In 2022, the global average concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) hit a record high of 417 parts per million (ppm) and continues to rise at a rate of around 2 ppm per year. Atmospheric CO2 levels have been on the rise since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution; before industrialization, CO2 levels remained stable below 300 ppm for thousands of years. Today’s CO2 concentrations are the highest level in at least 800,000 years.
This rapid climb—largely due to human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes—has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges in modern history. Rising CO2levels contribute to climate change, causing detrimental impacts on ecosystems, weather patterns, and human health. It’s not too late to decarbonize, but successfully zeroing out new emissions and reducing atmospheric concentrations will require immediate action.
Rising greenhouse gas concentrations lead to global warming, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and the intensification of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves. The consequences of elevated CO2 levels are intersectional and impact communities disproportionately, exposing low income and black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) to higher rates of environmental hazards. Designing equitable protection from the effects of rising CO2 levels is imperative to close existing racial gaps.
Among many promising solutions that, together, can reduce atmospheric CO2 here are five that are proven and are capable of addressing environmental justice concerns when designed appropriately:
1. Renewable energy paired with electrification:
Shifting away from fossil fuels in favor of renewable energy sources is crucial to decarbonize our energy sector. Solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power have become increasingly affordable and accessible, offering cleaner alternatives to traditional coal, oil, and gas. When paired with battery storage and demand response technologies, these sources can sustainably power communities with minimal support from carbon emitting energy sources.
2. Energy efficiency:
Enhancing the energy performance of buildings, transportation systems, and industrial processes can significantly reduce energy consumption and associated CO2 emissions. Energy-efficient technologies, smart grid systems, and energy management practices can help optimize energy use while reducing carbon footprints. Incentive programs can ensure low-cost access to these services based on income or background.
3. Electrification of transportation:
Getting more people out of personal vehicles will reduce the energy consumption demands of transportation. Promoting and incentivizing public and active transportation (like biking and walking) in densely populated areas can reduce congestion while making transportation options more accessible to justice communities[LS1] . Paired with electric cars and greatly increasing the availability of charging stations, public and active transportation can decarbonize transportation without decreasing accessibility.
4. Reforestation and Land Management:
Forest ecosystems are natural carbon “sinks” that absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Protecting existing forests and implementing large-scale reforestation initiatives through sustainable land management practices, including soil carbon sequestration and regenerative agriculture, can contribute to carbon removal and restore ecosystems. These restoration programs can be focused around low-income communities where green coverage tends to be more sparse.
5. Circular Economy and Sustainable Production:
Transitioning towards a circular economy—where resources are efficiently used, recycled, and waste is minimized—can significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Sustainable production processes, such as the use of renewable materials, eco-design principles, and recycling initiatives, are crucial for achieving carbon neutrality across all economic sectors, including manufacturing and construction.
Efforts to address climate change and decarbonization must go hand in hand with social and economic justice to ensure a just transition. By acknowledging and actively working to rectify the disproportionate impacts, we can build a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.
