A low energy demand scenario for meeting the 1.5 °C target and sustainable development goals without negative emission technologies

Grubler, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7814-4990, Wilson, C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8164-3566, Bento, N., Boza-Kiss, B. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4005-2481, Krey, V. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0307-3515, McCollum, D., Rao, N. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1888-5292, Riahi, K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7193-3498, et al. (2018). A low energy demand scenario for meeting the 1.5 °C target and sustainable development goals without negative emission technologies. Nature Energy 3 (6) 517-525. 10.1038/s41560-018-0172-6.

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Official URL: https://rdcu.be/SOJx
Project: Social Influence and Disruptive Low Carbon Innovations (SILCI, H2020 678799), Energy and emissions thresholds for providing decent living standards to all (DecentLivingEnergy, H2020 637462)

Abstract

Scenarios that limit global warming to 1.5 °C describe major transformations in energy supply and ever-rising energy demand. Here, we provide a contrasting perspective by developing a narrative of future change based on observable trends that results in low energy demand. We describe and quantify changes in activity levels and energy intensity in the global North and global South for all major energy services. We project that global final energy demand by 2050 reduces to 245 EJ, around 40% lower than today, despite rises in population, income and activity. Using an integrated assessment modelling framework, we show how changes in the quantity and type of energy services drive structural change in intermediate and upstream supply sectors (energy and land use). Down-sizing the global energy system dramatically improves the feasibility of a low-carbon supply-side transformation. Our scenario meets the 1.5 °C climate target as well as many sustainable development goals, without relying on negative emission technologies.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Energy modelling; Socioeconomic scenarios
Research Programs: Air Quality & Greenhouse Gases (AIR)
Energy (ENE)
Ecosystems Services and Management (ESM)
Transitions to New Technologies (TNT)
Depositing User: Luke Kirwan
Date Deposited: 04 Jun 2018 14:59
Last Modified: 27 Aug 2021 17:30
URI: https://pure.iiasa.ac.at/15301

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