We need a new approach to cutting greenhouse gas emissions: and it’s all about innovation – The European Sting – Critical News & Insights on European Politics, Economy, Foreign Affairs, Business & Technology – europeansting.com

This is why the IPCC’s LED scenario is so important: it focuses on new, smart ways of delivering what we need and not just on how current production systems should be improved. An example of a traditional reduction approach is the airline industry seeking to reduce the emissions from business travel by replacing hydrocarbon aviation fuel with biofuels. The transformative solution approach would be to question the need for physical meetings and to consider alternatives to flying such as train travel and virtual meetings to enable the radical and fast reductions needed.

At the heart of the methodology is a comparison between two life-cycle assessments. First, the emissions from the existing system are assessed, including the underlying infrastructure where relevant; then the emissions from the new way of providing the service using a new solution is assessed, together with the rebound effects. The difference in emissions between the two scenarios is known as avoided emissions. The avoided emissions assessment can be used to inform strategic decisions, enabling the comparison of different options according to their reduction potential.

5. Producing climate-friendly food (Gigafood, Sweden) – A restaurant and catering service that serves low emissions products. All their dishes are certified with WWF’s label, One Planet Plate, which means they are climate-smart and have a climate impact within the limits of the planet. All its catering is delivered by cargo bike and its packaging materials are ecologically sustainable. Estimated GHG reduction potential of 152 megatonnes CO2e per year by 2030.

Many large companies are already assessing the impact of their products and services (Scope 4 emissions) in response to consumer awareness. The framework offers a mechanism to move beyond assessing emissions from operations and the supply chain (Scope 1 to 3 emissions) to a comparison of transformative approaches to the products and services that are being supplied. It also enables financial organizations to identify investment opportunities that align with the IPCC 1.5°C scenario.

At COP25, the framework team will present disruptive innovations from Sweden, Chile, India and other Mission Innovation members with the potential to avoid more than three gigatonnes of emissions. This work is led by led by Sweden in collaboration with the Solar and Energy Innovation Committee in Chile and an international team from participating Mission Innovation members. The identification of potential innovators and users of the framework is done with leading organizations engaged in a solutions agenda around the world.

We want COP25 to send a message that the transition to a low-carbon society is an exciting journey to the future, rather than a cumbersome commitment. Let’s make COP25 the first UN Climate Change Conference focused on exciting and innovative solution providers.