The U.S. can cut its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% percent by 2050 with an “ambitious, but realistic, increase in clean energy,” according to a National Resources Defense Council report.
America’s Clean Energy Frontier: The Pathway to a Safer Climate Future says that such a reduction could be achieved almost entirely with tools available today. Recommended steps are:
More ambitious investments in efficient and/or electric vehicles, appliance, buildings, and industrial plants to cut energy use by almost half.
Dramatic expansion of renewable energy so that wind and solar power represent at least 70% of the nation’s electricity mix by 2050. This near-zero-carbon electricity would displace direct use of fossil fuels.
Lower-carbon fuels such as clean biofuels produced from sustainable biomass would be used for remaining uses that are currently hard to replace with electricity (e.g., airplanes, trucks, and steel manufacturing).
A stronger, modernized electricity grid would have to be built to better support renewable energy resources and energy efficiency.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 1, 2021
Cuomo proposes strengthened NY building codes to boost efficiency
Would apply to appliance, equipment efficiency and reduce water use.
Codes and Standards | Mar 25, 2021
N.C.’s Outer Banks’ communities struggle for ways to keep the sea from overrunning them
Tax hikes for beach replenishment offer temporary solution.
Codes and Standards | Mar 24, 2021
Perkins&Will’s D.C. office pledges to eliminate embodied carbon in commercial interiors
Firm aims to reach goal on all designs by 2030.
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2021
The 15-minute city may not work in much of North America
Segregated neighborhoods and car-centric cities may not adapt to the European model.
Codes and Standards | Mar 22, 2021
Think tank offers plan for new approach to reduce neighborhood poverty
Strategy uses more targeted approach to invest in low-income areas.
Codes and Standards | Mar 19, 2021
California city bans construction of new gas stations
Existing stations will not be allowed to add more pumps.
Codes and Standards | Mar 18, 2021
Congressmen ask Biden to tackle rising lumber costs
Rising materials costs and supply shortages threaten economic recovery, housing starts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 16, 2021
Massachusetts bill would mandate rooftop solar on new homes, commercial buildings
Proposed Bay State mandate modeled on California’s.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2021
Nevada may create areas for tech companies to form own governments
Legislation calls for ‘Innovation Zones’ that could become smart cities.
Codes and Standards | Mar 11, 2021
Los Angeles commits to carbon-free city buildings
City will take into account embedded carbon when contracting to buy construction products.