Can climate change be avoided? Vision of a hydrogen-electricity energy economy

Global warming is a most important, extensively discussed problem of mankind, caused by greenhouse gases, which are a result of our fossil-fuel-based world energy economy, and among which CO2 is the decisive constituent (share of about 75%). The resulting climate change with dramatic consequences on the environment, e. g. more frequent and more severe natural catastrophes, is already felt. Climatologists predict disastrous events, including significant rise of the ocean level and shift of climate zones, if we cannot keep the average temperature rise of the atmosphere below 1.5 K (over the pre-industrial level) till the end of the century. The historic evolution of anthropogenic CO2 emissions is shown. Technically feasible measures which could help to meet the 1.5 K target are presented. It is discussed how an alternative world energy economy could look like. This would be essentially based on renewable energies as the primary energy sources and on hydrogen and electricity as secondary energy vectors. The question is addressed whether under the dominating neoliberal capitalistic system the necessary measures to avoid or at least keep at bay the threatening climate change can be implemented, or a trajectory into a dysfunctional dystopian future becomes inevitable.

Automated summary

Global warming is a critical issue extensively discussed by mankind, caused by greenhouse gases, mainly CO2, produced from our fossil fuel-based energy economy. The resulting climate change has severe consequences on the environment, such as increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters. Without keeping the average temperature rise below 1.5 K by the end of the century, climatologists predict disastrous events including a significant rise in sea level and shift of climate zones. This article presents the historical evolution of anthropogenic CO2 emissions and discusses technically feasible measures and an alternative world energy economy based on renewable energies and hydrogen/electricity as secondary energy sources. It also addresses the question of whether necessary measures can be implemented under the dominant neoliberal capitalistic system or if a dysfunctional dystopian future becomes inevitable.