Working PaperTechnical Notes

Emissions Reduction Potential

New Climate Economy

The New Climate Economy project has estimated the extent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions that could result by 2030 from undertaking some of the measures and actions discussed in our 2014 annual report Better Growth, Better Climate.

Authors

New Climate Economy

Overview

Dec 2014

The New Climate Economy project has estimated the extent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions that could result by 2030 from undertaking some of the measures and actions discussed in our 2014 annual report Better Growth, Better Climate. The measures selected for analysis, and recommended by the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, are ones that would bring not only climate benefits, but also multiple economic and social benefits. In many cases, the measures have the potential to achieve net benefits even before considering climate benefits. We estimate the potential emission reductions of undertaking these measures at 14–24 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Gt CO2e). This would narrow the gap between a baseline emissions pathway and one compatible with a two-thirds chance of keeping global average warming below 2°C by at least 50% in 2030, and potentially by as much as 90%. The range is large, reflecting uncertainties about the feasible rate of implementation and the conditions that influence future emissions levels, as well as costs and benefits.  

 

Associated graphics

Cost-effective abatement potential by 2030 from reducing coal use

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