2022 IEEE Ad Hoc Committee to Coordinate IEEE's Response to Climate Change (CCIRCC)

Abstract

There is an unprecedented level of awareness of climate change and the role of decarbonization in enabling environmental sustainability moving forward. In particular, there has been a major focus placed on the carbon produced through electricity generation, as it is responsible for roughly 30% of emissions globally, per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). When renewable energy solutions are advanced very heavily, that raises the level of tension among competing interests. This needs to be navigated very carefully if we are to meet carbon reduction targets, which in turn need to be shared based on historical contributions and current emission levels. A nuanced approach to navigating this tension will see industrialized nation states collaborating with emerging economies to deploy a portfolio of solutions with low-carbon generation, storage and demand side management with advanced technology focusing on energy efficiency. To more efficiently facilitate the global shift towards renewable energy adoption, the below six areas should be our priority.