Cities and greenhouse gas reduction: Policy makers or policy takers?. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jaccard, Mark; Murphy, Rose; Zuehlke, Brett; Braglewicz, Morgan
• Is Part Of: Energy policy. Volume 134(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Renewable energy -- Urban buildings -- Urban mobility -- Public transit -- Land use -- Energy efficiency; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Politique énergétique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2019.07.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4215

Abstract

Abstract: A growing number of cities have set ambitious mid-century targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction and increased use of renewable energy. Using the municipal jurisdiction of Vancouver, Canada as a case study, we integrated an energy-economy model with an urban land-use and infrastructure model to test the possible actions resulting from policies potentially available to this city government in pursuit of its 2050 target of 100 percent renewable energy and an 80 percent reduction of GHG emissions. We found that, while cities like the one we studied have some important options for reducing energy use by their inhabitants, they may lack the authority to completely transform the energy system, especially for causing a wholesale switch to renewable energy for deep decarbonization. To achieve such ambitious energy and GHG targets, cities with jurisdictional powers comparable to the city we studied are dependent to some degree on complementary GHG and energy policies from senior levels of government. Highlights: Cities have some important policy options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, they may lack the jurisdictional authority to transform the energy system. For this, complementary policies from senior government are likely required.