Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Possible in US by 2050, According to National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine Report Coauthored by Analysis Group Senior Advisor Susan F. Tierney
February 8, 2021
In Accelerating Decarbonization of the U.S. Energy System, a report sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, a committee of energy industry experts, including Analysis Group Senior Advisor Susan F. Tierney, outlined the technological and socioeconomic goals that could put the US on track to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This transition away from fossil fuels will have a positive impact on the climate, human health, and the US economy, according to the authors.
The report includes a policy blueprint for the first decade (2021–2030) of action to create a technological and socioeconomic baseline of success for the 2050 goal. In addition to offering specific decarbonization strategies and sector-specific policy changes, the authors emphasize the need for immediate action and fair and equitable public participation in decision making. The report suggests that decarbonization is “feasible and economic,” yielding revitalized employment (particularly in manufacturing) and economic and health benefits from cleaner air.
The report references a number of Analysis Group studies on clean energy and the economic impacts of different decarbonization initiatives.