What Is Decarbonization? Try It Yourself!

As the planet warms up, governments, businesses, and activists talk more and more about decarbonization – that is, the process of cutting down and eventually totally eliminating carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from our daily activities.

The latest report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change emphasizes the urgency for humanity to achieve complete decarbonization by 2050, so that humanity can limit the rise in the global temperature to 2 degrees Celsius.¹

But why is decarbonization so urgent, and why do 2 degrees matter so much?

Does the world have the means to ensure humanity will completely decarbonize, before it’s too late?

Keep reading to gain more knowledge about these critical issues, and to learn how individual action can help reduce and eliminate CO₂ emissions… you can try decarbonization yourself!

The Urgency of Decarbonization

The 2015 Paris Agreement stressed the need for humans to “limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels” ² to avoid severe social and environmental impacts.

Scientists have been warning us that even moderate increases in the global temperature can trigger domino effects that will gravely affect the Earth and, consequently, our lives. A new study has shown that these cascading impacts could already happen if the global temperature rises up to 2 degrees.³

One example is the melting of ice sheets in Antarctica, which can lead to changes in how water circulates in the Atlantic Ocean, diminishing rainfall in the Amazon and potentially causing the famous rainforest to dry up.³

If global warming is not limited to 2 degrees Celsius, humanity will already face several issues, such as:⁴

• A 29 percent increase in ocean acidification by 2050
• The ocean could rise 19.7 inches by 2100
• 98 percent of coral reefs would be at risk
• A significant rise in category 5 cyclones
• Global migration events due to extreme weather and environmental conditions

According to a report the Climate Action Tracker released in May 2021, the world is falling behind the targets the Paris Agreement set in 2015. In addition, current global policies setting the pace of emissions reductions could lead to a global temperature rise of 3.9 degrees Celsius.⁵

Nonetheless, limiting global warming to 2 degrees is still possible if the world manages to achieve complete decarbonization by 2050 and ensure negative emissions after that year.⁶

But how would that be possible?

Pathways Towards Decarbonization

Even if the chance to limit global warming seems to be slipping through our fingers, governments, businesses, and industries across the world are committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050.⁶

Ensuring energy efficiency is a core decarbonization strategy among organizations and industries. These have been aiming at energy-efficient appliances, buildings, cars, boats, planes, and industrial procedures.

The widespread use of renewable energy sources (wind, solar, biomass, and others) and phasing out fossil fuels is also at the heart of companies committed to completely decarbonize. As a matter of fact, renewable sources currently generate a roughly 33 percent of the global power capacity.⁷

The transportation sector also carries a big responsibility when it comes to achieving zero emissions. Because of that, many technological advancements have been favoring the use  of greener technologies – such as electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells – at a large scale. Likewise, banning the circulation of diesel vehicles and expanding the network of public transportation powered by renewable sources are targets.

Capturing carbon from facilities is also a strategy enabling decarbonization. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies can trap 90 percent of CO₂ emissions produced in industrial and power plants. Because many industrial processes unavoidably emit carbon, CCS technologies are seen as the only means to accomplish complete decarbonization in these sectors. ⁸

Besides these technologies applied to preventing carbon from being released to the atmosphere, complete decarbonization can be achieved by removing carbon from the atmosphere via strategies as simple as tree planting.

As trees sequester CO₂ during photosynthesis and store great quantities of carbon, they are great allies in the effort to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius.

Through 2030, tree planting can mitigate 18 percent of climate change.⁹ Young forests sequester great quantities of carbon as trees grow. Moreover, recent studies have found that the rate of carbon absorption increases as trees age. If deforestation occurs, not only the planet loses important carbon sinks, but all the carbon stored in the forest across years is released into the atmosphere. So, maintaining standing forests is also paramount to combat climate change. ⁹

Try Decarbonization Yourself

Governments and organizations have been taking action, developing technologies, and promoting the widespread use of cleaner, low carbon products and processes… but you can also play a large role in decarbonization.

The first step towards that is getting to know how much CO₂ your daily activities send to the atmosphere. Doing so is simple, as reliable carbon footprint calculators are available.

After you know the extent to which you contribute to global warming, you can make simple changes in your routine to ensure you will lead a less carbon-intensive life:

• consuming less animal-based products
• reducing food and general waste
• biking and walking more
• reducing your energy consumption
• powering your house with renewable energy
• replacing old appliances and light bulbs for energy-efficient ones
• shopping local
• purchasing sustainable items, keeping an eye on those that deliver enhanced environmental benefits – such as supporting tree planting and protection – beyond being organic and low waste
• buying carbon offsets. Carbon offset programs encompass any strategy that ensures carbon emissions reductions or removals from the atmosphere
• sharing knowledge on ways to fight climate change

Achieving Complete Decarbonization by 2050

Getting back on track to meet the 2015 Paris Agreements targets is possible. Across the world, many have already committed to decarbonize.

From impressive technological advancements to activities humans have been developing for time immemorial, many strategies are available for combating global warming and ensuring healthier ecosystems and lives.

The important thing to remember is that every human plays an enormous role in the effort to achieve complete decarbonization by 2050. It is only through an integrated, holistic approach that the world can eliminate carbon emissions and build a greener home.

So, remember you are empowered to exert a positive influence in the world every day!