What is decarbonisation?
Decarbonisation is the process of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by using low-carbon energy sources. It entails a greater emphasis on low-carbon emitting transportation and power generation, as well as a reduction in the use of fossil fuels.
Energy decarbonisation involves changing the entire energy system in an attempt to prevent carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere before they are released, by utilising renewable energy sources such as wind power, solar power, and biomass. This requires decarbonizing power grids, decarbonizing supply chains, and using carbon sequestration to achieve net-zero emissions and a carbon-neutral global economy. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel power plants.
Rapid decarbonisation is becoming increasingly important as the automotive industry electrifies, increasing demand for electricity. Greater energy efficiency is therefore becoming a primary goal in order to reach emission targets while also improving air quality and global temperature.
Decarbonisation Diplomacy
The Paris Agreement was adopted by 196 countries on December 12, 2015, at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP 21) in Paris, and it entered into force on November 4, 2016. By 2030, the agreement aims to reduce and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
It is essential that all of the countries who signed this agreement meet the global temperatures agreed upon unanimously. The UK government, for example, has committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Many countries intend to ban diesel vehicles by 2040.
Decarbonisation is an important tool that any government, company, or even individual can use to help secure a more sustainable, inhabitable future for everyone at a time in history when we need every climate solution we can get.
