Berlin 2014 – scientific programme

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AKE: Arbeitskreis Energie

AKE 5: Symposium Physics for the Energy Turn

AKE 5.2: Invited Talk

Monday, March 17, 2014, 14:15–14:30, Kinosaal

Energy transformation pathways towards 2^∘C stabilization — •Gunnar Luderer — Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, 14473 Potsdam, Germany

The international community has agreed on the objective of limiting global warming to no more than 2^∘C relative to pre-industrial levels. This goal implies a tight limit on the remaining cumulative CO₂ emissions budget, and thus CO₂ emissions have to become close to zero or even negative during the 2nd half of the 21st century. Innovative technologies play a central role in the quest of transforming global energy systems without compromising economic prosperity and growth prospects of the developing world. A variety of technology options are available to decarbonize energy supply, electrify end use and to increase energy efficiency. Nonetheless, many challenges remain. As an example, the integration of variable renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power is difficult, while other options, such as nuclear power, carbon capture and storage or large-scale biomass production face limited societal acceptance. Some energy sectors are particularly difficult to decarbonize, such as transport and industry. And foremost, climate policies and emission reductions pledged by nations are still much too weak to put the world on a pathway consistent with 2^∘C stabilization, highlighting political and institutional barriers to the low-carbon transition. Interdisciplinary research focusing on the interlinkages between natural sciences, engineering, economics and political science is crucial to deal with the challenges of the low-carbon transformation, and helps to derive robust policy strategies towards a more sustainable future.