Why Climate Policy Needs Long-Term Deep Decarbonization Pathways
Long-term Deep Decarbonization Pathways, as developed under the Deep Decarbonization Pathway Project (DDPP) are an essential tool for climate policy and the design of shorter-term climate strategies, such as the Intended Nationally-Determined Contributions (INDCs). Without such pathways it is impossible to know whether a country is moving towards deep decarbonization by 2050 to around 1.7tCO2 per capita in energy-related emissions or whether it is heading towards a “dead-end” from which it will be difficult to reduce emissions further after 2030. In addition to providing a framework for ensuring that short-term action is consistent with long-term emission reduction objectives, Deep Decarbonization Pathways (i) build a shared understanding of the three pillars of deep decarbonization (energy efficiency, low-carbon electricity generation, electrification of end uses and switch to low-carbon fuels); (ii) identify improvements in energy technologies needed to achieve deep decarbonization; (iii) identify investment needs and financing strategies; (iv) provide a shared framework for cumulative problem solving in each country; and (v) ensure transparency, build trust, and promote shared problem solving among countries.
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