Implications for the USA of stabilization of radiative forcing at 3.4 W/m-super-2

Stabilization presents a daunting challenge for all countries of the world, regardless of their stage of development, institutions or technological capabilities. This article explores the implications for the USA of climate stabilization at 3.4 W/m-super-2. Stabilization at this level, even under idealized conditions of nearly immediate global cooperation, will require a transformation of the USA's energy system, beginning almost immediately and extending throughout the century and beyond. This transformation will need to be even more rapid and extensive if the emissions reduction regime encompasses only a portion of the global economy. The availability of advanced technologies such as CCS, sustainable bioenergy production, wind and solar, nuclear energy and end-use efficiency improvements will facilitate this transition. Indeed, the degree to which technology advances over the coming century is among the most important determinants of the economic costs of stabilization for the USA and the rest of the world. The scope of the energy system transformation highlights the need to begin deploying technologies that are currently available and to continue to invest in R&D to develop newer, more efficient, and less expensive low- or zero-carbon energy supply technologies and end-use technologies.