Decarbonization

Decarbonization

The term “decarbonization” refers to the process of reducing or eliminating emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere. This concept is central to global strategies to combat climate change, as CO₂ emissions, mainly from the burning of fossil fuels (such as coal, oil and natural gas), are among the main contributors to global warming.
Decarbonization can occur through different actions and strategies, including:
Transition to renewable energy: Replacing fossil fuels with clean energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal energy.
Energy efficiency: Improving the efficiency of production processes, transport, buildings and household appliances to reduce energy consumption.
Electrification: Replacing fossil fuels with electricity in sectors such as transport (for example, promoting the use of electric vehicles) and industry.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS): Technologies that capture CO₂ emissions from industrial sources and store them safely, preventing their release into the atmosphere.
Reforestation and soil management: Practices that aim to improve the absorption of CO₂ by plants and soil.
Decarbonization is considered essential to achieving the goals of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5-2 degrees Celsius, as set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement.