Taiwanese Updates: 預告修正「交通工具空氣污染物排放標準」(3 Jul 2013)

預告修正「交通工具空氣污染物排放標準」
提供單位：行政院環境保護署空保處
發布日期：2013.07.03

加嚴車輛廢氣排放標準來改善空氣品質及維護國民健康，是環保署責無旁貸的職責，有鑑於歐盟已於今年3月發布新的機車污染排放標準，參考該標準，環保署已研議我國機車廢氣排放第六期及第七期標準草案，預訂自民國106年及110年實施，以進一步改善機車廢氣污染排放問題。 

        環保署表示，本次研擬的機車第六期及第七期廢氣排放標準，其各項污染物標準值、測試方法、耐久里程及車上診斷系統（On Board Diagnostics，簡稱OBD）等相關規定，均比照歐盟發布的標準，並考量國內車廠生產準備及建置檢測能力所需時間，實施日期較歐盟晚1年。另配合國內需求，增加要求銷售量達1萬輛以上的車廠，必須有一定比例的引擎族（六期20％、7期50％）符合惰轉排放標準CO＝0％、HC＝0ppm的規定，廠商可以透過電動車、油電混合車及增加怠速熄火裝置等來達到該要求。 

        環保署強調，國內機車數量龐大，是國人最常使用的交通工具，也是空氣污染的主要來源之一，因此除實施機車排氣定期檢驗、進行路邊攔檢及鼓勵淘汰老舊機車等管制措施外，逐期加嚴新車廢氣排放標準有其必要性，希望民眾一起來支持。 

        該交通工具空氣污染物排放標準第二條、第六條及第七條修正草案現正公告於環保署網站（http://ivy5.epa.gov.tw/epalaw/index.aspx）「法規命令草案預告區」網頁，民眾可逕自上網參閱，希望大家共同來關心空氣污染改善議題，為環境永續發展盡一份心力。對於公告內容有任何意見或修正建議者，請於本公告刊登公告之日起14日內陳述意見（傳真號碼：02-2371-1394、電子郵件：ouyh@epa.gov.tw）。後續將辦理修正草案公聽及研商會聽取各界意見，並儘速修正發布以使車廠研發對應順利進行。

附加檔案：

1020703交通工具空氣污染物排放標準條文對照.doc

1020703交通工具空氣污染物排放標準總說明.DOC

Source: http://ivy5.epa.gov.tw/enews/fact_Newsdetail.asp?InputTime=1020703105537

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Publications: FAO Outlines Strategies for Livestock Production Emissions Mitigation (12 Jun 2013)

News

FAO Outlines Strategies for Livestock Production Emissions Mitigation

12 June 2013: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) has released a report on technical options for the mitigation of non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions livestock production.

The report, titled 'Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Livestock Production: A Review of Technical Options for non-CO2 Emissions,' provides a review of over 900 publications focusing on nutritional and manure management strategies to reduce emissions of non-carbon dioxide GHGs in livestock production, such as methane (enteric or from manure) and nitrous oxide.

Based on this review, the report provides options for mitigation through feeding management, manure management, and enhancement of animal productivity. It also provides specific recommendations for different management systems. [FAO Press Release] [Publication: Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Livestock Production: A Review of Technical Options for non-CO2 Emissions]

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For more information: 

http://climate-l.iisd.org/news/fao-outlines-strategies-for-livestock-production-emissions-mitigation/206665/

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UN Reports GHG Emissions on Journey Towards Climate Neutrality (21 Jun 2013)

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News

UN Reports GHG Emissions on Journey Towards Climate Neutrality

21 June 2013: The UN has launched the fourth edition of 'Moving Towards a Climate Neutral UN,' the annual progress report on the UN's efforts to achieve climate neutrality, which details the UN's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2011 and some of the activities undertaken in 2012 to reduce them.

GHG inventories were compiled for 63 UN entities, covering over 221,000 UN staff across hundreds of locations, with results revealing greenhouse gas emissions totaling 1.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2011 (equal to energy-related emissions of 350,000 European households). The biggest challenge faced by the UN in reducing its carbon footprint is in air travel, which comprises up to 50% of per capita emissions. The inventories include emissions from all activities under the direct operational and/or financial control of the UN, including heating and cooling of buildings.

