ClimateJuly 4, 2026
decarbonisation
/diːˌkɑːrbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/
Definition
The deliberate process of reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide emissions from a country's energy system, typically by shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
Etymology
Derived from the prefix 'de-' (meaning off or away) attached to 'carbon', with the suffix '-isation' denoting a process or action. It entered common usage in the late 20th century to describe the transition toward low-carbon economic activity.
In the news
The article uses the term to highlight that some states, such as Texas, are experiencing significant growth in renewable energy capacity despite a lack of formal, state-level decarbonisation goals or policies.
Guest post: How US renewable-energy growth persists despite federal policy uncertainty
Read the full article ↗Carbon Brief