High-emitting sectors like steel, cement, aviation, shipping, and trucking are responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions[2][4]. Achieving a net-zero economy requires a fundamental sectoral transformation, charting detailed pathways for decarbonizing these industries through targeted innovation and efficiency measures[2]. This article focuses on the strategies and approaches necessary to drive this critical sectoral shift.
The Urgency of Sectoral Decarbonization
These high-emitting sectors account for approximately 25% of global GHG emissions, a figure that could rise to 50% by 2050 if left unchecked[4]. Recognizing this urgency, initiatives like the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the Mission Possible Partnership (MPP) are collaborating to accelerate climate action within these industries[2]. Their joint efforts aim to provide companies with a clear roadmap for scaling climate actions and achieving emissions reduction targets aligned with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal[2].
The Sectoral Decarbonization Approach (SDA)
The Sectoral Decarbonization Approach (SDA) is a scientifically informed method that enables companies to set GHG reduction targets necessary to limit global warming to 2°C above pre-industrial levels[1][3]. The SDA allocates a carbon budget to different sectors, accounting for inherent differences like mitigation potential and growth rates[1]. Companies can then derive emission reduction targets based on their contribution to the sector and their carbon intensity[1]. A Science Based Targets initiative tool is available to companies to compare their target trajectory against sectoral benchmarks[3].
Key Strategies for Sectoral Transformation
* Technological Innovation: Investing in and deploying innovative technologies is paramount. This includes exploring solutions like:
* Green hydrogen production for steelmaking and other industrial processes[2].
* Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies[4].
* Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)[4].
* Alternative materials and processes in cement and concrete production[4].
* Energy Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency across all stages of the value chain is crucial[5]. This involves optimizing processes, reducing waste, and adopting best practices in energy management[5].
* Circular Economy Principles: Implementing circular economy principles can significantly reduce emissions and resource consumption. This includes promoting material reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing[5].
* Demand Reduction: Exploring ways to reduce demand for carbon-intensive products and services is also essential. This can involve promoting alternative transportation options, designing more durable and longer-lasting products, and encouraging more sustainable consumption patterns[4].
* Cross-Sector Collaboration: Collaboration across different sectors is essential for accelerating decarbonization efforts. This can involve sharing best practices, coordinating research and development efforts, and developing joint projects[2].
The Role of the First Movers Coalition
The First Movers Coalition (FMC) brings together leading global companies that are using their purchasing power to create demand for near-zero emission products and services[4]. By committing to purchasing significant quantities of these products and services by 2030, FMC members send a strong demand signal to producers, encouraging them to ramp up investment and production[4]. This approach is helping to accelerate the deployment of low-carbon technologies in hard-to-abate sectors[4].
Standardization for Progress
Standardization of operationally relevant pathways will make it easier for everyone to understand the progress made along the clear pathway to 1.5 degrees[2]. Rapid and deep cuts to value-chain emissions are the priority for limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C[2].
By focusing on technological innovation, energy efficiency, circular economy principles, and cross-sector collaboration, high-emitting sectors can achieve significant emissions reductions and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Read More
[1] https://sciencebasedtargets.org/resources/files/Sectoral-Decarbonization-Approach-Report.pdf
[2] https://sciencebasedtargets.org/news/mpp-and-the-sbti-accelerate-the-decarbonization-of-high-emitting-sectors
[3] https://sciencebasedtargets.org/resources/legacy/2015/05/A-Quick-Guide-to-the-Sectoral-Decarbonization-Approach.pdf
[4] https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/09/decarbonization-heavy-emitting-industries/
[5] https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/pre-read-transforming-industry-strategies-for-decarbonization.pdf
[6] https://initiatives.weforum.org/first-movers-coalition/lowcarbonsuppliers
[7] https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/en/business-areas/system-integration/energy-system-analysis/decarbonization-strategies-transformation-and-sector-analyses.html
[8] https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/climate/high-emitting-sectors-challenges-opportunities-low-carbon-suppliers.html