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Abstract: Many developing countries are acutely vulnerable to global climate changes. Pakistan ranks amongst the top of those nations where vulnerability index due to climate changes is very high. Though many of these are not major contributors to the Green House Gases (GHGs) emissions, yet they have adequate potential to mitigate GHGs in various sectors. The power sector, for instance, is one of the major contributors to GHGs in Pakistan and has prospects of abating GHGs by undertaking alternative and improving measures. The GHG contribution from grid connected power plants can be estimated through baseline emissions factor. This paper has calculated this baseline emission factor by determining annual fossil fuel consumption in the grid connected power plants, their net efficiencies, energy outputs and carbon emissions from each fuel source. The data in this regard has been collected from Pakistan Energy Year Book published in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and through related government agencies. The tools, procedures and methodologies of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are followed in this regard. The paper has calculated that the weighted average baseline emissions factor for power sector in Pakistan is 0.566tCO2/MWh (tons of carbon dioxide per megawatt hour) for wind and solar power projects and 0.478tCO2/MWh for hydro power projects excluding Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) grid and 0.606tCO2/MWh for wind and solar power projects and 0.505tCO2/MWh for hydro by including KESC grid. This baseline emissions factor is also a determinant of the amount of Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) that can be accrued by implementing clean Alternative and Renewable Energy (ARE) projects. The amount of CERs generated by an ARE project also have the prospects to earn the carbon revenue streams. The paper has also suggested measures for mitigating grid emissions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Backcasting is not a new concept for scientists dealing with carbon mitigation or climate change mitigation issues around the world, but could be an innovative idea for public, local, and national policy planners as they are so far only familiar with forecast scenarios for different issues and sectors. Defining a roadmap to achieving low carbon targets and explaining these targets in quantitative form as much as possible is known as backcasting. Plenty of computer-based quantitative models and tools are used to outline low carbon society scenarios in the Asia-Pacific region and implementations of such models are underway. This paper spotlights these quantitative models and tools which are used to achieve backcasting benchmarks. These models are critically reviewed for their functioning and real possibilities on ground levels and suggestions have been made to improve practical implementation in developing Asia. The study found that all these models are highly acceptable and applicable in Asian countries but actual applications are rare, with Japan as the leading country in implementing such applications, followed by Malaysia. Estimation of CO2 sinks, open availability, and energy service demands (built-in option) are major weaknesses of the models. We also concluded that these computer-based quantitative models are helpful for almost all of the countries of the Asia-Pacific region facing such issues as data limitation, fewer resources, and lack of government participation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cities occupy 2% of the earth's surface but their inhabitants consume 75% of the world's energy resources. Under certain conditions, the heat from solar radiation and different urban activities can make city temperatures rise in certain areas, simply because of the way in which a city is structured. This effect is known as the urban heat island (UHI). This article provides a review of recent research on the urban heat island as well as of the strategies that can be applied to mitigate its adverse effects. Such strategies can be applied in the project design phase of urban planning and thus directly affect city temperatures on a local scale. The elements analyzed in this paper include green spaces, trees, albedo, pavement surfaces, vegetation, as well as building types and materials. The discussion of this research clearly reflects the impact of urban morphology on local temperatures and how urban design can be modified to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. This study is useful for professionals who are responsible for decision-making during the design phase of urban planning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Climate change has become the most globally concerned environmental issue. As the world's largest carbon dioxide emitter and primary energy consumer, China has strong incentives to change its coal-dominated electricity structure. Various renewable powers such as wind and solar are suitable and necessary options for carbon emission reduction. The 12th Five-Year (2011–2015) and the mid-term until 2020 are critical periods for the development of Chinese renewable powers. In this paper individual renewable electricity sources were introduced based on their characteristics. Based on the introduction, the targets as well as their effects in the medium and long-term were presented and explained; challenges China has to face in the periods were discussed in detail, and emphasis was put on hydro, solar and wind power, which is highlighted in the plans. Also solutions against these challenges were recommended. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Solar energy is increasing essentially to fortify energy security and mitigate CO2 emission. Although solar energy utilization on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) contributes little to the energy conservation and reduction of CO2 emission at present, it plays an important environmental role throughout Asia. Based on the solar energy applications mainly centralized on the solar cooker, the solar water heater, the solar greenhouse, and the photovoltaic devices in rural household, we analyze the sensitivity of climate change on the QTP, the potential capacity of solar resource on the QTP, the effect of solar energy utilization on CO2 abatement, the growth demand of solar energy on the QTP, and the roadmap of solar energy development on the QTP. From different scales, we summarize the adaptation instruments related to solar energy exploitation. Finally, the closely linkage technology, cost, knowledge training with supporting policies related to solar energy have been emphasized in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Carbon footprint (CF) refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide and its equivalents emitted due to various anthropogenic activities. Carbon emission and sequestration inventories have been reviewed sector-wise for all federal states in India to identify the sectors and regions responsible for carbon imbalances. This would help in implementing appropriate climate change mitigation and management strategies at disaggregated levels. Major sectors of carbon emissions in India are through electricity generation, transport, domestic energy consumption, industries and agriculture. A majority of carbon storage occurs in forest biomass and soil. This paper focuses on the statewise carbon emissions (CO2, CO and CH4), using region specific emission factors and statewise carbon sequestration capacity. The estimate shows that CO2, CO and CH4 emissions from India are 965.9, 22.5 and 16.9Tg per year, respectively. Electricity generation contributes 35.5% of total CO2 emission, which is followed by the contribution from transport. Vehicular transport exclusively contributes 25.5% of total emission. The analysis shows that Maharashtra emits higher CO2, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The carbon status, which is the ratio of annual carbon storage against carbon emission, for each federal state is computed. This shows that small states and union territories (UT) like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where carbon sequestration is higher due to good vegetation cover, have carbon status >1. Annually, 7.35% of total carbon emissions get stored either in forest biomass or soil, out of which 34% is in Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]