Low-carbon economy

A low-carbon economy (LCE) is an economy which absorbs as much greenhouse gas as it emits.^[2] Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to human activity are the dominant cause of observed climate change since the mid-20th century.^[3] There are many strategies and approaches for moving to a low-carbon economy, such as encouraging renewable energy transition, efficient energy use, energy conservation, electrification of transportation (e.g. electric vehicles), carbon capture and storage, climate-smart agriculture. An example are zero-carbon cities.

It has been suggested that Hydrogen economy be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since March 2024.

Examples for methods to transition towards a low-carbon economy: Concentrated solar power with molten salt heat storage in Spain; wind energy in South Africa; electrified public transport in Singapore; and renewable energy sources, especially solar photovoltaic and wind, are providing an increasing share of electricity production.^[1]

Shifting from high-carbon economies to low-carbon economies on a global scale could bring substantial benefits for all countries.^[4] It would also contribute to climate change mitigation.