IEA to produce world’s first comprehensive roadmap to net zero emissions by 2050

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is planning to produce what it claims will be the world’s first comprehensive roadmap for the energy sector to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

The new special report, The World’s Roadmap to Net Zero by 2050, will set out in detail what is needed from governments, companies, investors and citizens to fully decarbonise the energy sector and put emissions on a path in line with a temperature rise of 1.5^oC. It is part of a series of new IEA projects to support efforts to reach global energy and climate goals.

The new roadmap will be released on 18 May 2021 and build momentum ahead of the COP26 Summit in Glasgow in November.

Dozens of countries – including most of the world’s largest economies – and many leading companies have already announced plans to bring their emissions down to zero by around the middle of this century. But much work remains to be done to translate these ambitious targets into actual reductions in emissions.

‘The energy that powers our daily lives and our economies also produces three-quarters of global emissions. This means our climate challenge is essentially an energy challenge. The IEA is determined to tackle that challenge and lead global clean energy transitions,’ says Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director, IEA. ‘Our roadmap to net zero can play a vital role in helping countries identify and implement the actions needed to achieve climate, energy security and affordability goals. Nothing short of a total transformation of our energy infrastructure will be required. That calls for decisive action this year, next year and indeed every year to 2050.’

COP26 President Alok Sharma adds: ‘The IEA’s plan to produce a pathway to net zero global emissions by 2050 is another important step for climate action. This will make clear the actions countries must take individually and collectively to meet that goal.’