MODULE 3 –
Climate Science, Carbon Budgets & Decarbonization Pathways
Estimated time: 4 hours | Format: Lecture + Pathway Critique
Learning Objectives
- Explain carbon budgets and temperature goals.
- Differentiate abatement wedges by sector and maturity.
- Contrast supply-side vs demand-side decarbonization.
Core Content
- Forcing & Feedbacks: CO₂ longevity; methane and short-lived climate pollutants.
- Budgets: finite remaining CO₂ for 1.5–2°C—implications for pace & scale.
- Pathways: power sector first; electrify end uses; efficiency; nature & carbon removal as complements, not substitutes.
- Risk: overshoot, tipping elements, adaptation co-benefits.
Quick Wedges Exercise
Allocate 100 “abatement points” across: power, transport, buildings, industry, AFOLU, fuels, demand-side sufficiency. Justify trade-offs and timing.
Assignment
Task: Write a 2-page memo comparing two national pathways (high electrification vs balanced), focusing on feasibility, costs, and justice implications.