Rhode Island’s emissions tick up, endangering 2030 climate target – E&E News by POLITICO

Report on Rhode Island’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

A 2023 greenhouse gas inventory released by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management indicates that the state is facing significant challenges in meeting its climate targets, a core component of Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action). Emissions have risen above pre-pandemic levels, primarily driven by the transportation sector, highlighting a critical need for policy intervention to align with global sustainability objectives.

Key Findings from the 2023 Inventory

• Overall emissions increased by 1.4 percent in 2023.
• Total emissions were 1.5 percent higher than 2019 levels, indicating a reversal of pandemic-era reductions.
• A long-term comparison shows a 5.4 percent decrease in emissions from 2018 levels, though the recent upward trend is a cause for concern.

Sectoral Analysis and SDG Implications

The report details varied performance across key sectors, with direct implications for several Sustainable Development Goals:

1. Transportation Sector: This sector was the primary contributor to the 2023 emissions increase, attributed to a rise in vehicle miles traveled. This trend poses a direct challenge to achieving SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which calls for sustainable transport systems, and undermines progress on SDG 13 (Climate Action).
2. Buildings Sector: Emissions from buildings decreased. This positive development supports progress towards SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11, suggesting that energy efficiency measures in infrastructure are yielding results.
3. Electricity Sector: Emissions from electricity generation remained flat. While not an increase, this stagnation indicates a critical area for improvement. Accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources is essential for making meaningful progress on SDG 7 and the overarching climate goals of SDG 13.

Conclusion

The inconsistent trend in Rhode Island’s emissions underscores the urgency of implementing more aggressive and targeted strategies. To meet its climate obligations and contribute effectively to the global Sustainable Development Goals, the state must focus on decarbonizing the transportation sector and accelerating the adoption of clean energy solutions across all sectors. The current trajectory jeopardizes the state’s ability to fulfill its commitments under SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to climate change, energy, and urban living. The primary SDGs connected to the issues are:

   • SDG 13: Climate Action: The core theme of the article is Rhode Island’s struggle to meet its “climate targets” due to rising “greenhouse gas inventory.” This directly aligns with the goal of taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The article specifies that the “transportation sector was the main cause” of the emissions increase and also mentions that “building emissions fell.” These elements are central to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, particularly concerning their environmental impact.
   • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: The article notes that “electricity emissions remained flat.” This connects to the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, as the emissions from electricity generation are a key component of this goal.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the article’s focus, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. The article’s entire premise revolves around Rhode Island’s state-level climate targets and the release of a “greenhouse gas inventory” to track progress, which is a direct implementation of this target at a sub-national level.
   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities. The article’s analysis of emissions from key urban sectors—transportation and buildings—directly relates to this target. The finding that the “transportation sector was the main cause of 2023’s increase” highlights a key challenge in reducing the environmental impact of urban areas.
   • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. The mention that “building emissions fell” implies improvements in energy efficiency in the building sector. Similarly, the fact that “electricity emissions remained flat” despite other changes points to efforts or trends in energy efficiency and the energy mix within the electricity sector.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   Yes, the article mentions and implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

   • Indicator for Target 13.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions. The article is based on a “new greenhouse gas inventory” and explicitly states emission figures, such as a “1.4 percent” increase and being “1.5 percent higher than 2019’s.” This directly corresponds to the measurement of total greenhouse gas emissions (related to official indicator 13.2.2).
   • Indicators for Target 11.6: Emissions from specific urban sectors. The article breaks down emissions by source, identifying the “transportation sector” and “building emissions.” This sectoral analysis serves as a practical indicator for measuring the environmental impact of cities. The mention of a “bump in vehicle miles traveled” is a specific metric used to understand and track transportation emissions.
   • Indicators for Target 7.3: Sector-specific energy consumption/emissions. The article’s data on falling “building emissions” and flat “electricity emissions” act as proxy indicators for energy efficiency. A decrease in emissions from buildings, for example, suggests a lower energy intensity or a shift to cleaner energy sources, both of which are components of energy efficiency improvements.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 13: Climate Action	13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies, strategies and planning.	Total greenhouse gas emissions (explicitly mentioned as “greenhouse gas inventory” and percentage changes in emissions).
   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.	Emissions from the transportation and building sectors; Vehicle miles traveled.
   SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy	7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.	Sector-specific emissions data (falling building emissions, flat electricity emissions) as a proxy for energy efficiency.

Source: eenews.net