Shimla: If the state effectively implements planned sectoral strategies, these pollutants can be reduced by about 85 per cent by 2047, a comprehensive study focusing on short-lived climate pollutants in Himachal Pradesh has claimed.
According to the presentation on the Scientific Assessment for Addressing Non-CO2 Emissions presented on Tuesday, reducing short-term climate pollutants is one of the most effective opportunities for rapid climate benefits, and improving air quality should be achieved in the near term.
Pollutants such as methane, black carbon, tropospheric ozone and hydrofluorocarbons have a relatively short lifetime in the atmosphere, but their warming effect is several times greater than that of carbon dioxide, the study said.
The study analyzed emissions from various sectors, taking 2019 as a base year, and found that methane emissions are notable from transportation and solid waste management as well as from the animal husbandry sector.
Key measures recommended in the report include reducing methane emissions by 27 percent by 2047 through improving feeding and management strategies in the livestock sector.
Black carbon, in particular, is said to be much stronger than carbon dioxide. The study also suggested a significant reduction in black carbon, PM2.5 and sulfur oxides through the control of diesel generator sets and the use of clean technologies in the hotel and restaurant sectors.
Other takeaways that have been implemented include reducing short-lived climate pollutant emissions by approximately 50 percent through promoting electric vehicles in the transportation sector and eliminating vehicles that are 15 to 20 years old, as well as reducing solid waste emissions by 50 percent through decentralized composting and gas collection from landfills.
The study provided a data-based analysis in coordination with various departments and projects, and emission scenarios until 2047. According to the report, many policies already implemented in the transportation, energy, industry and solid waste management sectors in the state contribute indirectly to reducing short-term climate pollutants. However, there is a need to expand and better implement these policies.
If the existing strategies are implemented effectively, Himachal Pradesh can not only become a national leader in achieving climate goals but can also witness positive results in the health and agriculture sectors, experts said.
Himachal Pradesh, a state sensitive to climate change and moving towards becoming a green energy state, can serve as a model example in this regard, the scientists said.
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