Growth-positive zero-emission pathways to 2050

This study explores the conditions for achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 and limiting global average temperature increases to 1.5°C by 2100, while maintaining economic growth. It examines the feasibility of decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions through increased energy efficiency, investment in renewable energy, coal phase-out, and deployment of carbon capture and storage technologies.

(Generated with the help of GPT-4)

The central decarbonisation scenario assumes ambitious global climate policies consistent with a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and no more than 1.5°C global warming by 2100. It is based on the SSP1 narrative, which includes rapid technological development, lifestyle changes, and strong policy support. Sensitivity runs test the impact of a slower coal phase-out and the unavailability of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

(Generated with the help of GPT-4)

The study uses energy system models (PRIMES, TIAM-UCL) and a macroeconomic model (GEM-E3-FIT) to assess the feasibility and sensitivity of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees with positive GDP growth. It considers the entire energy system, including emissions, and projects energy demand, supply, prices, and investment into the future. The models are used to simulate the global energy system's development, related emissions, and the macroeconomic impacts at global, EU, and national levels.

(Generated with the help of GPT-4)

Categories: 2021 publication year | 2050 time horizon | 2050s time horizon | English publication language | European Union geographic scope | Finland geographic scope Global geographic scope || carbon | carbon capture | circular economy | coal phase-out | decoupling | economic growth | economics | emissions | energy efficiency | environmentalism | global cooperation | negative-emissions technologies | policy mix | renewable energy | technology