Democratizing climate change mitigation pathways using modernized stabilization wedges
File(s)
Author(s)
Johnson, Nathan
Staffell, Iain
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Mitigating climate change requires broad societal buy-in. Integrated assessment models (IAMs) produce cost-optimal pathways, but these are complex and not easily customised to reflect individuals’ preferences. 20 years ago, the ‘Stabilization Wedge’ framework introduced
a simpler approach to discussing decarbonisation. Here, we modernise this framework, identifying 36 strategies each with the potential to mitigate 4% of global emissions by 2050, and quantify their required scale of deployment. People can build personalised decarbonisation pathways by choosing a portfolio of these strategies, with over 6 trillion combinations able to limit global warming to 1.5°C. We assess which strategies IAMs favour, finding they prioritise technological over behavioural or nature-based solutions, with limited agreement. This framework empowers a general audience to construct and debate pathways, making informed choices that reflect objectives beyond just cost.
a simpler approach to discussing decarbonisation. Here, we modernise this framework, identifying 36 strategies each with the potential to mitigate 4% of global emissions by 2050, and quantify their required scale of deployment. People can build personalised decarbonisation pathways by choosing a portfolio of these strategies, with over 6 trillion combinations able to limit global warming to 1.5°C. We assess which strategies IAMs favour, finding they prioritise technological over behavioural or nature-based solutions, with limited agreement. This framework empowers a general audience to construct and debate pathways, making informed choices that reflect objectives beyond just cost.
Date Issued
2026-03-01
Date Acceptance
2025-10-14
Citation
Science, 2026, 391 (6789)
ISSN
0036-8075
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Journal / Book Title
Science
Volume
391
Issue
6789
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2026 The Authors. This is the author’s accepted manuscript made available under a CC-BY licence in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy)
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
1009
Date Publish Online
2026-03-05