Analysis
Decarbonization
Our position
Climate change is a chronic problem to be managed over decades, not an exceptional emergency that suspends the ordinary constraints of politics and physics. Energy transitions have historically occurred slowly alongside continued energy demand growth: societies move toward denser, cheaper, more convenient energy sources because they are useful, with carbon intensity falling as a cobenefit. Decarbonization is itself a byproduct of economic modernization. Setting unachievable net-zero targets and warming thresholds or trying to tax carbon are often self-defeating politically and socially regressive. To motivate decarbonization, we need to make clean energy abundant and cheap through public and private innovation and deployment efforts, aided by regulatory and permitting reform.
Start here
Three pieces the team says to read first
Decarbonization work
Research, analysis and everything we have put on the record: comments, testimony, statements, letters and endorsements.
Showing 7–12 of 18
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Statement
NEW REPORT: Advanced Nuclear Technology Will Provide Critical Climate and Energy Benefits to the Future US Clean Energy System
Bold investments in advanced nuclear energy will further technological innovation, secure US leadership in international nuclear markets, promote high-quality US energy jobs, and support national energy security and electric grid resilience, all while improving environmental health and accelerating US climate action
· Sean Trambley
Statement
Saving Palisades Nuclear Power Plant To Secure Michigan’s Clean Energy Future
New analysis shows that shutting down Palisades nuclear power plant would cost Michigan more clean power than almost all its wind turbines produce combined
· Sean Trambley
Statement
ICYMI-Breakthrough Blog: NRC revises previously issued subsequent license renewal for existing nuclear power plants
The surprising decision rejects long standing NRC decisions and undermines one of the Biden Administration’s key policy goals to reduce emissions
· Sean Trambley
Statement
ICYMI - Wall Street Journal: For a Clean-Energy Future, We Need Deregulation
Ted Nordaus writes how environmental protections from decades past are blocking the infrastructure urgently needed to combat climate change
· Sean Trambley
Statement
New Analysis Shows Clear Drop in Transportation Emissions from Pandemic with Increased Remote Work Opportunities
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) fell 40% at the beginning of the pandemic, but rebounded by last October — far quicker than anyone expected
· Sean Trambley
7–12 of 18
Who to talk to
Alex Trembath
Executive Director Email
Latest: The Faulty Logic at the Heart of Environmentalist Opposition to BAAJA
Seaver Wang
Director, Climate and Energy Email
Latest: The Faulty Logic at the Heart of Environmentalist Opposition to BAAJA
Questions
What does decarbonization mean?
Decarbonization means reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from sectors like electricity, transportation, industry, buildings, agriculture, and land use change. Decarbonization does not mean using less energy, but rather replacing carbon-emitting technologies with cleaner alternatives, including nuclear power, renewables, and electrification.
Why is decarbonization important?
Stopping the accumulation of atmospheric carbon dioxide is key to limiting further warming and its associated impacts. Solutions like abundant, affordable, reliable clean energy can reduce emissions while supporting economic growth and rising living standards.
How close are we to net zero?
The world remains extremely far from achieving net-zero emissions. In 2024, the world emitted nearly 38.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels and heavy industry alone—an increase of almost 1.6 billion metric tons of CO2 from five years prior in 2019.
What is an example of decarbonization?
Replacing a coal-fired power plant with a nuclear power plant is one example of decarbonization. Both produce large amounts of electricity, but nuclear plants generate power without emitting carbon dioxide during operation.