How can Local Authorities Participate in Kyoto Actions?

As GHG emissions from human activities are now recognized as a primary cause of global warming, mitigation policies focus on enhancing reductions in most emitting sectors through a wide range of policies and mechanisms. In the EU, the Energy and Climate Package articulates a set of reduction objectives for Member States. The EU ETS addresses industrial and energy sectors, corresponding to almost 40% of EU emissions. Under the so-called Effort Sharing Decision, Member States have taken on binding annual targets for reducing their GHG emissions in sectors not covered by the EU ETS, such as housing, agriculture, waste and transport (excluding aviation). Therefore, the role of non-ETS quotas and voluntary initiatives in these sectors (corresponding to almost 60% of emissions) is crucial in respecting the assigned national amounts. This article focuses on the possible role of local authorities in meeting non-ETS climate goals within the EU.