A smaller footprint
In order to effectively respond to climate change, transitioning to a low carbon society is currently on the agenda of almost all countries in the world. However, a low-carbon strategy itself requires visualising the social, economic and technological changes through which societies can respond to the global effects of climate change. Overlooking any one of these dimensions will keep countries from reaching the goal.
Although the bulk of the green house gases believed to be the primary cause of global warming are produced by developed countries, the
impact is arguably felt more in developing countries like Nepal. Many scientists believe that if the Earth’s average temperature rises more
than 2o C, catastrophe could result on an unprecedented scale. Thus
all countries need to consider a development pathway to keep within
the 2o C stabilisation target. However, developing countries like Nepal—which has a low rate of per capita emissions (as well as total emissions)—are struggling just to meet basic development needs like education and healthcare. Therefore, Nepal might not be able to afford a concentrated focus on emissions cuts that would incur massive costs to the nation’s development.
One way to overcome this development paradox is through sustainable development. Promoting sustainable development should result in lower emissions, while creating opportunities to realise co-benefits. These co-benefits include improved air quality (indoor and outdoor) and an associated reduction in social costs. All this can be done without compromising the original objective of enhancing economic and social development. The cost associated with the development and implementation of low-carbon alternatives in developing countries through sustainable development should be compensated through international financial assistance—including direct financial assistance, technology transfer or carbon trading mechanisms. Failing to move towards a system of sustainable development poses a severe risk to the continuity of society due to injustice, poverty, and long-term socio-economic volatility that ultimately leads to political instability, conflict and violence (as has been witnessed in many countries).
A functional definition of sustainability that informs and directs decision-making is still illusive. But it is likely that in the near future, energy engineering will play a decisive role in bringing changes to society—adapting a more constricted energy consumption pattern, reducing the exploitation of natural resources, raising further concern over greenhouse gas emission levels and the costs of maintaining centralised electricity supply systems. The major four limbs of a sustainable society—energy, economy, society and environment—need to be investigated thoroughly to come up with an understanding of the linkages between these and to develop analytical models to maintain a sustainable society.
A basic understanding of sustainability will pave a road for the creation of a low carbon society in Nepal. Moreover, taking steps to become a low-carbon society might prove to be an opportunity for developing countries as it gives them opportunity chance to decide the future of energy use as well as influence lifestyle changes—and a chance to become more self-reliant. Meeting energy demands in order to continue economic development with limited resources and combating uncertainties about the nation’s future is possible if the country prepares a strategy and action plan in advance.
To realise the vision of a low carbon society, comprehensive policy instruments as well as technological expertise are required for the implementation of carbon mitigation measures. The goal of energy security and environmental balance should manifest through a national
energy policy that sets targets on fuel diversification or a broadened energy mix to lessen dependency on one major fuel source in addition to reducing carbon emissions. Similarly, preparation of a national energy efficiency policy and a sustainable transport policy might prove to be a radical step for a nation like Nepal. But with the lack of an appropriate action plan, we have witnessed difficulties in implementing policies. Therefore, it is highly recommended that policies are accompanied by effective action plans, which should involve a wide spectrum of people in working towards the target. Developing countries like Nepal have both the moral obligation and the economic opportunity to boldly move forward by campaigning to become low-carbon societies by choice—for today and for the future.
Lohani is an Assistant Professor at Kathmandu University
sunil lohani lahanisunil@gmail.com
Posted on: 2011-03-23 09:04
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