# Decarbonization

Category: The A-Z Of Sustainability

## Short Summary
Decarbonization is the process of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the economy, particularly from energy production, transportation, and industrial processes. It represents the fundamental transformation required to limit global warming and achieve climate goals set by the Paris Agreement.

## Full Definition
What is Decarbonization? Decarbonization refers to the systematic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gas emissions from economic activities and industrial processes. The goal is to transition from fossil fuel-based energy systems to low-carbon or zero-carbon alternatives, fundamentally transforming how societies produce and consume energy. This transformation is essential to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. Scientists agree that achieving this target requires global emissions to reach net zero by approximately 2050, necessitating rapid and deep decarbonization across all sectors. Key Decarbonization Strategies Decarbonization encompasses multiple complementary approaches: Renewable energy transition - Replacing fossil fuels with solar, wind, hydroelectric, and other renewable sources for electricity generation Energy efficiency - Reducing energy consumption through improved technology, better insulation, efficient appliances, and optimized processes Electrification - Shifting from fossil fuel combustion to electric power in transportation, heating, and industrial applications Carbon capture and storage - Capturing CO₂ emissions from industrial sources and permanently storing them underground Circular economy - Minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency through reuse, recycling, and regeneration Sustainable materials - Substituting carbon-intensive materials like concrete and steel with lower-carbon alternatives Sectors Requiring Decarbonization Different sectors face unique decarbonization challenges: Energy sector - Phasing out coal, oil, and natural gas for electricity generation Transportation - Transitioning to electric vehicles, sustainable aviation fuels, and hydrogen-powered shipping Industry - Developing low-carbon manufacturing processes for cement, steel, chemicals, and other heavy industries Buildings - Improving energy efficiency and switching to clean heating and cooling systems Agriculture - Reducing emissions from livestock, rice cultivation, and fertilizer use while enhancing soil carbon storage Business Decarbonization Organizations embarking on decarbonization should start by measuring their complete carbon footprint across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. This baseline enables identification of emission hotspots and development of targeted reduction strategies. Effective corporate decarbonization requires setting science-based targets aligned with climate science, investing in renewable energy and efficiency improvements, engaging suppliers to address value chain emissions, innovating products and services for lower carbon footprints, and transparently reporting progress. Leading companies are discovering that decarbonization can drive innovation, reduce costs, and create competitive advantages while contributing to global climate goals.

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Source: Alectro Sustainability Glossary
URL: https://alectro.io/glossary/decarbonization
Last Updated: 2025-11-12