Environmental Studies and Forestry

Technology availability, sector policies and behavioral change are complementary strategies for achieving net-zero emissions

J. Strefler, L. Merfort, et al.

This study reveals how technology availability, political coordination, and behavioral changes are pivotal for the European Union to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. With scenarios indicating a need for high CO2 prices, the research by Jessica Strefler and colleagues highlights the challenges of meeting environmental goals without crucial changes.

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Abstract

This study analyzes the impact of technology availability, political coordination, and behavioral change on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union by 2050. Using a global multi-regional energy-economy-land-climate model and an iterative stakeholder dialogue, the study finds that scenarios without behavioral change and with technology restrictions make the target challenging. High CO2 prices (€100-€450/tCO2 by 2030) are needed depending on the scenario, with the highest prices resulting from constrained technologies and lack of complementary policies or behavioral changes.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

Sep 30, 2024

Authors

Jessica Strefler, Leon Merfort, Nico Bauer, Miodrag Stevanović, Dennis Tänzler, Florian Humpenöder, David Klein, Gunnar Luderer, Michaja Pehl, Robert C. Pietzcker, Alexander Popp, Renato Rodrigues, Marianna Rottoli, Elmar Krieger

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