Decarbonizing the global economy is an urgent priority in the face of escalating climate change challenges. The reliance on coal, oil, and gas has historically driven industrial growth, but it has also contributed significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating global warming. Recent data highlights the volatility of CO2 emissions, with a notable 5.8% decline in 2020 due to the pandemic-induced slowdown, followed by a sharp rebound of 7.9% in 2021 and a further increase in 2022, reaching a record 36.1 GtCO2. This underscores the critical need for a transition to sustainable energy sources. While renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency measures are being deployed, the pace and scale of change are insufficient. There is a pressing need to explore comprehensive strategies that not only reduce dependency on fossil fuels but also promote sustainable economic growth. Current research gaps include understanding the socio-political dynamics of energy transitions, the technological innovations required, and the integration of marginalized communities into new economic paradigms.

This research topic aims to explore pathways for creating an economy that is not reliant on fossil fuels, focusing on sustainable production and consumption. The primary objectives include examining historical and contemporary uses of fossil fuels, identifying political and economic barriers to transition, and evaluating the potential benefits and challenges of a post-carbon economy. Key questions include: What are the most effective strategies for reducing fossil fuel dependency? How can renewable energy sources be integrated into existing economic structures? What are the social implications of transitioning to a green economy?

To gather further insights in the transition to a post-carbon economy, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• historical and contemporary analyses of fossil fuel use and the transition challenges
• political and economic obstacles to reducing fossil fuel dependency
• opportunities and strategies for a post-carbon economy, including renewable energy and green jobs
• social and political consequences of energy transitions, with a focus on marginalized populations
• technological and infrastructural requirements for a post-carbon economy
• innovations in clean hydrogen production and its derivatives.

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Frontiers in Sustainable Energy Policy

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