decarbonering

Decarbonering, or decarbonization, is the process of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide, to limit global warming. It involves shifting away from fossil fuels toward low- and zero-emission energy, improving efficiency, and restructuring economies to emit less per unit of economic activity. Many nations aim for net-zero emissions by mid-century.

Key sectors affected include power generation, transport, industry, buildings, and agriculture. The core approaches are electrification where feasible, deployment of renewables, and the use of clean heat and fuels. In some cases, carbon capture and storage or hydrogen are considered complementary options, particularly in hard-to-electrify processes.

Policy tools used to promote decarbonization include carbon pricing, emissions standards, subsidies for clean technologies, research funding, and infrastructure investments. Regulations such as building codes and vehicle efficiency standards help drive emission cuts, while phase-outs of coal and other high-emission fuels remove incumbent sources.

Challenges include high upfront costs, technological readiness, ensuring reliable energy supply, and managing social and regional impacts. International coordination and transparent accounting are essential, since progress is measured in emissions across sectors (scope 1-3) and aligned with long-term targets.

Global decarbonization efforts are coordinated through mechanisms like the Paris Agreement, with countries setting national targets and roadmaps toward net-zero, typically by 2050 or sooner.