Charging Towards a Net-Zero Future
August 2023
Princeton University

Introduction
Dive into the world where Princeton's Jesse Jenkins leads the charge towards a net-zero future, making strides in shaping national climate legislation with the Net-Zero America project. Discover how Jenkins' work, celebrated by The Wall Street Journal, influences the battle against climate change through innovative technologies and policy support. With the U.S. and the globe aiming for net-zero emissions, learn about the challenges and progress in transforming our energy infrastructure. It's not just about cutting emissions; it's about building a future where clean energy thrives. Ready to explore how we're moving towards a greener planet?
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Discover how this topic shapes your world and future
Charting Our Climate Future
Imagine a world where the air is clean, energy is harvested from the sun and wind, and cars glide silently down the road, emitting nothing harmful. This isn't a scene from a sci-fi movie; it's the vision of a net-zero future. Net-zero refers to balancing the amount of greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere with an equivalent amount taken out. Achieving this balance is crucial for keeping our planet livable, combating climate change, and ensuring a sustainable future for all. The journey to net-zero involves transforming how we produce energy, travel, and even how we build our cities. It's about creating a world where technology and nature work in harmony to support a healthy planet. For you, this could mean breathing cleaner air, experiencing fewer extreme weather events, and witnessing the emergence of cool, new technologies. It's a global mission that starts with understanding, innovation, and action from everyone, including you!
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Greenhouse gases (GHGs)
These are gases, like carbon dioxide and methane, that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, causing the planet to warm up.

Carbon capture
This technology captures carbon dioxide emissions from sources like power plants before they can enter the atmosphere, helping to reduce greenhouse gases.

Renewable energy
Energy that comes from natural sources that are constantly replenished, such as sunlight, wind, and water flows.

Electrification
The process of switching from technologies that use fossil fuels (like gasoline cars) to those that use electricity (like electric vehicles).

Transmission grid
The network of high-voltage power lines that transport electricity from where it's generated to where it's used.

Decarbonization
Reducing or removing the carbon dioxide output of a country's economy, including transitioning to cleaner energy sources and technologies.
Independent Research Ideas

The role of renewable energy in achieving net-zero
Dive into how technologies like solar panels and wind turbines can replace fossil fuels and the challenges and opportunities of making this switch.

Innovations in carbon capture
Explore the latest advancements in carbon capture technology and how they can help us achieve net-zero emissions. What are the barriers to widespread adoption?

Impact of electrification on urban planning
Investigate how the shift to electric vehicles and other electrified technologies will change the design and infrastructure of cities.

The future of the electricity grid
Examine what needs to be done to upgrade our electricity grids for a future powered by renewable energy. How can we make the grid more resilient and efficient?

Social and economic implications of the net-zero transition
Study how moving to a net-zero economy will affect jobs, communities, and economies. What strategies can ensure a just transition for all?
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