Two scientific reports released in June indicate what it would take for Europe to become the first climate-neutral continent. As the lead author of the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors to the European Commission and chair of the energy project of Science Advice for Policy by European Academies, respectively, we contributed to these reports, advising policymakers on how to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy (see go.nature.com/3k5f6i7 and go.nature.com/3yw4pjg).
Central to the transition is immediate adoption of innovative technologies that are backed by regulatory and market measures, along with social and behavioural changes to incentivize and support low-carbon energy choices. Investment must be stepped up to hasten development of flexible, efficient and resilient energy systems that rely on electrification and hydrogen.
A coordinated combination of policies, measures and instruments, including carbon pricing as a driving force, will shape an effective, consistent and just regulatory system. For example, this could extend current emissions-trading arrangements and introduce a border carbon-tax adjustment.
Competing Interests
The authors declare no competing interests.
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