UC San Diego

The San Diego Regional Decarbonization Framework’s Technical Report provides technical and policy pathways to decarbonization in the medium-term to inform near-term policymaking in regional, County, and city governments. The report models science-based pathways to net zero carbon emissions for the San Diego region by 2045, consistent with the Paris Climate Agreement and California State mandates. The pathways provide a shared vision for the San Diego region to collectively reduce net GHG emissions in alignment with California’s net zero goal. This report is a technical analysis of how different sectors in the energy system can contribute to decarbonization, but does not identify the “right” pathway. Instead, it shows numerous ways to achieve regional emissions goals in multiple sectors to highlight trade-offs, co-benefits, decision points, risks, and synergies. The analyses and pathways should be updated as technologies evolve or uncertainties are resolved or clarified. To that end, the report explores policy processes to help regional jurisdictions learn about uncertainties and adjust strategies as information arises.