decarbonization and methods of decarbonization
- 2. • Decarbonization is the process of reducing carbon dioxide (CO ) ₂ emissions across various sectors, primarily by shifting from fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and natural gas) to low-carbon or carbon-free energy sources. The main goal of decarbonization is to limit global warming, combat climate change, and reduce the environmental and health impacts associated with CO emissions. This transformation is essential in sectors like energy, ₂ transportation, industry, and agriculture, which are the largest sources of greenhouse gases.
- 3. METHODS OF DECARBONISATION • Decarbonization methods involve reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide emissions across various sectors to mitigate climate change. These methods are often grouped by sector—such as energy, transportation, industry, and agriculture—and use a mix of technological, policy-driven, and behavioral strategies.
- 4. 1. Shifting to Renewable Energy Sources Solar, Wind, and Hydropower: Replacing coal, oil, and gas for electricity production with solar, wind, and hydroelectric power reduces emissions from the energy sector. 2. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Direct Air Capture (DAC): Removes CO directly from the atmosphere and stores it ₂ underground or utilizes it in products like synthetic fuels. Carbon Capture in Industries: Capturing CO emissions from industries, especially high- ₂ emission ones like cement and steel production, and either storing it or using it in other processes.
- 5. • 3. Sustainable Agricultural Practices Regenerative Agriculture: Techniques like cover cropping, crop rotation, and reduced tillage help capture carbon in the soil and reduce emissions from agriculture. 4.Reforestation and Afforestation Reforestation: Planting trees on deforested land helps sequester carbon as trees absorb CO as they grow. ₂ Afforestation: Planting trees on previously non-forested land can increase carbon sequestration and improve biodiversity.
- 6. Role of renewable energy in decarbonisation Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal play a crucial role in decarbonization because they generate electricity with little to no carbon emissions. Here’s how renewables contribute to the decarbonization process: • Replacing Fossil Fuels in Power Generation: • Traditional electricity generation using coal, oil, and natural gas is a major source of CO emissions. Renewables provide a clean alternative, generating electricity without ₂ burning fossil fuels, thereby cutting emissions from the power sector.
- 7. • Supporting the Electrification of Other Sectors: • Decarbonizing sectors such as transportation, heating, and industry requires shifting from fossil-fuel-based energy sources to electricity (e.g., electric vehicles, electric heat pumps). When the electricity used is from renewable sources, these sectors can operate with minimal or no carbon emissions. • Reducing Air Pollution and Improving Public Health: • Renewables reduce not only CO but also pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO ) and ₂ ₂ nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are harmful to human health. Decarbonization through renewables thus leads to cleaner air and lower healthcare costs associated with pollution.
- 8. •Enhancing Energy Security and Resilience: Renewables reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, strengthening energy security. Decentralized renewable systems, such as rooftop solar and community wind farms , also make energy systems moreresilient to disruptions. •Lowering Long-Term Costs and Supporting Sustainable Growth: As renewable technology costs decrease, they become more competitive with fossil fuels, making decarbonization more economically viable. This shift supports sustainable economic growth without compromising environmental health.