Following the PIC Policy Paper on ‘Making PMR Net-Carbon Neutral by 2030’ released in January 2020, despite the long pause due to Covid lockdowns and restrictions, the report ‘Feasibility Assessment of Rapid Decarbonization of PMR’ is an effort by PIC with the support of bp India to rejuvenate the idea, with a sense of urgency in finding solutions to the impacts of Global Warming already causing serious hazards to livelihood and economy.
The study concluded that it is technologically feasible for PMR to rapidly reduce its carbon emissions by 2030 to below the current levels (25 million tons) i.e., stopping the emissions increase to bring it on a pathway to net zero emissions. All of which is possible despite the increase in population, demand for energy and resources. To understand how to reach the goal of Net Carbon Neutrality, two scenarios were analysed: Business-as-usual and Rapid Climate Action.
The study was led by the Energy Environment Climate Change (EECC) programme of Pune International Centre in collaboration with organisations such as Symbiosis University, National Chemical Laboratory, and several other private consultants along with the support of Pune Divisional Commissioner, PMC, PCMC and PMRDA officials. The team conducted an assessment of the status quo of PMR to estimate the current emissions, their compositions and future growth trends to project the business-as-usual emissions by 2030. This enabled the team to evaluate various technological solutions and governance reforms for rapid decarbonization of PMR and bridging the gap between the total emissions and total natural sequestration (absorbing) capacity. The Rapid Climate Action scenario also identifies yearly targets to reach the goal of net zero along with the key stakeholders responsible for implementing the plan.
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The study analysed sectors such as Electricity, Transport, Infrastructure, Waste as they contribute the most to emissions. Additionally, based on the natural forest area (wetland and other water bodies not included) the Natural Sequestration capacity was calculated, which plays a key role in absorbing CO2. The study also concluded that technology assisted CO2 removal from the atmosphere will be vital for reaching Net-Carbon Neutrality as required urgently to combat global warming.
Link to summary of report, main report and press releases.