History of Low-carbon economy in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 27, 2026

A low-carbon economy (LCE) aims to balance greenhouse gas emissions with absorption, addressing human-caused climate change, predominant since the mid-20th century. Transitioning to an LCE involves various strategies, including promoting renewable energy sources, practicing energy conservation, and electrifying transportation systems. Zero-carbon cities serve as a concrete example of this approach.

2005: Kyoto Protocol Comes Into Force

In 2005, the Kyoto Protocol came into force, marking a significant early step towards a low-carbon economy. Under the protocol, most industrialized countries committed to reducing their carbon emissions.

2015: Paris Agreement on Climate Change

In 2015, the Paris Agreement on climate change set goals to reduce emissions as soon as possible and reach net-zero by mid-century.

2017: UK Office for National Statistics Definition

In 2017, the UK Office for National Statistics defined the low carbon economy as economic activities delivering goods and services that generate significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, predominantly carbon dioxide.

2020: Low-Carbon Electricity Generation

In 2020, almost 40% of global electricity generation came from low-carbon sources, including nuclear power (about 10%), wind and solar (almost 10%), and hydropower and other renewables (around 20%). Very little low-carbon power came from fossil sources, mostly due to the cost of CCS technology.

2021: Expansion of Nuclear Energy

As of 2021, agencies like the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the International Energy Agency (IEA), and the International Atomic Energy Agency support the expansion of nuclear energy as a method of achieving a low-carbon economy.

2024: Clean Energy Cost

After 2024, clean energy is cheaper than ever. Global solar module prices fell 35 percent to less than 9 cents/kWh. EV batteries saw their best price decline in seven years.

2040: IEA Decarbonization Goal

The International Energy Agency (IEA) believes that widespread decarbonization must occur by 2040 in order mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and that nuclear power must play a role.