Liechtenstein’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC)

3.1 Quantifiable information on the reference point For its reduction target Liechtenstein will apply 1990 as base year. The quantified amount of emissions in 1990 is currently considered to be 228.7 Kt CO2 eq4. This figure is however provisional since the 1990 value will be fixed once the respective initial report is defined.

3.2 Time frame for implementation and scope and coverage Liechtenstein’s INDCs encompass a reduction target within a time frame from 2021 until 2030. The scope of Liechtenstein INDCs covers all sectors relevant to the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. The respective sectors and subsectors are based on the most recent IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories: Energy, Industrial Processes, Solvent Use, Agriculture, LULUCF and Waste. Liechtenstein’s INDCs cover seven greenhouse gases (as foreseen under the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol) and generally apply the base year 19905: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3).

3.3 Planning Processes The planning processes for Liechtenstein encompass the sectors mentioned above under

3.2. These sectors are addressed by individual sectorial policies which are guided by Liechtenstein’s climate strategy which will be revised in the course of 2015/2016. The strategy requires an interdisciplinary coordination of the focussed areas. The focus will be on the coordination of climate relevant measures within Liechtenstein’s energy policy, transport policy, environmental policy, agricultural and forestry policy. In addition to that the relevant CO2-Act will be revised in the course of 2016 / 2017 to reflect the targets for 2030. The EU energy and climate policies will also contribute to reach Liechtenstein’s goal within the energy sector on the long run. Within these policy areas Liechtenstein’s influence is very limited. 4 NIR 2014 (1990-2012) Resubmission 5 not relevant where reference level apply (e.g. forests) 4/5 4. Assumptions and methodological approaches The assumptions underlying Liechtenstein’s INDC are based on the possibility to achieve emission reductions abroad which may be accounted towards Liechtenstein’s reduction target in 2030.6 However, primary focus will be given on domestic emission reductions. The methodological approaches for estimating and accounting for anthropogenic green- house gas emissions and removals use standard methods. The emissions in Liechtenstein are calculated based on the standard methods and procedures of the Revised 1996 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (IPCC 1997a, 1997b, 1997c) and IPCC Good Practice Guidance (IPCC 2000, IPCC 2003) as adopted by the UNFCCC. 5. Fairness and ambition Liechtenstein understands fairness of its INDC within the context of national circumstances. As Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world its total emissions count up to 0.0073 % of the global total emissions. Liechtenstein’s responsibility in terms of greenhouse gas emissions is insignificantly low. Nevertheless per capita emissions of 6.1 tonnes in Liechtenstein lie within the European average. The overall reduction target of 40 % compared to 1990 corresponds to per capita emissions of 3.6 CO2eq. The reduction path is considered to be very ambitious taking into account the already existing very high technical environmental standards applied in Liechtenstein. Moreover the reduction path is well in line with the respective recommendations made by the IPCC in 2014. Liechtenstein stays committed to deliver its fair share within the international efforts to combat climate change. 6 To this regard Liechtenstein reserves the right to revisit its overall commitment if no internationally agreed rules are given. 5/5 6. Contribution to the objective described in Art. 2 of the UNFCCC Liechtenstein’s main focus for its contribution, towards achieving the objective of the Convention as set out in its Article 2, is to reduce domestic emissions as much as possible. Albeit Liechtenstein is already highly efficient in its energy use some costs for further reductions within the country would be unreasonably high. Therefore Liechtenstein aims at the supplemental realization of emission reductions abroad. To that respect Liechtenstein emphasizes to invest in emission reduction projects of high quality standards which besides the mitigation of greenhouse gases also lead to social, health and environmental benefits. Liechtenstein is of the view that encompassing domestic emission reductions as well as emission reductions achieved abroad by its INDC states the most effective contribution to the objective described in Art. 2 of the UNFCCC.