Key Drivers and Trends of Urban Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emission trends from urban energy systems and the drivers of urban energy-related GHG emissions. As much as possible, quantitative information on GHG emissions in cities are compiled and key insights are shared on why and how they vary within and across cities. Place-based case studies from global cities are also used to provide relevant context. Although this section is not intended to replace a comprehensive literature review or the wealth of research and information developed and under development, it does aim to gather the current state of knowledge on urban GHG drivers. The synthesis is organized into five sections reflecting current knowledge on urban energy-related GHG emissions: (1) drivers, (2) trends, (3) potential transitions, (4) accounting, and (5) governance. Such background helps to explore three principal questions: (1) What are the drivers and variances for these GHG emissions? (2) What are the sources and types of GHG emissions as a result of urban energy systems and their transitions? (3) What role do various societal actors and governance systems have in shaping transitions in urban energy and GHG emissions?