Journal Article

Alternative pathways to the 1.5 °C target reduce the need for negative emission technologies

Harmen Sytze de Boer, Harmsen, Mathijs, van Vuuren, Detlef P, Edelenbosch, Oreane Y, Stehfest, Elke, van den Berg, Maarten, Doelman, Jonathan C, Hof, Andries F, Bijl, David L, David E H J Gernaat, Mariësse A E van Sluisveld, Daioglou, Vassilis

2018

Overview

Mitigation scenarios that achieve the ambitious targets included in the Paris Agreement typically rely on greenhouse gas emission reductions combined with net carbon dioxide removal (CDR) from the atmosphere, mostly accomplished through large-scale application of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, and afforestation. However, CDR strategies face several difficulties such as reliance on underground CO2 storage and competition for land with food production and biodiversity protection. The question arises whether alternative deep mitigation pathways exist. Here, using an integrated assessment model, we explore the impact of alternative pathways that include lifestyle change, additional reduction of non-CO2 greenhouse gases and more rapid electrification of energy demand based on renewable energy. Although these alternatives also face specific difficulties, they are found to significantly reduce the need for CDR, but not fully eliminate it. The alternatives offer a means to diversify transition pathways to meet the Paris Agreement targets, while simultaneously benefiting other sustainability goals.

• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• Subject: Afforestation / Alternative energy sources / Biodiversity / Carbon capture and storage / Carbon dioxide / Carbon dioxide removal / Carbon sequestration / Electrification / Emissions control / Energy demand / Environmental management / Food production / Gases / Greenhouse effect / Greenhouse gas emissions / Greenhouse gases / Mitigation / Paris Agreement / Removal / Renewable energy / Renewable resources / Resource management / Sustainability / Underground storage