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Energy requirements and carbon emissions for a low-carbon energy transition

Environmental Studies and Forestry

Energy requirements and carbon emissions for a low-carbon energy transition

A. Slameršak, G. Kallis, et al.

This research investigates the energy requirements and emissions associated with 14 low-carbon mitigation pathways required to meet the Paris Agreement goals. Conducted by Aljoša Slameršak, Giorgos Kallis, and Daniel W. O'Neill, the study reveals an initial net energy decline and significant transition emissions that could consume the remaining global emissions budget by 2050. Discover how energy modeling can shape our future pathways!

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Playback language: English
Abstract
Achieving the Paris Agreement necessitates massive low-carbon energy deployment. However, constructing, operating, and maintaining this system requires substantial energy, much of it from fossil fuels. This study calculates energy requirements and emissions for 14 mitigation pathways compatible with 1.5 °C warming. The initial transition likely causes a 10–34% net energy decline for society. Transition emissions are substantial (70–395 GtCO2, averaging 195 GtCO2), increasing the energy system's emissions share from 10% to 27% by 2050, potentially consuming the entire remaining emissions budget in some cases. The study suggests explicitly modeling energy system requirements and emissions in future low-carbon pathways.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Nov 14, 2022
Authors
Aljoša Slameršak, Giorgos Kallis, Daniel W. O'Neill
Tags
Paris Agreement
low-carbon energy
mitigation pathways
energy emissions
1.5 °C warming
energy transition
fossil fuels
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