Decarbonization
Decarbonization is the long-term project of cutting the carbon out of how we power, build and feed the world. It is essential — but on its own, too slow to prevent dangerous heat this decade.
Scientific detail
Decarbonization pathways align emissions trajectories with temperature targets (e.g. 1.5 °C, 2 °C) by replacing fossil energy with low-carbon sources, electrifying end-uses and improving efficiency. Because of thermal lag and cumulative CO₂ persistence, decarbonization alone cannot deliver near-term temperature relief; MEER's surface cooling complements it by acting on the radiation balance immediately.
Related terms
Greenhouse Effect
The trapping of heat in Earth's atmosphere by gases such as CO₂, methane and water vapour.
Thermal Lag
The delay between emitting greenhouse gases and feeling the full warming they cause.
Adaptive Mitigation
Interventions that adapt to warming today and reduce warming tomorrow.
Climate Adaptation
Actions that reduce harm from a changing climate here and now.