Green Tatwa Talks Ep 43 – Discussing carbon capture and decarbonization

Industrial decarbonization is challenging compared to other sectors but can be achieved if evidence-based strategies are designed to enable the development of new technologies, encourage investment in related infrastructure, and reduce other barriers that make it difficult for companies to take action.

Peter Taylor, Study Co-Author and Professor, Department of Earth and Environment and Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds

Decarbonization

Decarbonization refers to the process of reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, particularly in the context of human activities that contribute to climate change. The primary goal of decarbonization is to mitigate the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on the Earth’s climate and address the challenges associated with global warming.

Key aspects of decarbonization include:

1. Energy Transition: This involves shifting from fossil fuel-based energy sources (such as coal, oil, and natural gas) to cleaner and more sustainable alternatives. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power play a crucial role in decarbonization efforts.
2. Electrification: Transitioning from traditional combustion engines to electric vehicles is a significant component of decarbonization in the transportation sector. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels and helps decrease overall carbon emissions.
3. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Technologies that capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes or power plants and then store or utilize them to prevent the release of CO2 into the atmosphere.
4. Energy Efficiency: Improving the efficiency of energy use in buildings, transportation, and industries is a fundamental aspect of decarbonization. This involves adopting energy-efficient technologies, practices, and infrastructure.
5. Policy and Regulation: Governments and international bodies implement policies and regulations to incentivize and enforce the adoption of low-carbon technologies and practices. This includes setting emission reduction targets, promoting renewable energy deployment, and penalizing high-emission activities.
6. Carbon Offsetting: Investing in projects that remove or reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as reforestation or sustainable agriculture, can help offset emissions that are challenging to eliminate.

Decarbonization is a critical strategy in the fight against climate change, and many countries and organizations are actively working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by a certain target date. The urgency of decarbonization is underscored by the need to limit global temperature increases and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on ecosystems, weather patterns, and human societies.

Decarbonization has already begun, and the appeal of a fossil-fuel-free world is growing – not only because it would limit climate change, but also because it would be more technologically advanced, democratic, resilient, healthy, and economically dynamic.

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