Achieving Climate Goals: Strategies for Eradicating Poverty and Building a Sustainable Future

A recent study led by Jarmo Kikstra from the IIASA Energy, Climate, and Environment Program dives into how we can meet global energy needs while tackling poverty and climate change. Published in Environmental Research Letters, the research focuses on energy pathways that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.

Kikstra states, "We want to find ways to eliminate extreme poverty while also pushing for climate action." This means looking beyond just poverty; it’s about ensuring everyone can live decently.

The team utilized a new model called DESIRE to compare sustainable energy scenarios against continuing with past energy trends. A key finding is that sustainable scenarios could reduce the number of people lacking enough energy for basic needs by over 90%. This progress outpaces that of current trends.

Interestingly, the emissions required to support decent living standards are much lower than global consumption today. "Our findings show that eradicating poverty and caring for the planet can go hand in hand," Kikstra adds. He emphasizes that adequate growth in low-income countries is crucial and will need international support.

Shonali Pachauri, another author of the study, highlights three strategies for ensuring everyone has enough resources: growth, efficiency, and reducing inequality. She notes that it’s vital to enhance services and ensure resources reach those in need without waste.

Bas van Ruijven, also a coauthor, mentions that with proper planning, future energy needs could be one-third lower, while aiming for zero emissions. He highlights that integrating energy needs with global emissions modeling is groundbreaking.

The study underscores the need for effective climate policies. Without them, achieving even basic living standards is challenging. Shockingly, only about one-third of current global energy use is necessary to guarantee decent living conditions. This suggests that a just future is possible without exceeding climate targets.

In summary, Kikstra’s team reveals that providing essential services worldwide won’t necessarily harm the planet. Meeting climate goals while ensuring a decent standard of living for all is achievable, but it requires urgent action to cut emissions.

For further details, you can explore the full study: Closing decent living gaps in energy and emissions scenarios: introducing DESIRE.

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