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State Of The Climate

WWF: Climate Change Campaign


Cuts In U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Would Save $136 Billion, WWF Report Says

October 22, 1997

Car Tailpipe

WWF Also Releases New Opinion Survey Showing That Americans Support Unilateral Action By U.S. To Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions

WASHINGTON, -- A sharp reduction of greenhouse gases in the U.S. -- like carbon dioxide produced by the burning of coal, oil and gasoline -- would greatly benefit both the economy and the environment over the next decade, according to a report just released by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The study, "Policies and Measures to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions in the United States," by the Tellus Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, was commissioned by WWF in preparation for the upcoming United Nations summit in Kyoto, Japan on combating climate change. The anlaysts identified actions that would quickly and significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. below projected 'business as usual' levels starting in 1998. The report makes clear that real carbon dioxide emission reductions that could result in potential economic benefits are feasible by the year 2010.

Light Switch The study identifies policies and measures for cutting carbon dioxide emissions that are economical and offer an effective "climate protection strategy" to transition the nation toward the deeper, long-term emissions reductions that will be necessary to ultimately halt climate change. It found that cutting U.S. emissions by 10 percent by 2005 would result in net savings to the economy of $46 billion and by 2010 that figure would rise to $136 billion with a 22 percent emissions reduction. These net savings were calculated by comparing the present value of economy-wide costs to economy-wide savings from the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

"This report is a welcome antidote from the apocalyptic claims of some business and government leaders who insist that any action to combat climate change will result in economic disaster," said Adam Markham, director of WWF's Climate Change Campaign. "The message is clear -- cutting carbon dioxide emissions will not only help stop global warming, it could increase America's bottom-line."

The key policies cited in the study are:

  • Renewable Content Standards -- requiring increasing proportions of electricity and motor fuels from renewable resources through credit-trading market mechanisms;

  • Pollutant Emissions Caps -- limiting greenhouse gas emissions in the electric power sector through allowance trade systems;

  • An Advanced Vehicle Initiative -- introducing stronger fuel economy and emissions standards along with pricing reform, incentives and demand management to encourage the commercialization of clean and efficient vehicles, and more environmentally sound travel patterns;

  • Investment Tax Credits -- speeding the adoption of energy efficiency technologies for new manufacturing equipment through an incentive paid for by fees on energy purchases;

  • Regulatory Reform -- representing the economic and environmental benefits of industrial combined-heat-and-power (cogeneration) and the speed of its adoption;

  • Market Transformation Incentives -- that help move energy efficient products from prototype to commercial production;

  • Appliance and Building Standards -- reducing energy use in homes and offices;

  • Biomass Co-firing Expansion -- establishing a significant amount of renewable energy in the current electricity supply sector.

    In conjunction with the release of the policies and measures report, WWF released a new public opinion survey on climate change today. The new poll shows that fully 71 percent of Americans believe that the U.S. and the other industrialized countries of the world should agree to reduce carbon dioxide emissions irrespective of what developing countries do. Despite an aggressive fossil fuel industry advertising campaign, only 14 percent of Americans believe the U.S. should not agree to carbon dioxide emissions reductions unless all the industrialized and developing countries also agree to reduce their emissions. A mere six percent say the U.S. should do nothing to curb its emissions.

    WWF leads international efforts to protect the diversity of life on Earth. The WWF Climate Change Campaign is working around the world to raise awareness of the threats of climate change to wildlife and natural ecosystems, urge governments to take action to prevent climate change, and build partnerships with business and industry to find solutions to the problem.