Geographic carbon accounting: The roadmap for achieving net-zero emissions in Mauritius Island. (1st May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Doorga, Jay R.S.; Deenapanray, Prakash N.K.; Rughooputh, Soonil D.D.V.
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 333(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-05-01
• Subjects: Carbon accounting -- GIS -- Climate policy -- Net zero -- Mauritius; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117434
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: Significant climate finance gaps exist for small islands in transitioning to net zero, as climate commitments far outweigh the government budget and international financing. To create alignment between resource allocation and climate commitments, a roadmap for strategic and cost-effective decarbonization is of supreme importance. This paper presents a geographic carbon accounting model which incorporates emissions from electricity, transportation, food systems, and human respiration, whilst accounting for the carbon uptake by the terrestrial biosphere in view of identifying high-intensity aggregated emissions estimated in the range of 200–215 ktCO2e in the coastal and inland urban regions of the remote island of Mauritius. An estimated 4641 ktCO2e, representing 79.4% of overall emissions, has been observed to originate from buildings, food, and waste systems. About 1150 ktCO2e, accounting for a share of 19.7%, is derived from transport systems. The study advocates for the enhanced participation of local authorities to better contribute to climate governance, whilst supporting legislative, financial, technological, and behavioural reforms. Despite the relatively low sequestration potential of forests replacing all non-habitable lands, which is estimated at 1002 ktCO2e and representing about 17.1% of annual net emissions, afforestation programmes are encouraged owing to multiple ecosystem services provided by trees. Highlights: A GIS-based Carbon Accounting framework is developed for a remote island. High-intensity emission hotspots are identified for strategic management responses. Enhanced participation of local authorities in climate governance is encouraged. Legislative, financial, technological, and behavioural reforms are proposed.