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. 2021 Aug 3;118(31):e2100008118.
doi: 10.1073/pnas.2100008118.

A framework for localizing global climate solutions and their carbon reduction potential

Marilyn A Brown  1 , Puneet Dwivedi  2 , Sudhagar Mani  3 , Daniel Matisoff  4 , Jacqueline E Mohan  5 , Jeffrey Mullen  6 , Michael Oxman  7 , Michael Rodgers  4   8 , Richard Simmons  9 , Blair Beasley  10 , Lalith Polepeddi  11
Affiliations

A framework for localizing global climate solutions and their carbon reduction potential

Marilyn A Brown et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. .

Abstract

Localized carbon reduction strategies are especially critical in states and regions that lack top-down climate leadership. This paper illustrates the use of coupled systems in assessments of subnational climate solutions with a case study of Georgia, a state located in the southeastern United States that does not have statewide climate goals or plans. The paper illustrates how robust place-specific plans for climate action could be derived from foundational global and national work and by embedding that research into the context of socio-ecological-technological systems. Our replicable methodology advances the traditional additive sectoral wedge analysis of carbon abatement potential by incorporating solution interdependencies and by spanning both carbon sources and sinks. We estimate that a system of 20 solutions could cut Georgia's carbon footprint by 35% in 2030 relative to a business-as-usual forecast and by 50% relative to Georgia's emissions in 2005. We also produce a carbon abatement cost curve that aligns private and social costs as well as benefits with units of avoided CO2-e. The solutions are affiliated with various social co-costs and co-benefits that highlight societal concerns extending beyond climate impacts, including public health, environmental quality, employment, and equity.

Keywords: carbon footprint; carbon neutrality; climate roadmap; equity.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interest.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
The achievable and technical abatement potential of 20 high-impact solutions for Georgia.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Carbon cost abatement curve. (Note: Abatement costs and potentials have ranges for some solution, which are highlighted by dividing boxes vertically and horizontally. Recycling has a range of both abatement costs and potential.)
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
The outcome of qualitative multicriteria assessment for selected attributes. Green, material positive impacts with few negative impacts. Orange, heterogeneity in the impacts across population subgroups, with some negative impacts that require attention. Blank, not material; not expected to have substantive positive or negative impacts.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 4.
Solution interactions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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