The world came together on June 5 to celebrate World Environment Day (WED) 2023, with a strong focus on addressing the urgent issue of plastic pollution and accelerating the transition to a circular economy. The campaign was marked by the powerful hashtag #BeatPlasticPollution, which aimed to raise awareness and drive action to combat plastic pollution and its harmful effects on the environment. In the act of fighting against plastic pollution, it is essential to recognize ways to minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its product lifecycle (cradle to grave).
Shifting the energy system into a more sustainable one is one of the key actions in reducing GHG emissions. Energy transition plays an important role in reducing GHGs associated with the lifecycle of plastic materials. Processes such as manufacturing and distribution require significant amounts of energy, and transitioning to renewable sources can significantly reduce the carbon footprint related to plastic production.
While national-level initiatives are crucial, sub-national efforts are equally vital in driving the energy transition. There have been important milestones achieved by sub-national-level governments to accelerate the transition in the past year. For instance, the government of West Java has been actively working towards promoting energy transition and obtained two awards from the National Energy Council (DEN) in October 2022 regarding acceleration in the development and implementation of clean energy.
The West Java government organized the 4th West Java Investment Summit in October 2022, which aimed to attract green investments in the food security and renewable energy sectors. West Java Province had achieved a capacity mix of 38.12% from renewable energy sources as of June 2022. To further enhance this progress, 24 renewable energy projects were offered at the 4th investment summit. The government calculated the USD 82 billion of cumulative investment needed by West Java in 2022–2060 for their electricity generation to be in line with the energy transition goals.
The West Java government acted as a pioneer and launched the Regional Energy Forum in June 2023. This forum aims to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders and ensure the successful implementation of the targets outlined in the Regional Energy Plan (RUED). By creating a platform for discussion and coordination, the forum aims to accelerate the energy transition process, specifically towards the increased adoption of renewable energy sources.
Considering the presence of over 400 plastic-related companies, it is essential for the West Java government to also prioritize industrial decarbonization. It is important because industrial decarbonization directly addresses the carbon footprint associated with the material manufacturing process. By implementing measures to reduce emissions and promote sustainable practices within these industries, the government can significantly contribute to mitigating the environmental impact of plastic production.
In conclusion, the celebration of World Environment Day in 2023 highlighted the urgency of addressing plastic pollution. One way to tackle the environmental impacts of plastic pollution is to reduce GHG’s emissions in their lifecycle by utilizing clean energy sources. Sub-national-level initiatives are vital to accelerate the energy transition. There are positive milestones in promoting renewable energy in West Java Province. However, with more than 400 plastic-related companies, the government must also prioritize industrial decarbonization given its direct impact on reducing the carbon footprint associated with the material manufacturing process. Continued efforts and collaboration are needed to further strengthen comprehensive sub-national commitments to ensure a greener and more sustainable future.
