Decarbonization

What is decarbonisation?

Decarbonisation is the term used for removal or reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) output into the atmosphere. Decarbonisation is achieved by switching to usage of low carbon energy sources.

Decarbonisation is about reducing CO2 emissions resulting from human activity, with eventual goal of eliminating them.
The 2015 Paris Agreement set an ambition to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C – in part by pursuing net carbon neutrality by 2050. The substantial reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions (including CO2)  will limit the increase of global temperature.

In practice, getting to zero net emissions requires shifting from fossil fuels to alternative low-carbon energy sources.

Why is decarbonising important?

In response to the ambition of the 2015 Paris Agreement, many governments and business leaders have set targets and made commitments to reduce carbon emissions. Decarbonisation has become a global imperative and a priority for governments, companies and society at large, because it plays a very important role in limiting global warming. Many companies across all industries (e.g., in energy, transport, consumer products) have publicly declared their intention to become carbon neutral by 2050.

While progress is being made at global, national, sector and local levels, recent estimates suggest we are not on track to meet the Paris targets, and more must be done.

How do we decarbonise?

Decarbonisation can be achieved by decreasing the amount of CO₂ emitted across industries. Decarbonisation will require a fundamentally different energy system, by using alternative energy sources based on green electricity and green molecules (such as biofuels and hydrogen).