The report also makes a case for integrating sustainability management into day-to-day operations by highlighting cost savings resulting from measures taken in various UN facilities, such as changing building facades, installing energy-efficient elevators and efficiently managing waste. In addition, the report emphasizes the importance of greater awareness and staff engagement in achieving climate neutrality.

The UN's efforts towards climate neutrality began in June 2007 when UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced his intent to make UN operations more efficient, and UN organizations agreed to move towards climate neutrality by reducing GHG emissions. In 2012, this mandate was strengthened and broadened by Member States and UN leaders to include all environmental impacts resulting from UN facilities and internal operations, programmes and planning. 

The 2012 edition aims to reach a wider audience by presenting key messages in a short brochure. [UNEP Press Release] [UN Greening the Blue Press Release] [Publication: Moving Towards a Climate Neutral UN: The UN System's Footprint and Efforts to Reduce It (2012 edition)] [Efforts of Individual UN Organizations]

For more information: 

http://climate-l.iisd.org/news/un-reports-ghg-emissions-on-journey-towards-climate-neutrality/207112/

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Publication: Getting Every Ton of Emissions Right: An Analysis of Emission Factors for Purchased Electricity in China by Ranping Song, Jingjing Zhu, Ping Hou, Hongtao Wang (Jun 2013)

Getting Every Ton of Emissions Right: An Analysis of Emission Factors for Purchased Electricity in China

Ranping Song, Jingjing Zhu, Ping Hou, Hongtao Wang

Working Paper: June, 2013

This working paper identifies common errors when accounting for greenhouse gas emissions from purchased electricity in China. It provides solutions and recommendations for policy makers and corporate users.

WRI working papers contain preliminary research, analysis, findings, and recommendations. They are circulated to stimulate timely discussion and critical feedback and to influence ongoing debate on emerging issues. Most working papers are eventually published in another form and their content may be revised.

Inquiries

• Ranping Song, Team Lead, China Climate and Energy Programrsong@wri.org+86 10 59002566 ext. 29

Downloads

Full Text in Chinese (PDF, 1.3 Mb)

• Calculation Spreadsheet (Excel, 394 Kb)

Licensed under Creative Commons (more info).

Summary

In China, there are widespread errors on emission factors used to account for indirect emission from purchased electricity at the organizational level. Based on analysis of this working paper, if the wrong emission factors are used to account for purchased electricity in 2010, it could lead to over-estimation up to 49 percent in GHG emissions.

Authors of this working paper argue that using inappropriate emission factors for purchased electricity, even if all companies in the same country using them consistently, will result in inaccurate accounting results and provides distorted signals, therefore misleading analysis and decisions on GHG mitigation.

Based on requirements and guidance from the most commonly used corporate GHG accounting and reporting standards, namely the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (revised edition) and ISO 14064-1:2006 Specification with Guidance at the Organization Level for Quantification and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Removals, authors articulate what shall and shall not be included in the calculation of emission factors for purchased electricity.

This working paper provides calculated default emission factors to use for regional grids in China as well as the calculation process in detail. It also provides recommendations for policy makers, research organizations, consultancies and corporate users regarding the development and usage of emission factors for purchased electricity in China.

For more information: 

http://www.wri.org/publication/analysis-of-emission-factors-for-purchased-electricity-in-china

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Publications: EA Outlines Strategy to Cut 2020 Energy-Related Emissions by 8% by IEA (10 Jun 2013)

IEA Outlines Strategy to Cut 2020 Energy-Related Emissions by 8%

10 June 2013: The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released a World Energy Outlook Special Report, titled 'Redrawing the Energy-Climate Map,' which presents a strategy to reduce energy-related carbon emissions in 2020 at no net economic cost to levels needed to limit the average global temperature increase to two degrees Celsius.

Speaking at the launch of the report, IEA Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven cautioned that “if we continue with business as usual, that rise could be 5.3 degrees Celsius, with potentially disastrous implications in terms of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and the huge economic and social costs that these can bring.”

“Redrawing the Energy-Climate Map” outlines a four-pronged approach for keeping on track to meet the two degree target by reducing emissions by 8%, or 3.1 gigatonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (Gt CO2e), relative to emission levels expected under the business as usual scenario.

