What is decarbonisation?

Decarbonisation, decarbonisation or the phasing out of fossil fuels is about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and 11 November 2022 is Decarbonisation Day at COP27. Many countries have a goal of net zero emissions by 2050 in order to keep the temperature increase below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

There are two aspects to this. The first is about reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. In many ways, this means removing fossil fuels from energy production and electrifying as many sectors as possible. Although energy efficiency will reduce electricity demand, electrification will lead to a significant increase in electricity demand. Analyses suggest that electricity demand will be twice as high in 2050 as it is today. However, a 100% transition to carbon-free electricity generation will take time. As a result, there is also a need to absorb carbon from the atmosphere by capturing emissions and increasing carbon storage in farmland and forests.