Addressing climate change has become an urgent global priority, particularly after the landmark Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature increases to below two °C above pre-industrial levels. The growing recognition of the need for climate action has pushed nations worldwide to develop strategies for achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Achieving net zero involves balancing the emitted greenhouse gases with the amount removed from the atmosphere. Despite the commitments made under the Paris Agreement, projections indicate that global temperatures may exceed safe thresholds unless substantial and immediate measures are taken. While some developed nations have made significant strides towards climate goals, developing countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, etc., often more vulnerable to climate change, face substantial barriers in implementing effective strategies. This necessitates sector-specific interventions tailored to each country’s unique socio-economic and industrial context to ensure a sustainable path to decarbonisation.
While the benefits of achieving net-zero emissions are clear, developing countries face numerous challenges in implementing these strategies. The challenge lies in balancing economic development with environmental sustainability, especially in countries that rely heavily on fossil fuels for growth. Financial limitations, inadequate infrastructure, lack of technological expertise, and policy gaps present significant barriers to progress. A combination of robust policy frameworks, international collaboration, and technology transfer is necessary to overcome these hurdles. Financial support from international organisations can fund sustainable projects, while partnerships with developed countries can facilitate the transfer of green technologies and best practices. Additionally, there
We used a descriptive approach, relying on secondary sources to explore strategies for achieving net-zero emissions in developing countries. Focusing on the electricity and heating, transportation, manufacturing, and construction sectors, pathways to decarbonisation are examined. Through sector-specific analysis, practical and adaptable solutions are identified to support developing countries in reducing emissions and progressing towards net-zero targets.
Energy
The electricity and heating sectors are the most significant contributors to global carbon emissions. It is to be highlighted that the critical need for transitioning away from fossil fuels like coal accounted for 35 percent of global electricity generation in 2022. For developing countries, achieving net-zero emissions will require a comprehensive shift towards renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and nuclear power. Advancements in solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind energy technologies have driven down costs, making these options more accessible and economically viable for large-scale adoption. Solar and wind energy offer a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to coal, but the transition requires significant investments in infrastructure. Nuclear power also presents a low-carbon option; however, it comes with challenges, such as high initial costs, long lead times, and the need for robust safety measures. Developing countries must prioritise investments in these renewable technologies to reduce emissions from the electricity sector, which serves as the backbone of industrial and domestic energy use. Additionally, governments can incentivise using decentralised energy systems and microgrids in rural areas to improve access to sustainable energy while reducing grid dependency.
Transport
The transportation sector is responsible for approximately 16.2 percent of global emissions, making it a critical area for decarbonisation. Adopting electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative fuels such as bio-methane and hydrogen can significantly reduce emissions in this sector. Drawing on successful examples from countries like the UK, where the adoption of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) has gained momentum, we suggest that developing nations can learn from these strategies to promote cleaner transport options. However, the widespread adoption of EVs is not without challenges, particularly regarding the infrastructure required for charging stations and the environmental impact associated with battery production and disposal. Coordinated efforts are needed to overcome these barriers. This includes establishing policy frameworks that encourage investment in EV infrastructure, providing incentives for adopting cleaner technologies, and ensuring that the electricity used to power EVs comes from renewable sources. In developing countries, investing in public transport systems and promoting non-motorized transport options, such as cycling and walking, can also reduce emissions while improving urban air quality.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector, particularly industries such as iron, steel, and cement production, remains one of the largest sources of industrial emissions. The major strategies for reducing emissions within these industries are measures such as material substitution, enhancing production efficiency, and increasing recycling efforts. For instance, the iron and steel industries can benefit from the increased use of electric arc furnaces (EAF) and the improved recovery and reuse of scrap metal, which reduces the need for virgin raw materials and minimises carbon emissions.
The cement industry, which contributes significantly to emissions due to the calcination process, can adopt carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to mitigate its carbon footprint. Such technologies capture carbon dioxide emissions at their source and store them underground, preventing them from entering the atmosphere. However, implementing these strategies in developing countries requires substantial investment, technological support, and knowledge transfer from developed nations to ensure their effectiveness. Encouraging industries to adopt circular economy principles can also be crucial in reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
As urbanisation continues accelerating, with projections indicating further growth through 2050, the construction sector is critical in achieving net-zero emissions. There is a need to underscore the importance of integrating sustainable practices in urban planning, construction, and public procurement to reduce the carbon footprint associated with infrastructure development. Sustainable construction techniques, such as using low-carbon materials, energy-efficient designs, and green building certifications, can substantially reduce emissions. Strategic public procurement (SPP) can drive demand for greener construction practices by prioritising projects that utilise eco-friendly materials and sustainable design principles. Collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and civil society, is essential to effectively implementing these sustainable construction practices. Additionally, retrofitting existing buildings to improve energy efficiency can significantly reduce emissions in the built environment.
Achieving net-zero emissions requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors and stakeholders. We argue that establishing clear targets, continuous monitoring, and strategic implementation plans are essential for ensuring progress towards sustainability goals. It emphasises the need for governments, industries, and civil society to collaborate closely to achieve long-term environmental and social benefits. By adopting solutions tailored to the specific socio-economic and industrial contexts of developing nations such as India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, etc., organisations can optimise their operations, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making processes, thereby reducing operational costs and contribute to more sustainable work environments that prioritise both people and the planet.
In conclusion, short-term actions must align with long-term sustainability objectives to build resilient and sustainable economies. Effective management of change at both the national and local levels is crucial, as is leveraging global cooperation to meet ambitious climate targets. The integration of AI and data analytics into sustainability strategies can significantly accelerate progress towards these goals by optimising resource allocation and driving more effective decision-making.
This article is based on a chapter published in a Scopus-indexed book titled “Transition Towards a Sustainable Future: Net Zero Policies and Environmental Sustainability” by Springer Nature, Springer Singapore.
Chapter link:https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-97-5756-5_11#citeas
By: Dr. Rubee Singh
Faculty, GLA University,India & Post Doc (D.Litt.), Researcher, Kumaun University, India
Prof. Amit Joshi,
Professor & HoD, Kumaun University, India
Seema Rani
Research Scholar, Kurukshetra University, India
Prof. Vikas Kumar
Associate Research Dean, Birmingham City University, U. K