The four policies outlined under the report's "4-for-2 °C Scenario" are: adoption of energy efficiency measures in buildings, industry and transport, for 49% of the reductions; limits on the construction and use of low-efficiency coal-fired power plants, for 21% of the reductions; halving methane emissions from upstream oil and gas operations, for 18% of the reductions; and a partial phase out of fossil fuel consumption subsidies, for 12% of the reductions.

The policies were selected on the basis of key criteria: ability to deliver significant reductions in the energy sector; reliance on existing technologies; proof and adoption in multiple countries; and lack of harm to any region or country.

The report underscores the urgency of immediate reductions, noting that energy-related carbon dioxide emissions reached a record high of 31.6 gigatonnes in 2012, an increase of 1.4% over 2011. The lead author of the report, IEA Chief Economist Fatih Birol, warned against the consequences of delayed action, noting that “rapid and widespread adoption could act as a bridge to further action, buying precious time while international climate negotiations continue.”

The report further identifies short- and long-term vulnerabilities to the energy sector from extreme weather events, sea level rise, water scarcity and other climate change impacts. It also underlines that immediate measures will bring financial gains, highlighting that US$1.5 trillion in delayed investments in low-carbon technologies before 2020 will require US$5 trillion in investments after 2020 to get back on track to meeting the two degree target. [IEA Press Release] [European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Press Release] [Publication: Redrawing the Energy-Climate Map] [Publication: Executive Summary of Redrawing the Energy-Climate Map] [Report Website] [Remarks by IEA Executive Director] [UN Press Release] [UNFCCC Executive Secretary Statement on the IEA Report]

For more information: 

http://climate-l.iisd.org/news/iea-outlines-strategy-to-cut-2020-energy-related-emissions-by-8/205539/

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Events: The Policy Climate: What progress in the world’s key regions? organized by CPI on 19 Jun 2013

The Policy Climate: What progress in the world’s key regions?

The Centre, Brussels, June 19, 2013 12:30 - 2

Despite the slow pace of international climate negotiations, the implementation of policy relevant to climate change, and its impact, has accelerated markedly over the last decade, according to the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI)’s latest report ‘The Policy Climate.’ The report summarises three decades of emissions and policies in critical regions – Europe, the U.S., China, India and Brazil – and offers lessons and insights from each.

Join us at the Centre, in Brussels, Belgium, for a presentation of the findings by CPI Senior Director, and the report’s primary author, David Nelson, followed by a debate with our expert panellists:

• Chris Vanden Bilcke, Head of the United Nations Environment Program’s EU Liaison Office
• Sir Graham Watson MEP, chair of the European Climate Parliament

Moderation by Martin Porter, Managing Director at Edelman Brussels

To register, send an email with ‘Climate’ in the subject line, clearly stating your name (and organisation) to meet@thecentre.eu.

More information here.

Source: http://climatepolicyinitiative.org/event/the-policy-climate-what-progress-in-the-worlds-key-regions/

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Singaporean Updates: New Early Turnover Scheme From 24 April 2013 (24 Apr 2013)

News Release
New Early Turnover Scheme From 24 April 2013

Incentivizing early replacement of old Category ‘C’ diesel vehicles with cleaner models complying with at least Euro V diesel standards or their equivalent

JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN NEA AND LTA

Singapore, 24 April 2013 - As announced by the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources and the Minister for Transport during the 2013 Committee of Supply debates, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will implement a new Early Turnover Scheme to encourage the early replacement of old Category ‘C’ (Cat C) diesel vehicles with models that comply with at least Euro V diesel standards or their equivalent.  

The scheme will run from 24 April 2013 to 23 April 2015. This is one of NEA’s abatement measures to reduce ambient levels of particulate matter and achieve Singapore’s 2020 air quality targets.

2.       Under the Scheme, owners can deregister their Cat C diesel vehicles registered before 1 January 2001, which are predominantly the Pre-Euro and Euro I models, and register a replacement Cat C vehicle by paying a discounted Prevailing Quota Premium (PQP) (i.e. without the need to bid for a Cat C Certificate of Entitlement (COE)). Please refer to Annex A for the eligibility criteria for the scheme.

