Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction refers to all the measures and actions taken to decrease the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. It is a central concept in the fight against climate change and an essential part of corporate and governmental environmental responsibility.

Why is emission reduction important?

Since the Industrial Revolution, human activity has significantly increased GHG concentrations in the atmosphere, driving global warming. This has serious consequences, including:

• Rising sea levels, due to melting glaciers and polar ice.
• More frequent and intense extreme weather, such as storms, droughts, floods and wildfires.
• Loss of biodiversity as ecosystems are disrupted.
• Pressure on water resources, affecting agriculture and communities.
• Negative impacts on health and the economy, including air pollution and heat-related illness.

Reducing emissions is crucial to limit global temperature rise, reduce climate-related threats and support a sustainable future.

Measuring the carbon footprint: the first step

To reduce emissions effectively, you first need to understand their sources and scale. This is the role of the carbon footprint, which quantifies the GHG emissions associated with a product, service, organisation or individual. Measuring it helps to:

• Identify the main emission sources.
• Establish a baseline to track progress.
• Set realistic, achievable reduction targets, ideally aligned with science-based targets.
• Implement specific mitigation measures.

Strategies for reducing emissions

1. Energy efficiency

Optimising energy efficiency across industry, transport and buildings is one of the cheapest ways to cut emissions. Key measures include energy-efficient technologies (such as LED lighting and electric vehicles), better thermal insulation and energy management systems.

2. Renewable energy

Switching to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro and geothermal is essential to decarbonise the economy and drastically cut emissions, especially from purchased electricity.

3. Carbon capture and storage (CCS)

CCS technologies capture CO₂ from industrial processes and store it safely, preventing its release into the atmosphere. Still maturing, they hold significant potential for hard-to-abate sectors and are one form of carbon removals.

4. Carbon sinks

Forests, oceans and soils naturally absorb CO₂. Protecting and restoring these carbon sinks, often through nature-based solutions, strengthens the planet's natural absorption capacity.

5. Behavioural change

Sustainable consumption habits also help, including reducing meat consumption, choosing local and seasonal products, and using public transport or cycling instead of driving.

Legal frameworks and international agreements

Emission reduction is a global priority, driven by international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to keep it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. To deliver this, countries submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) setting out their reduction plans and update them over time to raise ambition. Regional and national rules, such as the EU climate framework, set binding targets and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Reducing emissions is essential to mitigating climate change, protecting biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future. It is closely linked to decarbonization and climate change mitigation. At Manglai we help companies measure their carbon footprint and build a credible reduction plan. Discover how Manglai can help you.