Introduction
In its effort to achieve Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2060, Indonesia continues to implement strategic policies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) announced that in 2024, GHG emissions were successfully reduced by 147 million tons of CO₂e. This achievement marks a significant step in the country’s transition to sustainable energy and its commitment to tackling climate change.
This reduction has a positive impact on both the environment and industries, encouraging green energy policies and the adoption of low-carbon technologies. This article explores the role of GHG in the NZE 2060 target, the 2024 emission reduction goals, key contributing factors, and global trends that highlight the contrast between Indonesia and the rest of the world.
The Role of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Net Zero Emission 2060 Target
Indonesia faces a major challenge in reducing emissions while maintaining economic growth. The NZE 2060 commitment aligns with the Paris Agreement’s goal of keeping the global temperature rise below 1.5°C.
GHG emissions primarily come from the energy, industrial, transportation, and forestry sectors. The government has implemented several decarbonization strategies, including transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, rehabilitating forests, and deploying carbon capture technology.
Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Target for 2024
The government aimed to cut emissions by 146.7 million tons of CO₂e in 2024 through:
- Reducing coal dependency in power generation by increasing renewable energy sources.
- Promoting electric vehicles through incentives and infrastructure development.
- Implementing low-carbon technologies in industrial sectors.
- Forest conservation and peatland restoration to enhance carbon sequestration.
By the end of 2024, the Minister of ESDM reported that GHG emissions were reduced by 147 million tons, exceeding the initial target.
Key Factors Supporting Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction
This success was driven by:
1. Transition to Renewable Energy
- Expansion of solar and wind power plants.
- Co-firing technology in coal power plants to reduce coal consumption.
2. Development of Electric Vehicles
- Investments in EV infrastructure and incentives.
3. Government Regulations and Policies
- Implementation of carbon tax and carbon trading mechanisms.
4. Public and Corporate Awareness
- Adoption of energy-efficient practices and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in industries.
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Global Carbon Budget 2024 Report: Global Trends vs. Indonesia
According to the Global Carbon Budget 2024, global carbon emissions peaked this year, whereas Indonesia showed a declining trend. Key differentiating factors for Indonesia include:
- Investment in renewable energy to replace fossil fuels.
- Reduction in coal consumption in the power generation sector.
- Aggressive tax and incentive policies to support green energy.
- Forest and peatland restoration as natural carbon sinks.
This trend offers optimism that Indonesia may achieve NZE ahead of schedule.
Conclusion
The reduction of 147 million tons of GHG emissions in 2024 demonstrates Indonesia’s strong commitment to achieving NZE 2060. With the right policies, energy transition strategies, and public awareness, Indonesia proves that economic growth and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Challenges remain, such as clean energy infrastructure development and public education. However, this positive trend positions Indonesia as a model for developing countries in sustainable energy transition.
Moving forward, collaboration between the government, industries, and society will be crucial to maintaining this momentum toward a low-carbon future.
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