3.      Owners will be allowed to transfer their eligible existing vehicle’s unused period of its COE to the replacement vehicle.  In addition, the owners will get a bonus COE period for their replacement vehicle equal to a proportion (see (a) and (b) below) of the existing vehicle’s remaining 20-year lifespan at the point of deregistration.  The transferred COE and bonus COE periods will be capped at 10 years in total. 

(a) For existing vehicles with a Maximum Laden Weight (MLW) of 3,500 kg or less, 10% of its remaining 20-year lifespan at deregistration.

(b) For existing vehicles with a MLW of more than 3,500 kg, 30% of its remaining 20-year lifespan at deregistration.

The bonus proportion is set higher for heavier vehicles to further encourage their owners to replace them, as they generally emit more particulate matter[1] and are more expensive to replace than lighter ones.

Please refer to Annex B for how the PQP payable is calculated, and Annex C for examples.

4.      The value of the replacement vehicle’s 10-year COE will be based on the discounted PQP paid at the point of registration and the COE rebate[2] granted to the existing vehicle at the point of deregistration, if any. This value will be used to compute the COE rebate upon deregistration of the replacement vehicle.  Please refer to Annex B for how the value of the 10-year COE for the replacement vehicle is calculated, and Annex C for examples.

New “Calculator – Early Turnover Scheme” e-Service

5.       From 24 April 2013, 6pm, a new e-Service known as “Calculator – Early Turnover Scheme” will be available at the ONE.MOTORING portal for vehicle owners to find out the amount of unused COE period and bonus COE period they can use to offset the PQP payable for the replacement vehicle.

6.       Vehicle owners and motor dealers can also call the LTA at 1800-CALL LTA (2255-582) for enquiries on the Scheme.

Higher Air Quality Targets

7.       On 23 August 2012, the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) and the NEA announced the adoption of higher air quality targets, in line with the World Health Organisation Air Quality Guidelines. Please refer to Annex D for Singapore’s ambient air quality targets. To achieve these targets by 2020, NEA has a set of abatement measures to achieve sustainable growth and development and maintain economic competitiveness while ensuring public health.

8.       The Early Turnover Scheme is one of the measures that aim to reduce emissions of particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and meet Singapore’s long term targets. Diesel vehicles contribute to approximately half of all PM2.5 emissions in Singapore. With the Early Turnover Scheme, owners of about 38,000 Cat C diesel vehicles (with the more pollutive Pre-Euro and Euro I emission standards) would be incentivized to replace their vehicles earlier. The early replacement of older and more polluting diesel models with newer models that comply with tighter emission standards will reduce ambient PM levels and improve air quality.

Annex A: Eligibility Criteria for Early Turnover Scheme

Annex B: How the PQP Payable and the Value of the 10-Year COE for the Replacement Vehicle are Derived
Annex C: Examples on How to Compute the PQP Payable and the Value of the 10-Year COE for the Replacement Vehicle
Annex D: Singapore’s Ambient Air Quality Targets

For Annex A-D, please visit: 

http://app2.nea.gov.sg/news_detail_2013.aspx?news_sid=20130424610964950807

~~ End ~~

For more information, please contact

Call Centre: 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255 632)
Email: Contact_NEA@nea.gov.sg

For more information:
http://app2.nea.gov.sg/news_detail_2013.aspx?news_sid=20130424610964950807

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Chinese Updates: New Air Pollution Law to Set Limits for Emissions (19 Apr 2013)

New Air Pollution Law to Set Limits for Emissions
2013-04-19

Shanghai legislative body plans to produce a new, detailed environmental protection law this year aimed primarily at curbing PM2.5 pollution, which is tiny airborne particles that can pose particularly dangerous health risks.

The law will include exhaust discharge standards for vehicles and local factories as well as measures to control flying dust at construction sites, local legislators said yesterday.

"Though the city's environmental protection authority has carried out emergency plans for heavily polluted days, the city's air quality often remains poor," said Li Ming, a local lawmaker.

"Current measures fail to receive ideal effects," legislators said in a statement.

The standing committee of the city's legislative body urged local government departments to start working on the new law's provisions and release drafts as soon as possible.

