Full Title: Technology Availability, Sector Policies and Behavioral Change are Complementary Strategies for Achieving Net-Zero Emissions
Author(s): Jessica Strefler, Leon Merfort, Nico Bauer, Miodrag Stevanović, Dennis Tänzler, Florian Humpenöder, David Klein, Gunnar Luderer, Michaja Pehl, Robert C. Pietzcker, Alexander Popp, Renato Rodrigues, Marianna Rottoli & Elmar Kriegler
Publisher(s): Nature Communications
Publication Date: September 30, 2024
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Description (excerpt):
In this study, we analyze the effects of technology availability, political coordination, and behavioral change on transformation pathways toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union by 2050. We implemented an iterative stakeholder dialogue to co-design the scenarios that were calculated using a global multi-regional energy-economy-land-climate model. We find that in scenarios without behavioral change and with restriction of technologies, the target of greenhouse gas neutrality in the European Union cannot be reached. Already a target of 200 Mt CO2eq/yr requires CO2 prices above 100 €/tCO2 in 2030 across all sectors in all scenarios. The required CO2 price can increase to up to 450 €/tCO2 by 2030 if technologies are constrained, if no complementary regulatory measures are implemented, and if changes in consumer behavior towards a more sustainable lifestyle do not materialize.