The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published a new report, titled Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector, outlining a viable path to net zero carbon emissions worldwide by 2050.
The report warns that the path to net zero is “narrow” and would require an unprecedented transformation of how energy is produced, transported, and used globally.
The report lays out over 400 milestones that must be met to achieve net zero by 2050. These include:
- No new investment in fossil fuel supply projects from today
- No further investment decision for unabated coal plants
- Ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine passenger cars by 2035
- Net zero emissions target for global electricity sector by 2040
- Annual additions of solar PV to reach 630 GW by 2030, and those of wind power to reach 390 GW
- Ban gas boilers from 2025
Fatih Birol, the IEA Executive Director, said in Electrical Review: “Our Roadmap shows the priority actions that are needed today to ensure the opportunity of net-zero emissions by 2050 – narrow but still achievable – is not lost.
"The scale and speed of the efforts demanded by this critical and formidable goal – our best chance of tackling climate change and limiting global warming to 1.5 °C – make this perhaps the greatest challenge humankind has ever faced.”
Last updated 03 June 21