Keeping 1.5°C Alive: Closing the Gap in the 2020s
|
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
On 30 September 2021, the Energy Transitions Commission (ETC) set out the actions which nations and companies could take during the 2020s to deliver the Paris agreement and limit global warming to 1.5°C. The ETC is a global coalition of leaders from across the energy landscape committed to achieving net zero emissions by the middle of the century.
[edit] Six action items
Keeping 1.5°C Alive: Closing the Gap in the 2020s describes technologically feasible actions which could close the gap created by national decarbonisation pledges (known as Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs) that fall short of those needed to prevent global warming from exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. An additional 17-20 Gt of CO2 reductions and a 40% reduction in methane emissions would be needed to achieve that objective.
The six categories of action identified by the ETC are:
- Significant and rapid reductions in methane emissions.
- Halting deforestation and beginning reforestation.
- Decarbonising the power sector and accelerating the phaseout of coal.
- Accelerating the electrification of road transport.
- Accelerating supply decarbonisation in buildings, heavy industry, and heavy transport.
- Reinvigorating energy and resource efficiency.
The actions in the report might be achievable with minimal cost, and their adoption could spur further innovation and support green economic development. All six of the actions could be given impetus at COP26 via commitments from leading countries and companies without the need for comprehensive international agreement. However, two high priority actions – ending deforestation and reducing emissions from existing coal plants – will require support from climate finance flows from rich developed countries.
[edit] Related articles
- Climate Change Act.
- Decarbonise.
- Economic development and construction.
- Forests.
- Methane.
- Nationally Determined Contribution.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
Grenfell Tower fire – eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.