Energy and Socioeconomic Systems to Realize Low Carbon Society (LCS)

Abstract

Low carbon society ( LCS ) and low carbon economy have become a common part of the phraseology of the global community of researchers, policymakers, and citizens engaged with the concerns of climate change and sustainable development. These terms gained currency when it was realized that on one hand, drastic GHG emission cuts necessitating major changes in energy systems and socioeconomic structures are essential to prevent dangerous climate change and, on the other hand, every country's domestic developmental goals must not be compromised. The debates aimed to achieve a convergence among the multiple goals of global climate change mitigation, national economic development, poverty elimination, sustainable development, and environmental protection have led to the importance of LCS and related paradigms. This article offers an introduction to the concept of LCS ; the results of myriad analytical efforts to project LCS scenarios at the levels of the world, countries, and cities; the actual efforts underway in the realms of policy, institutions, industries, and communities as concrete steps toward LCS ; and finally, the numerous barriers to be overcome as part of the challenge to transition toward LCS .