Under the more-stringent Air Quality Index that took effect in November, air quality is "excellent" or "good" when the index is below 100, "lightly" or "moderately" polluted between 101 and 200, and "heavily" or "severely" polluted from 201 to 500.

This year, Shanghai has had more than 15 days when the index topped 100.

On January 16, the index surged to 254, a record high for the new index.

In another measure to be launched soon, about a third of local government vehicles will be taken off the road in Shanghai only when the air is heavily polluted, according to Zhang Quan, director of Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau.

Some factories and construction sites will be idled. Some outdoor activities also will be canceled when the index exceeds 300.

Zhang also said the city must work with neighboring provinces to curb emissions.

Source: http://english.mep.gov.cn/News_service/media_news/201304/t20130419_250967.htm

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New Book: Emissions, Pollutants and Environmental Policy in China Designing a National Emissions Trading System By Bo Miao (25 Mar 2013)

Emissions, Pollutants and Environmental Policy in China

Designing a National Emissions Trading System

By Bo Miao

Published 25th March 2013 by Routledge – 208 pages

Description:

As the world's biggest polluter, the environmental challenges that China faces in controlling its airborne emissions are crucial, not only to its own population in terms of tackling the severe domestic air pollution, but also to the planet as it faces calls from the international community to accept its responsibilities in cutting greenhouse gases.

Deteriorating air quality clearly shows that China’s current environmental regime is unsuited to either tackle the rampant domestic air pollution or contribute fairly to international climate action. As such, this book explores the feasibility of applying a national emissions trading system to control multiple air pollutants in China. It begins with an outline of the existing emissions management system and goes onto explore whether a national emissions trading system is a viable choice to combat China’s conventional air pollutants. To this end, there is an in-depth analysis of the two pilot sulphur dioxide emissions trading programs in Taiyuan and Jiangsu, as well as an examination of emissions trading schemes in the US and EU. Finally, the book discusses the key design elements of a multi-pollutant cap-and-trade scheme that addresses both conventional air pollutants and greenhouse gasses.

This book will be of great interest to students and scholars interested in the fields of environmental studies, Chinese politics and environmental law. It will also be invaluable to policy makers in the field.

Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Rationale for China’s Institutional Framework of Emissions Trading
3. Why Emissions Trading? An Empirical Study on China's Own Experience
4. What We Have Learned: Implications From Other Countries Experiences
5. Special Considerations For a GHG Cap-and-Trade Program in China
6. Key Design Elements of a Multi-Pollutant Cap-and-Trade System
7. Conclusion

For more information: http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415659574/

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HK's Updates: Hong Kong emission inventory for 2011 published (20 Mar 2013)

Hong Kong emission inventory for 2011 published 

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     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (March 20) published the 2011 Emission Inventory for Hong Kong.

     Every year, the EPD compiles an emission inventory for five key air pollutants from different sources including power plants, vessels, motor vehicles, aviation and other fuel combustion sources. The five pollutants are sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), respirable suspended particulates (RSP or PM10), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and carbon monoxide (CO).

     Hong Kong's total emissions in 2011 were 31 900 tonnes of SO2, 114 000 tonnes of NOx, 6 220 tonnes of RSP, 32 900 tonnes of VOC and 68 500 tonnes of CO. Compared with the emission levels in 2010, SO2 emissions fell by 10 per cent, mainly due to the full operation of the flue gas desulphurisation units retrofitted at coal-fired generation units. NOx emissions increased by 6 per cent mainly due to the increased use of coal for power generation to make up the shortfall in supply of natural gas and an increase in the tonnage of vessel arrivals. Emissions of RSP, VOC and CO in 2011 reduced by 1 to 2 per cent as compared with those in 2010.

     Details of the 2011 emission inventory and the 2011 emission report can be found on the EPD website:

www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/air/data/emission_inve.html.

