Decarbonization is the process of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and is therefore an important part of efforts to combat climate change. This is also understood to mean an economic transformation of the energy industry.
In industry in particular, decarbonization measures contribute to a reduction in harmfulCO2 emissions. Decarbonization is therefore also a central means of climate protection. The aim is for the economy to become Co2-neutral.
Decarbonization measures are the switch from fossil fuels to renewable energies. Decarbonization can be achieved through a range of measures, including reducing fossil fuel consumption, increasing energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy. Companies often rely on low-carbon transportation solutions and promote the use of climate-friendly raw materials. It is an important step towards a sustainable future, improving not only the environment but also business success.
Development of CO 2 -emissions:
Co2 emissions are rising slightly worldwide. They currently amount to around 25 billion tons. According to the IEA (International Energy Agency), global emissions are expected to reach 43 billion tons by 2050.
The path to climate neutrality:
- By 2030, CO2 emissions are to be reduced by 50% compared to the base year 2018.
- Renewable energies instead of fossil fuels
- Use of green hydrogen
Global emissions are increasing. Decarbonization of the global energy system is therefore necessary to limit climate change. Heating and cooling account for half of the EU’s energy consumption and are currently 75% fossil fuel-based. Energy intensity can be reduced with the help of more efficient technologies and by changing consumption patterns towards energy-intensive activities and services.
In addition to the measures already discussed to avoid industrial CO2 emissions, there is also “geoengineering”, which aims to modify the greenhouse effect and improve the solar radiation balance by introducing sulphur particles into the stratosphere in order to artificially cool the Earth’s atmosphere.
Adaptation is undoubtedly an important option in dealing with unavoidable climate change. The main reason for the expected increase in CO2 emissions is the continued growth in demand for energy in the emerging markets. The IEA (International Energy Agency) expects global energy consumption to increase by 30% by 2935 compared to 2010. The global economy must therefore be almost completely decarbonized within a few decades. Only around half of the use of renewable energies is based on the use of traditional biomass. In total, only 0.4 percent of energy from wind, solar and geothermal power is used.
