Net Zero Feature
100% POWER AND 0% CARBON –
ACHIEVING NET ZERO WHAT’S THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE ENERGY SYSTEM? The effects of climate change pose risks not only to the earth’s natural ecosystems but also to the security and livelihood of the people around the world. In its 2018 special report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) suggests that the speed and scale of the consequences of global warming have intensified faster than projected and concluded that in some parts of the globe, at certain times of year, temperatures have already risen 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, increasing the probability of severe weather and other conditions expected from a warming planet. These may vary by location and intensity, even within national geographies.
Following current governments’ energy plans under the Paris Agreement will lead to missing the CO 2 targets by over 70 percent by 2050 and potentially to a global warming of up to 2.5°C. SO, WHAT DOES NET ZERO ACTUALLY MEAN? ‘Net zero’ means achieving a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere, and the carbon removed from it. To reach ‘net zero’, emissions from homes, transport, farming and industry will need to be cut. But in some sectors, like aviation, it will be too complex or expensive to cut emissions altogether.
Failing to act will result in natural catastrophes and changing weather patterns, as well as significant economic damage, supply chain disruption and displacement of populations. Therefore, the UK has set a world–leading net zero target, the first major economy to do so, but simply setting the target is not enough – we need to follow through with action. 2050 was also seen as the first realistic date for net zero emissions to be achieved, balancing the urgent need to take action with the inevitable impact on the economy.
Page 23 of study id83126 Climate change in the Anthropocene PROGRESS WITHIN THE POWER SECTOR However, by far the most progress we’ve made so far in cutting carbon emissions has been in changing the way we generate electricity. We’ve almost completely switched away from coal power generation and massively increased the level of clean, renewable generation from wind, solar and biomass.
From page 11 of study id83126 Climate change in the Anthropocene
A substantial reduction of energy and industry related CO 2 emissions is most crucial through a massive shift towards renewable energy and increased energy efficiency with carbon offsetting only playing a supporting role.
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