Project Drawdown analyses and evaluates current climate solutions to understand what needs to be implemented to reach drawdown, the state where global greenhouse gases decline stopping further climate change. The report finds that if we pursue these climate solutions we can reach drawdown by 2050. The report utilises the Drawdown Solutions Framework which organises climate solutions by sector and by subgroup, within three overarching areas of action that will help lower greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Project Drawdown uses different scenarios to assess global efforts to address climate change.  Scenario 1 is ambitious and on track to reach Drawdown in the mid-2060s. Scenario 2 is bolder, with faster and more pervasive adoption of climate solutions, to reach Drawdown in the mid-2040s.

The three areas that call for action are:

1. Reducing Sources – bringing emissions to zero
2. Supporting Sinks – uplifting nature’s carbon cycle
3. Improving Society – fostering equality for everyone

As discovered by the team, Heat-trapping greenhouse gases are largely emitted by six sectors –

• Electricity Production (25%)
• Food, Agriculture and Land use (24%)
• Industry (21%)
• Transportation (14%)
• Buildings (6%)
• Other energy-related emissions (10%)

Reducing Sources

Electricity: Reduction in sources of electricity can be obtained by shifting production. The production of electricity must move away from fossil fuels to renewable resources.

Food, Agriculture, and Land use: By shifting diets and addressing food waste, the global demand for food can significantly drop. Better agriculture practices can also lower emissions from cropland and pastures.

Industry: Addressing refrigerants and better management and disposal of fluorinated gases is impactful in reducing the source. Using rather than discarding waste and replacement of material can also lower emissions.

Transportation: Shifting to alternative transport is an effective way to reduce the source of emissions. Similarly enhancing efficiency by making vehicles more fuel-efficient is also impactful.

Buildings: Shifting energy sources to clean alternatives can replace more polluting fossil energy sources. Addressing refrigerants and ensuring better disposal of fluorinated gases is also effective.

Support Sinks

Land Sinks: Land sinks can be supported by shifting agricultural practices to be regenerative. Proper use of degraded land, reduction of food waste, and shifting to plant-rich diets are also interventions.

Coastal and Ocean Sinks: Protecting and restoring ecosystems supports ongoing photosynthesis and carbon storage while playing a vital role in supporting ocean sink. Shifting agricultural practices along the coast and open ocean is also impactful.

Engineered Sink: Removing and storing carbon via Biochar production is impactful while supporting sinks in the environment.

Improve Society

Levels of education, access to reproductive healthcare, and women’s political, social, and economic empowerment must improve. 

Project Drawdown’s analysis determines that all of these climate solutions are financially viable and already scaling, at least in some places. But solutions do not scale themselves and means of removing barriers and accelerating implementation are required.

Accelerators create the conditions for solutions to move forward. Both accelerators and solutions must be aided by communication, education, experiences, and communities. They are essential to moving the world toward drawdown, quickly, safely, and equitably.

1. The best way to reach drawdown is by making the best use of existing climate solutions.
2. Many climate solutions can be combined, and cooperate to leverage or enable each other for the greatest impact.
   
3. Beyond addressing greenhouse gases, climate solutions can have co-benefits like creating jobs, fostering resilience to climate impacts, and bringing other environmental benefits.
4. The financial case for climate solutions is clear, as savings significantly outweigh costs. Overall, net operational savings exceed net implementation costs four to five times over an initial cost of $22.5–28.4 trillion versus $95.1–145.5 trillion saved.
5. Drawdown cannot be sought without simultaneously reducing emissions toward zero and supporting nature’s carbon sinks.
   
6. The climate crisis requires systemic, structural change across our global society and economy.
   
7. Key accelerators can create the conditions for solutions to move forward with greater speed and wider scope.
   
8. The majority of climate solutions reduce or replace the use of fossil fuels. Accelerating these solutions, while actively stopping the use of coal, oil, and gas is essential.
9. Some of the most powerful climate solutions like restoration of ecosystem, plant-rich diets, and healthcare receive comparably little attention. Looking beyond the obvious is important to reach drawdown.
10. Immense commitment, collaboration, and ingenuity are necessary to achieve drawdown for the generation present and the generation after.