Ends/Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:01

Source: http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201303/20/P201303200307.htm

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Study: Clean Technologies Could Cut South Asia Emissions by a Fifth by 2020 at Little Cost by Asian Development Bank (6 Mar 2013)

Clean Technologies Could Cut South Asia Emissions by a Fifth by 2020 at Little Cost

Date: 6 March 2013

Subjects: Climate change; Energy; Environment

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Five countries of South Asia – Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka - could slash greenhouse gas emissions by a fifth by 2020 at little long-term cost by introducing a variety of clean technologies, according to a new study from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

"The livelihoods of more than 200 million people in these five countries are threatened by the rapid loss of snow cover in the Himalayas and rising sea levels,” said Mahfuz Ahmed, Principal Climate Change Specialist with ADB’s South Asia Department. “It is possible to slash greenhouse gas emissions through big and small changes that would have little or no long-term cost to the end users.”

Annual energy-related greenhouse gas emissions in the five countries are together set to rise from 58 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2005 to 245 million in 2030, according to The Economics of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in South Asia. It shows primary energy use in the five South Asian nations by 2030 is likely to be almost 3,600 petajoules, 2.4 times higher than in 2005, largely due to rising consumption from industry and transport.

Video: Economics of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in South Asia

Clean, low-cost technologies include replacing fossil fuel generation with renewable or cleaner energy such as solid waste or gas; upgrading to more fuel-efficient technology; or using greener products, such as solar cookstoves, electric or more efficient diesel vehicles, or biodiesel fishing vessels. The introduction of these large and small-scale green technologies costing up to $10 per ton of greenhouse house gas emissions could cut 27.9 million tons – or 20% – off of 2020’s projected  energy-related annual emissions of 125.5 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

To do that, however, countries must overcome a number of challenges, including making sure information, financing, and incentives are available to encourage users to shift to cleaner technologies. Direct and indirect fuel subsidies should be phased out or made more targeted, the study says. Meanwhile, ministries and countries should work more closely together to better plan and develop cross-border energy markets and promote green development.

In addition, introducing a carbon tax that rises along with the global carbon price could slash greenhouse gas emissions by a fifth in 2030 in the five countries.

India, the biggest energy consumer and largest generator of greenhouse gases in the region, though not covered by the study, will increase its energy consumption to about 63,000 petajoules in 2030, an increase of more than five times from 2005, the study says.

For more information: 

http://www.adb.org/news/clean-technologies-could-cut-south-asia-emissions-fifth-2020-little-cost

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Indian's Updates: India can cut vehicular emission through robust inspection and maintenance of on-road vehicles: Study (8 Mar 2013)

India can cut vehicular emission through robust inspection and maintenance of on-road vehicles: Study

ByNandini Sen Gupta, TNN | Mar 8, 2013, 03.12 PM IST

CHENNAI: India can significantly cut down on vehicular emissions if it adopts a stringent and robust vehicle inspection-and-maintenance (I&M) programme, says a recent study by consultancy firm AT Kearney in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry. A clear cut I&M regime along with structured recycling programs, and organized fleet-modernization drives can lead to "13-18 million tonne of CO2 abatement, about 0.5 million-tonne reduction of combined HC, NOx, and CO emissions, and 10-15 million kg reduction of PM emissions," estimated the report.


The auto industry has, for a long time, pressed for a structured I&M regime in India which would not only take polluting older generation vehicles off the roads but also encourage the sale of new generation higher technology new vehicles. 

Of course adopting a structured regime for I&M won't come cheap but its savings spin offs will be substantial. " While investments of Rs 8000-10,000 crore might be required to establish I&M centres across the country, effective I&M practices can improve fuel economy and eventually lead to Rs 2000-3000 crore net cost savings for the country," said the report. 

A structured maintenance regime including the systematic recycling of vehicles can also maximize the recovery of scrap material at the end of their useful lives, said the report. This is turn will save resources and energy and result in 6-8 million tonne of CO2 reduction. Along with increased use of greener vehicle technology alongside improved mobility infrastructure, better management of in-use vehicles can lead to an overall 80-100 million tonne reduction in CO2 emissions over the base projections for the year 2020, said the report. 

However for the entire effort to be effective the "implementation will require a collaborative effort from the government, industry, and end users," said the report. The net annual cost for the entire effort is pegged at Rs 8,000-12,000 crore (net of all taxes, subsidies, and duties). "While some of this can be passed on to consumers, the government must also do its part by offering tax breaks, subsidizing green technologies, and investing in infrastructure improvements," it added.

