Transitioning to Net-Zero Carbon

Engineers will be at the vanguard of the energy transition away from a heavy reliance on fossil fuels to energy systems that result in no net release of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. They will develop, commercialize, implement, and evaluate the technologies that will result in net-zero carbon. They will work with natural and social scientists, policymakers, and the general public to provide guidance on needed investments and technological options. At the 2022 forum of the National Academy of Engineering's annual meeting, five prominent engineers who are experts in the area of energy discussed the transition to net-zero carbon. Presenters explored the prospects for achieving net-zero carbon and the role engineers must play if the world is to meet that ambitious goal. This publication summarizes the discussion of the forum.