Chemistry-Based Solutions Could Cut Global CO2 Emissions by One Quarter by 2050, New Report Shows

Madrid, Spain (December 2, 2019) – On the occasion of the UN Climate Change Conference COP 25, the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) released its latest study “Enabling the Future: Chemistry Innovations for a Low Carbon Society ” presenting a range of Chemistry-based products and solutions that will make a low-carbon economy possible.

This study, commissioned to KPMG and fors, identified 450 generic technologies, which can cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, of which 137 are highly feasible. The 17 solutions presented in the report, cover five key areas in which the GHG-saving potential of chemistry-based solutions is the greatest:

  • power generation and storage,
  • industry and production,
  • mobility and transportation,
  • nutrition and agriculture,
  • and building and housing

Combined, these solutions could lead to emissions reductions of about 5-10 Gigatons by 2050. This is about one quarter of the total world CO2 emissions today.

“When it comes to climate protection, one thing has become abundantly clear: The world is in need of a far-reaching transformation that pervades all aspects of society. The global chemical industry can play a significant role and be a true enabler. Its technical and innovative potential, both in its own field and through collaborations with other industries, is enormous in facilitating the transition toward a low-carbon society” said Nobuyuki Kawashima, Chairman ICCA Energy and Climate Change Leadership Group.

To learn more about the chemical industry’s contributions to reducing emissions and to download a free copy of this report, visit icca-chem.org. To learn more about ICCA’s contributions to the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) visit www.icca-chem.org/SDGs.