Princeton's Emily Carter Advocates for Bold Climate Change Solutions

In a recent seminar hosted by the MIT Energy Initiative, Emily A. Carter, the Gerhard R. Andlinger Professor in Energy and the Environment at Princeton University, delivered a compelling address on the urgent need for transformative strategies in climate change mitigation. The event, titled 'MITEI Presents: Advancing the Energy Transition,' took place on June 10, 2025, highlighting critical insights into the evolving landscape of energy production and consumption amidst the growing threats posed by climate change.

Carter's presentation emphasized that merely transitioning to renewable energy sources is insufficient to combat the escalating impacts of climate change. "If all we do is take care of what we did in the past — but we don’t change what we do in the future — then we’re still going to be left with very serious problems," she remarked. This sentiment is echoed in a 2023 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which underscores the necessity for a multifaceted approach to climate action, integrating mitigation, adaptation, and transformation strategies.

The urgency of Carter's message is underscored by increasing reports of extreme weather events, which have prompted calls for more aggressive climate policies. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the frequency of extreme weather events has doubled in the past five decades, necessitating a reevaluation of existing strategies.

Carter outlined several key components of a comprehensive climate strategy, starting with the transition to a decarbonized electricity system. While renewable sources such as solar and wind energy are gaining traction, she pointed out that further innovations in energy technologies, like advanced geothermal and fusion, are critical for long-term sustainability. "Fusion will only really start to play a role later in the century, but could provide firm electricity such that we can start to decommission nuclear," Carter noted, referencing her dual roles as an academic and a senior strategic advisor at the Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.

Furthermore, Carter highlighted the need for electrification across various sectors, particularly in manufacturing and transportation. "The energy transition is about transitioning off of fossil fuels. If you look at the manufacturing industries, they are driven by fossil fuels right now," she explained. The manufacturing sector, which comprises a significant portion of the global economy, relies heavily on fossil fuel-driven thermal processes, rendering it a pivotal area for intervention.

The transportation sector also emerged as a topic of concern, with Carter advocating for the development of carbon-neutral fuels for heavy-duty aviation and shipping. She stated, "These fuels will need to become part of the circular economy," reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices in reducing overall emissions. This aligns with findings from the World Economic Forum's 2024 report on sustainable transportation, which emphasizes the importance of integrating circular economy principles into logistics.

Carter's discussion also ventured into the realm of carbon dioxide removal and storage. She elaborated on the potential of large-scale carbon capture initiatives, which could involve the construction of extensive pipeline networks to transport CO2 from industrial sites to underground storage facilities. "There’s a lot of talk about building large numbers of pipelines to capture the CO2 — from fossil fuel-driven power plants, cement plants, steel plants, all sorts of industrial places that emit CO2," she explained. This approach is supported by research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which indicates that effective carbon capture could play a vital role in reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.

Lastly, Carter addressed the controversial topic of solar geoengineering, stressing its potential as a last resort. She cited historical precedents such as the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, which temporarily cooled the Earth’s atmosphere. "In principle, it’s not so difficult technologically, so we’d like to really understand and to be able to predict what would happen if that happened," she remarked, highlighting the need for comprehensive studies on the implications of such interventions.

As Carter concluded her presentation, she emphasized the critical role of community engagement and transparency in deploying new energy technologies. "We have to gain the trust of people before any deployment can be considered," she said, pointing to the necessity for ongoing dialogue between scientists, policymakers, and the public.

The MIT Energy Initiative seminar series will continue into the fall of 2025, featuring additional experts and discussions aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration in the transition to sustainable energy systems. For more information on future seminars, visit the MIT Energy Initiative website.