Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

This chapter focuses on carbon abatement both natural and anthropogenic. It explores the ways in which greenhouse gases, and carbon dioxide in particular, are stored in the terrestrial and ocean environments. Options to enhance some of these natural processes, some at the exploratory stage, are discussed along with the need for caution when dealing with a complex global issue like climate change. Existing and new low-carbon technologies have helped decarbonise the electricity generation sector in many parts of the world. The unforeseen benefits of the older low-carbon technologies are discussed alongside the new renewables that have made major inroads in energy markets. New storage technologies are also discussed since they are needed to facilitate greater use of renewables and, in this way, contribute even more to the low-carbon transition. A wide range of incentives has been used to encourage decarbonisation of economies and the relative merits of these are discussed. The benefits of the decarbonisation of the energy sector for the individual, the ready availability of energy efficiency measures, and the emergence of new technologies are highlighted.