ADVANCE key findings

Limiting global mean warming to well below 2 °C or even 1.5 °C relative to pre-industrial levels requires a major transformation of the energy system. The ADVANCE project has analysed this mitigation challenge in detail, from the implications of the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) to decarbonisation bottlenecks in energy end-use sectors, taking into account both technological as well as behavioural emission reduction measures. Our key findings are:

• The implementation of the Paris Agreement initiates a low-carbon transition for major emitting countries but an intensification of global effort is still required in order to limit global warming to well below 2 °C.
• The 1.5 °C temperature target requires reductions in emissions from energy supply and demand as well as removal of CO2 from the atmosphere.
• Renewable energy from wind and solar power has great potential to produce environmentally friendly and economical electricity supply.
• Technological developments promoting efficiency, electrification and use of low-carbon fuels are the key to demand-side emission reductions.
• Policies influencing consumers’ attitudes will need to support the energy transformation.

Policy findings from the ADVANCE project are documented in full extent in the project final report Deep Decarbonisation Towards 1.5 °C – 2 °C Stabilisation (first edition).