June 6, 2007—The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently released a report concluding that the world community could slow and then reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) over the next several decades by exploiting cost-effective policies and current and emerging technologies, according to an analysis by the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
The IPCC report emphasizes energy efficiency across all sectors: in buildings, transportation, and industry. It also calls for greater use of solar energy in buildings and biofuels in vehicles. In terms of power generation, the report points to both mature and emerging renewable energy technologies and also suggests a shift to less carbon-intensive fossil fuels and the development of carbon capture and storage technologies.
The report estimates that by 2030, another $20 trillion will be spent to upgrade global energy infrastructure, and investments to reduce GHGs would add at most a 10 percent premium to those investments. For more information visit the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Web site.
