• Focus Area -
  • Type Commentary
  • Date 13 January 2020
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Abstract

The United Kingdom’s decision to aim for net zero emissions by 2050 and to enshrine it in law raises the bar for global policymakers as the world seeks to limit the impact of climate change. A recent European Commission paper outlined policy pathways toward carbon neutrality by 2050, but European governments are still at loggerheads as to whether to adopt the target. Climate experts highlight the urgency of cutting carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 if global warming is to be restricted to 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels.

Authors

Paul Mollet

Paul Mollet

Research Fellow Paul was a research fellow in the Policy and Decision Sciences program. He is a former journalist and energy market… Paul was a research fellow in the Policy and Decision Sciences program. He is a former journalist and energy market analyst with over 25 years of experience in international energy markets. He opened the first Gulf Cooperation Council bureau for the oil price reporting agency S&P Global Platts in Dubai in 1989 and later launched the first regional office for Argus Media. Paul has attended numerous OPEC meetings and written extensively about the oil industry in publications such as Platts Oilgram News, Argus Global Markets, and the Petroleum Economist. He was also the senior advisor to the Secretary-General at the World Energy Council (WEC).    

Wolfgang Heidug

Wolfgang Heidug

Senior Research Fellow Wolfgang is an expert on low-carbon energy technology policy with in-depth knowledge of the science and technology of CO2 capture… Wolfgang is an expert on low-carbon energy technology policy with in-depth knowledge of the science and technology of CO2 capture and storage, Prior to joining KAPSARC he was a senior adviser at the International Energy Agency in Paris. Wolfgang also has over 20 years of experience working with Shell International.

Paul Zakkour

Paul Zakkour

Visiting Researcher Paul Zakkour was a director of the consultancy Carbon Counts and a visiting researcher at KAPSARC. Paul has more than… Paul Zakkour was a director of the consultancy Carbon Counts and a visiting researcher at KAPSARC. Paul has more than 17 years’ experience in the field of climate change policy, regulation and economics. Among other work, Paul advised on the design of European CCS regulations in 2007/08 and on the UNFCCC’s CCS rules under the clean development mechanism in 2010/11. Paul holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Technology from Imperial College, London.

Eric Williams

Eric Williams

Former Research Fellow Eric has over 20 years of experience as an energy and environmental economist focusing on energy and climate change policy,… Eric has over 20 years of experience as an energy and environmental economist focusing on energy and climate change policy, energy systems analysis, and climate change mitigation and adaptation options. Eric was managing the writing and publication of a series of reports on Circular Carbon Economy to be delivered to the G20 this year. The reports are written by International Organizations, including the International Energy Agency (IEA), the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), and the Global CCS Institute (GCCSI). Eric was previously acting Program Director for the Climate Change and Environment program at KAPSARC. Before joining KAPSARC, Eric worked as an economist with the North Carolina Utilities Commission and was a consultant at the OECD. Eric has previously worked in the United Nations, academic research institutes, think tanks, and government.

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