IEA to Make Comprehensive Roadmap to Net-Zero Emissions By 2050

The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently announced that it will produce a comprehensive report for the energy sector to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

The new special report, titled ‘The World’s Roadmap to Net Zero by 2050’ will set out in detail what is needed from governments, companies, investors and citizens to fully decarbonise the energy sector and put emissions on a path in line with a temperature rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Dozens of countries – including most of the world’s largest economies – and many leading companies have already announced plans to bring their emissions down to zero by around the middle of this century. But much work remains to be done to translate these ambitious targets into actual reductions in emissions, said IEA.

Commenting on the development, Dr Fatih Birol, the IEA’s Executive Director, said that “the energy that powers our daily lives and our economies also produces three-quarters of global emissions. This means our climate challenge is essentially an energy challenge. The IEA is determined to tackle that challenge and lead global clean energy transitions.”

“Our roadmap to net zero can play a vital role in helping countries identify and implement the actions needed to achieve climate, energy security and affordability goals. Nothing short of a total transformation of our energy infrastructure will be required. That calls for decisive action this year, next year and indeed every year to 2050,” Dr Birol said.

The Agency further stated that, driving a stronger global consensus on the pathway to net zero will be a key priority for the IEA over the coming years.

It also intended to step up its work on global clean energy transitions in other major areas through 2021 and beyond.