Low-carbon economy

Examples for methods to transition towards a low-carbon economy: Concentrated solar power with molten salt heat storage in Spain; wind energy in South Africa; electrified public transport in Singapore; and renewable energy sources, especially solar photovoltaic and wind, are providing an increasing share of electricity production.^[1]

A low-carbon economy (LCE) is an economy which absorbs as much greenhouse gas as it emits.^[2] Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to human activity are the dominant cause of observed climate change since the mid-20th century.^[3] There are many proven approaches for moving to a low-carbon economy, such as encouraging renewable energy transition, energy conservation, electrification of transportation (e.g. electric vehicles), and carbon capture and storage. An example are zero-carbon cities.

Shifting from high-carbon economies to low-carbon economies on a global scale could bring substantial benefits for all countries.^[4] It would also contribute to climate change mitigation.