Climate Action (6)

Science and engineering can help us address the challenges.

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Technology solutions

MACA has recommended the following steps in the Roadmap for Responding to Climate Change to transition away from fossil fuels toward renewable and carbon-free energy sources and increasing the efficiencies wherever possible. Key technologies  include not only wind and solar energy but also improving the grid and storage, and working across the sectors from transportation to agriculture to communities and industry. R&D into new technologies that enhance energy efficiency and in the longer term, economically carbon capture and sequestration options, including reforestation, afforestation, coastal wetland restoration are essential. In addition to our recommendations below, detailed in our Roadmap, we also working on additional resources for specific technologies and development of future technologies. We also recommend existing resources linked below.


Electrify and Decarbonize Transportation Systems
The pathway to the net-zero target begins by replacing power from fossil-fuel plants with renewable wind and solar power, and rapidly expanding off-shore wind power capability and solar photovoltaic capability. On-shore wind power and solar installations need to be expanded through incentivizing these technologies and eliminating subsidies to fossil fuel plants and fossil fuel producers. . As energy production moves towards greener, renewable sources, the infrastructure supporting energy production and storage should be developed.

Introduction to EVs and Climate Change

Click, for access to slides.

Replace Fossil Fuels with Carbon-free Energy

Expand and expedite the transition to electric-powered and zero-carbon-fuel vehicles for all weight classes of on-road cars, trucks and buses. The same technologies can be implemented in off-road, industrial and many marine and heavy equipment applications. Any remaining non-electric light rail should be electrified. Longer-haul rail can be electrified and/or use low-carbon biofuels/zero-carbon fuels. In aviation, development should be accelerated for hybrid and electric aircraft. Longer-distance aircraft can migrate to lower-carbon biofuels/zero-carbon fuels. Ready access to the appropriate vehicle energy source will be critical to widespread adoption.

Improve Efficiency of Buildings and Communities

Conversion of all building energy systems to zero carbon is already economically available and should be aggressively implemented. All building energy systems must undergo full and efficient electrification and building codes need to include cradle-to-grave carbon emission guidelines. Financial incentives and public outreach should be used to encourage building owners to increase energy efficiency. City planning must take a holistic and long-term approach. Simulation software is available to help in designing living, walkable communities. For densely populated areas that often include commercial and industrial spaces, increased implementation of district energy is highly recommended.

Achieving Net Zero
Annual negative emissions are required to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Some portion of the negative emissions capacity can be generated through improvements to management of agricultural and forest lands to increase their capacity for carbon capture, which will also improve air and water quality, thereby promoting better health. Significant advances are also needed for carbon capture and storage technology. R&D will be needed to select the best set of capture and storage technologies with the most promise for economies of scale, and ultimately the lowest cost for CO2 removal when implemented at scale.
MACA Papers (more coming soon)
MACA members are working on a variety of papers which complement MACA's Roadmap for Responding to Climate Change.
Additional Resources