The objective of the solutions list is to be inclusive, presenting an extensive array of impactful measures already in existence. The list is comprised primarily of “no regrets” solutions—actions that make sense to take regardless of their climate impact since they have intrinsic benefits to communities and economies. These initiatives improve lives, create jobs, restore the environment, enhance security, generate resilience, and advance human health.
In our book Drawdown, each solution is measured and modeled to determine its carbon impact through the year 2050, the total and net cost to society, and the total lifetime savings (or cost). The exception to this are our «Coming Attraction» solutions, which are a window into what is still emerging. For these solutions, we did not measure cost, savings, or atmospheric impact, but we illuminate technologies and concepts whose growth we will continue to watch.
Solutions by Rank
Rank | Solution | Sector | TOTAL ATMOSPHERIC CO2-EQ REDUCTION (GT) | NET COST (BILLIONS US $) | SAVINGS (BILLIONS US $) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Refrigerant Management | Materials | 89.74 | N/A | $-902.77 |
2 | Wind Turbines (Onshore) | Electricity Generation | 84.60 | $1,225.37 | $7,425.00 |
3 | Reduced Food Waste | Food | 70.53 | N/A | N/A |
4 | Plant-Rich Diet | Food | 66.11 | N/A | N/A |
5 | Tropical Forests | Land Use | 61.23 | N/A | N/A |
6 | Educating Girls | Women and Girls | 59.60 | N/A | N/A |
7 | Family Planning | Women and Girls | 59.60 | N/A | N/A |
8 | Solar Farms | Electricity Generation | 36.90 | $-80.60 | $5,023.84 |
9 | Silvopasture | Food | 31.19 | $41.59 | $699.37 |
10 | Rooftop Solar | Electricity Generation | 24.60 | $453.14 | $3,457.63 |
Summary of Solutions by Overall Rank
This table provides the detailed results of the Plausible Scenario, which models the growth solutions on the Drawdown list based on a reasonable, but vigorous rate from 2020-2050. Results depicted represent a comparison to a reference case that assumes 2014 levels of adoption continue in proportion to the growth in global markets.
NOTE: Energy Storage (utility-scale & distributed), Grid Flexibility, Microgrids, Net Zero Buildings, and Retrofitting were not modeled independently to avoid double counting impacts from other solutions.