UCL: Evidence supports urgent action to halve emissions by 2030

Released today, the report assesses the literature on the scientific, technological, environmental, economic and social aspects of climate change mitigation.

The report found that limiting global warming will require major transitions in the energy sector, including a substantial reduction in fossil fuel use, widespread electrification, improved energy efficiency, and use of alternative fuels, such as hydrogen.

Coordinating Lead Author for Chapter 1 (Introduction and Framing), Professor Michael Grubb (UCL Institute of Sustainable Resources and UCL Energy Institute) said: “The IPCC Report on Mitigating Climate Change, published today, offers a picture of ‘glass empty, half full’ – with slow progress at the global level, but clear potential to fill the glass of sustainable energy and land use much more rapidly.

“To date, global progress to cut emissions is not enough to meet the Paris goals, but there are tangible signs of progress – with growing numbers of countries having sustained emission reductions, and the advent of cheap renewables that will power electric vehicles, heat pumps and other smart, emissions-free technology.

“Accelerating progress at the pace required is possible, but far from given: it will all come down to whether governments deepen and broaden the policies that have started to work, including international support for clean investment in developing countries still struggling with the impacts and aftermath of Covid-19.”

In the scenarios assessed, limiting warming to 1.5°C requires emissions of greenhouses gasses to peak by 2025 at the latest, with reductions of 43% by 2030. This would also need to be coupled with reductions in methane – a potent greenhouse gas – by around a third.

For global temperatures to stabilise, carbon dioxide emissions will need to reach net zero – and to limit warming to 1.5°C, net zero emissions will need to be met globally by the early 2050s.

While the report contains stark warnings, the authors note that there is increasing evidence of climate action, with the rate of growth of annual greenhouse gas emissions slowing between 2010-2019. Other promising findings include sustained decreases of up to 85% in the cost of solar wind energy – as well as the introduction of policies and laws which have enhanced energy efficiency, reduced deforestation rates, and sped up the use of renewable energy.