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 325–330 of 502
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Analysis
Elon Musk and the Myth of the Lone Inventor
The Tesla CEO's Curious Opposition to Government Subsidies
· Michael Shellenberger, Ted Nordhaus
Analysis
Energy Efficiency: Beware of Overpromises
Rethinking Energy Efficiency's Privileged Place in Climate Strategy
· Jesse Jenkins, Michael Shellenberger, Ted Nordhaus
Analysis
World Energy Agency Exaggerates Climate Potential of Efficiency
Energy Consumption ‘Rebound’ Downplayed, Experts Say
· Breakthrough Staff
325–330 of 502
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.