Final answer:
Current and future power plants can maintain emissions within the allocated carbon budget by implementing carbon capture technology, increasing renewable energy sources, and improving energy efficiency. These measures can help to mitigate climate change, given the requirement to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Step-by-step explanation:
To maintain emissions within the allocated carbon budget, we can make a number of changes to our current and future power plants. First, the implementation of carbon capture technology can actively reduce the amount of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere. This process involves filtering carbon from the air and preventing it from exiting smokestacks. This technology should be heavily supported and even mandated by governments where appropriate.
Secondly, we can drastically increase the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal. Solar and wind power technologies are advancing rapidly and have the potential to become the least expensive energy sources. Increasing investment in green research and development is essential in this regard.
Finally, improving energy efficiency is also a key strategy. For instance, gasoline engines burn less fuel at a slower speed, and solar cells capture sunlight to generate electricity. Every boost in energy efficiency helps in mitigating climate change.
Learn more about Carbon Emissions