This report explores the implications of a central but often misunderstood fact: that limiting the extent of climate damage requires limiting cumulative emissions, as well as eventually achieving a net-zero end-state. It shows that immediate investments are needed - to both reduce emissions today and invest in the supporting infrastructure such as transmission, vehicle charging, sustainable urban infrastructure and efficiency - that will allow the United States to continue decarbonizing through the 2030s. With ambition matching the scale of what is needed, the US can decarbonize its economy to limit warming to 1.5°C.
As a companion to the report, the Sector-Level Strategies and Targets to Limit Warming to 1.5°C brief provides sector-level targets for electricity, buildings, transportation and mobility, and industry at the scale needed to meet the challenge of 1.5°C alignment. It also provides sector-level strategies.
The two reports are intended to serve as a resource to federal and state policymakers, advocates and organizations striving to contribute their part to limiting warming to 1.5°C.