decarbonize
dee-KAR-bun-ize
/ˌdiːˈkɑːbənaɪz/
To reduce the amount of gaseous carbon compounds released as a result of an industrial process.
It refers to the structural change of an entire system (like an economy or an industry) to stop using fossil fuels.
The story behind the word. The root 'carbo' gave us 'carbon' and 'charcoal.' Adding the prefix 'de-' creates a word that literally means 'to take the coal out' of our energy systems.
Word relationships
- clean up: Clean up is vague; decarbonize specifically targets carbon emissions.
- carbonize: Carbonize means to convert into carbon, often through burning.
Commonly confused with
- dematerialize: Dematerialize means using fewer physical materials; decarbonize specifically means using less carbon-intensive energy.
Word family
- decarbonization (noun): The process of removing carbon from a system.
Collocations
- decarbonize the grid
- deep decarbonization
- decarbonize transport
Example sentences
- "We must decarbonize the global economy by mid-century to avoid the worst effects of warming." Global economic transitions.
Memory hook
Think of 'De-Carbon'—removing the carbon 'C' from the energy equation. Removing the carbon.
When not to use
Don't use it for simple cleaning; it refers to the removal of carbon-based energy sources, not just soot.
Fun facts
- The term was originally used in engineering to describe removing carbon deposits from internal combustion engines.
Explore more words
decarbonization, revolutionize, decouple, dematerialization, demilitarize, revitalize
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