IEA: World Can Reach ‘Net Zero’ Emissions by 2060 to Meet Paris Climate Goals

Global emissions can be pushed down to “net zero” by 2060 to meet the climate goals of the Paris Agreement, says the International Energy Agency (IEA).

For the first time, the 29-member intergovernmental group’s annual Energy Technology Perspectives($) report, the 2017 edition published Tuesday, maps a “below 2°C” scenario.    This shows how to limit warming to around 1.75°C above pre-industrial temperatures this century, roughly in line with Paris, which aims for “well below 2°C” and preferably 1.5°C.

The “well below 2°C” aim is “technically feasible” and the past three years of stalled emissions favorable, the IEA says, but the gap compared to current action is “immense” and the challenge “formidable”.

Carbon Brief runs through what is needed to change course.  This includes the early closure of most of the world’s coal fleet, incurring losses of up to $8.3tn by 2060.

Read more at IEA:  World Can Reach ‘Net Zero’ Emissions by 2060 to Meet Paris Climate Goals