Decarbonization refers to the process of reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced by human activities, particularly those associated with the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. This process is crucial for mitigating climate change because CO2 is a major greenhouse gas responsible for trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming and other adverse environmental effects.
Decarbonization efforts typically involve transitioning to cleaner and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal power, as well as improving energy efficiency and implementing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. These measures aim to reduce overall carbon emissions across various sectors such as transportation, electricity generation, industry, and buildings.
Achieving decarbonization requires concerted efforts from governments, businesses, and individuals to adopt sustainable practices, invest in low-carbon technologies, and implement policies that promote the reduction of carbon emissions. Many countries and organizations have set targets and commitments to achieve decarbonization as part of their efforts to address climate change and transition to a more sustainable and resilient economy.