Thesis Archive
AN INPUT-OUTPUT BASED MODEL TOWARDS REDUCING THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF THE PHILIPPINES
Ramos, Czarina
Abstract:
In an effort to stabilize the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the Paris Agreement was adopted by 195 countries in 2015. The Philippines declared a commitment to reduce GHG emissions by 70% relative to the business as usual (BAU) scenario by the year 2030. With this, it is necessary to identify possible low carbon development scenarios. The strategies implemented in these scenarios include differentiated sector growth, reducing the CO2 intensity of electricity generation, and widespread electricity conservation. In addition to the potential CO2 reduction, the economic effect of implementing such scenarios must be determined. This study utilizes a fractional programming input-output model to evaluate seven scenarios with the objective of minimizing CO2 emissions per unit gross domestic product. The model parameters were calculated using official statistics, with the Philippine economy represented by 11 economic sectors. Aside from low carbon measures, the use of enhanced weathering as a negative emissions technology is also evaluated. This study is the first to assess the costs and limitations of implementing enhanced weathering in the Philippines. A methodology for the integration of negative emissions technologies into the FPIO model as economic sectors is developed. Carbon emissions pinch analysis is used to create graphical representation of the modeling results. The results of the analysis indicate that a maximum CO2 reduction of 38% from the baseline is possible through the combined use of all the low carbon strategies and enhanced weathering. Future work could apply the model to other economic regions and incorporate other NETs in the analysis to evaluate the allocation of resources at the maximum reduction of CO2 emissions.
Adviser:
Aviso, Kathleen
Tan, Raymond