Stabilising energy-related greenhouse gas emissions: Making “technology wedges” feasible

This paper discusses the political and institutional feasibility of the idea of technology-based climate stabilisation wedges proposed by Stephen Pacala and Robert Socolow. To this end, the authors developed concrete policy ideas on how stabilisation wedges might be implemented. The authors then contacted government and independent climate experts to seek their anonymous, unofficial opinions. The authors used both an informal survey and telephone and in-person interviews to assess reactions to energy technology-based stabilisation wedges as well as their political and administrative feasibility. Based on the feedback received, we developed a proposal for a basket of commitment options, which might serve as food for thought for negotiators.