Introduction to the issues

A mix of economic policy tools and ground-up initiatives are required to achieve decarbonization. However, this report finds that no government is yet close to the kind of policy architecture that would enable its country to achieve the level of emission reductions that would play its part in achieving the global goals of the Paris Agreement.

Evidence on decoupling

The report finds that while the decoupling of emissions from economic growth is necessary to achieve zero emissions, it cannot alone be depended upon to achieve it.

Drivers of emission reduction

The report lists various drivers of emissions reduction, including renewable energy and resource efficiency, but emphasises the importance of policy in achieving widespread adoption of them.

The challenge of net-zero emissions by 2050

The report finds that achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050 will require the refashioning of fundamental techno-socio-economic systems such as the energy system, transport system, construction of buildings, food system, and manufacturing.

The IPCC 1.5 °C scenarios

The report analyses the economic output and structure, energy demand and efficiency, material demand and efficiency, use of low-carbon energy carriers and technology, negative-emissions technologies, land use, policy measures and implications, and costs of mitigation required to achieve the Global Goal of the Paris Agreement.

Scenario construction and modelling approach

The report uses decarbonisation scenarios to estimate the macroeconomic costs of achieving the Paris Agreement target. It also suggests central decarbonisation scenarios and sensitivity scenarios.

Conclusion

The report finds that significant action must be taken globally, consistent, coherent, credible, and comprehensive decarbonisation policies are required to achieve the low-carbon transition required to meet the Paris Agreement targets. The policies must be projected to be maintained over the decades that the low-carbon transition will take.