City-wide greenhouse gas mitigation options to support global climate goals: case studies of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Rayong, Thailand

Abstract

The action of city on climate mitigation becomes a crucial role. The aims of this study were to quantify greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission, identify feasibility of mitigation options in selected provinces, and to evaluate the performance of local capacity to support Thailand’s Nationally Determined Contributed (NDC) and 1.5oC limit pathway. Three provinces, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Rayong of Thailand were selected as case studies. The results revealed that stationary energy was the greatest contribution to the city’s GHGs emissions in all case studies. Transportation was the second largest emitter in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, whereas IPPU was the second major GHG source in Rayong. Bangkok’s GHGs emissions were 41.25 million tones carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2eq) in 2015 and was projected to increase to 112.53 MtCO2eq in 2050 as in business-as-usual (BAU). To align with 1.5oC global pathway, Bangkok should set limits on their GHGs reduction for 94.98% compared to BAU in 2050. Stationary energy, transportation, and waste are high-potential sectors for mitigating GHGs emissions. Lack of financial supports and clarity regarding local government’s mandate and authority are limitations of climate policies implementation. In Chiang Mai, total GHGs emissions were 6.83 MtCO2eq. in 2015 and projected to 12.47 MtCO2eq in 2050. Chiang Mai need to consider limiting GHGs emissions for 91.38% from BAU in 2050 to fit with the global target, especially the implementation in stationary energy, transportation and AFOLU sectors. Collaborative governance at the local level is a key success factor in driving climate change mitigation. Further, Rayong should limit their GHGs emissions in 2050 at 0.90 MtCO2eq to achieve 97.50% of emissions reductions to achieve the 1.5oC global pathway. Rayong was projected to increase GHGs emissions from 21.25 MtCO2eq in 2015 to 36.02 MtCO2eq in 2050. Stationary energy, IPPU and transportation are high-potential sectors for lowering GHGs. IPPU sector could be challenge for driving climate mitigation policies in Rayong due to advanced technologies and long-term collaboration with private sector is required. Overall, this research suggests that national government has to provide technical and financial support, especially climate mitigation fund, monitoring, reporting and verification system. National climate mitigation policies should be more also holistic integrated and aligned with the roadmap of local policies in the long run.