance as a tool for reducing CO 2 emissions. “For us it is important that wood is seen as a renewable raw material that supports climate targets. People have to understand that when forests grow faster than they are harvested, then our carbon storage balance is positive.” The forest industry is the most important producer of bioenergy in Finland. The wood raw material is made into pulp and other products, and the side streams are converted into bioenergy. “By investing in forests we help to promote their healthy growth. We can utilise our forest resources and maintain a good balance of resources at the same time.” LEG-UP FOR EUROPEAN INDUSTRY FROM CLIMATE AGREEMENT

INDIA

JAPAN 26% reduction by 2030 compared to 2013 reduce GHG 30% below 2005 levels by 2030

33–35% reduction of emission intensity of GDP by 2030 compared to 2005, 40% of energy from non-fossil sources by 2030

responsibilities. The emissions trading systemwill also be reformed after the climate convention. “Power supply sources and industrial structures in the EUmember states – including land use, housing and climate – vary a great deal, whichmeans that agreeing on emission reductions is not always an easy task even within the EU. Internal disagreements will most likely be ironed out in several meetings after Paris.” Tiilikainen points out that the EU aims to reduce emissions in the most cost-efficient manner available. “Reductions must occur in areas where results can be achieved effectively while keeping costs as low as possible. This principle is set forth in the EU climate policy, but the feasibility of practical applications cannot be determined until later. Hopefully, the member states will not get stuck arguing howmuch each party needs to cut emissions that are not included in the scope of emissions trading.” Tiilikainen emphasises that a comprehensive climate convention will facilitate the implementation of the EU’s own climate policy and support European industry in global competition. “The EUwill proceed with its own climate policy no matter what. The larger the proportion of emissions covered by the Paris convention, the stronger the competitive edge gained by European industry,” he concludes.

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