Quest for net-zero emissions

The world needs to boost investment in renewable energy sources – solar, wind and hydropower – to avert catastrophic climate change, the International Energy Agency warns


IEA options for policymakers

Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS)
Announced Pledges Scenario (APS)
Net Zero Emissions (NZE)


Energy related CO2 emissions (gigatons)				Temperature rise (°C) 	
40 
30				34.16	36.27 	35.31	33.90		2.6 
20	20.50				33.64	26.72	20.73		2.1
10					21.15				1.5
0 						6.32	Net zero	
 	1990 	2000 	2010 	2020 	2030 	2040 	2050

Paris Climate Agreement: NZE is only scenario that will limit rise in temperatures to below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels


2020	Change in energy mix to achieve NZE

	Fossil fuels: 79%
Coal 26%	Gas 24%	Oil 29%	Other, nuclear, biomass 9%	Renewable 12%
4%		11%	8%	10%				67%

2050	23%
	Fossil-fuel demand must fall by 56%


Source: World Energy Outlook 2021, International Energy Agency
© GRAPHIC NEWS