The potential contribution of disruptive low-carbon innovations to 1.5 °C climate mitigation

• DOI: 10.1007/s12053-018-9679-8
• Publication Date: 2018-05-21T06:36:45Z
• Authors: Charlie Wilson; Hazel Pettifor; Emma Cassar; Laurie Kerr; Mark Wilson
• Keywords: Carbon fibers; Low-Carbon Economy

This paper investigates the potential for consumer-facing innovations to contribute emission reductions limiting warming 1.5 °C. First, we show that global integrated assessment models which characterise transformation pathways consistent with °C mitigation are limited in their ability analyse emergence of novelty energy end-use. Second, introduce concepts disruptive innovation can be usefully applied challenge mitigation. Disruptive low-carbon offer novel value propositions consumers and transform markets energy-related goods services while reducing emissions. Third, identify 99 potentially relating mobility, food, buildings cities, supply distribution. Examples at fringes current include car clubs, mobility-as-a-service, prefabricated high-efficiency retrofits, internet things, urban farming. Each these offers an alternative mainstream consumer practices. Fourth, assess from subsets using two methods: a survey eliciting experts' perceptions quantitative scaling-up evidence early-adopting niches matched segments UK population. We conclude appeal help efforts limit