Source: 
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/global-warming/India-can-cut-vehicular-emission-through-robust-inspection-and-maintenance-of-on-road-vehicles-Study/articleshow/18863389.cms

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Indian's Updates: Coal power emissions may have killed 100,000 Indians in 2012: Study (12 Mar 2013)

Coal power emissions may have killed 100,000 Indians in 2012: Study
ByJayashree Nandi, TNN | Mar 12, 2013, 04.04 PM IST

NEW DELHI: According to recent assessments by Delhi-based Urban Emissions, over 100,000 people died prematurely in 2011-12 due to emissions from thermal power stations in India. The study is based on a database of 111 coal power plants representing a generation capacity of 121GW.

The study also finds that there are millions of cases of asthma, respiratory distress and heart disease attributable to emissions from coal fired power stations and cost the country about 3.3 to 4.6 billion US dollars. Sarath Guttikunda, co-author of the report and adjunct faculty at the US based Desert Research Institute said: "Thousands of lives can be saved every year if India tightens its particulate emissions standards, introduces emission limits for pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury. It should make monitoring of emissions at thermal plantsmandatory and publicly available," he said.

The study team said that they estimated emission data and applied methodologies which have been peer-reviewed. They also used National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP Reanalysis) to estimate incremental changes in the ambient pollutant concentrations due to the presence of coal-fired power plants in the region.

The Delhi-Haryana region and the Kolkata- West Bengal- Jharkhandregion are the worst hit. Delhi-Haryana has about 8 thermal power plants and has experienced around 8,800 deaths while the West Bengalregion has about 19 thermal plants and experienced around 14,900 deaths in 2012. Other regions recording high death rates include Mumbai and western Maharashtra, Eastern Andhra Pradeshand the Chandrapur-Nagpur region in Vidarbha.

The study was commissioned by Greenpeace India and Conservation Action Trust.

Source: 
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/Coal-power-emissions-may-have-killed-100000-Indians-in-2012-Study/articleshow/18927587.cms

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Publication: Cruise Ship Emissions and Control in Hong Kong by Civic Exchange (5 Mar 2013)

Cruise Ship Emissions and Control in Hong Kong

DATE: 5 Mar 2013  FILED UNDER: Environment, Highlights, Index_Publications, Issues, News, Press Releases, Publications,Research Reports 

Civic Exchange’s report Cruise Ship Emissions and Control in Hong Kong aims to provide timely information regarding cruise ship emissions in Hong Kong for thorough discussions between the government, business sectors and the general public on the issues, before the opening of Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in June this year. Emission estimates for cruise ships to be using Kai Tak Cruise Terminal are produced. Recommendations to control emissions are also provided in the report.

Download full report | Download press release

Media coverage:

9 Mar 2013 – The House News – 市民力挺泊岸轉油 立法強制正是時候 (二)(Chinese only)

7 Mar 2013 – Safety4Sea – Cruise Ship Emissions and Control in Hong Kong

7 Mar 2013 – Ship & Bunker – Hong Kong Could Mandate Low-Sulfur Fuel This Year

6 Mar 2013 – MaritimeProfessional – Ship emissions an afterthought at Hong Kong cruise terminal

6 Mar 2013 – Ship & Bunker – Low Sulfur Switch for Hong Kong Cruise Ships Would Drop SO2 by 71%

6 Mar 2013 – SCMP – How cruise ships can help clear air

6 Mar 2013 – SCMP – Switch to cleaner fuel to much cleaner air: think tank

6 Mar 2013 – The Standard – Group fears pollution surge at cruise terminal

6 Mar 2013 – RTHK News – Report highlights cruise ship emissions (00:32)

6 Mar 2013 – Ta Kung Pao – 規管泊岸轉油 業界倡分船種 (Chinese only)

6 Mar 2013 – HKET – 研究:啟德碼頭 恐礙居民健康 (Chinese only)

6 Mar 2013 – Apple Daily – 轉用低硫柴油 郵輪排放減80% (Chinese only)

6 Mar 2013 – The House News – 市民力挺泊岸轉油 立法強制正是時候 (Chinese only)

For more information: http://www.civic-exchange.org/wp/201303cruiseships_en/

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