decarbonize

[ dee-kahr-buh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, de·car·bon·ized, de·car·bon·iz·ing.

1. to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide or other carbon compounds emitted into the atmosphere by the activities of (a household, industry, country, etc.):

   Our expertise is in designing new ways to decarbonize our economy, using solar energy and renewable carbon to replace fossil fuels.

2. decarburize.

verb (used without object)

1. to reduce the carbon output of the activities of a household, industry, country, etc.:

   The world is not decarbonizing fast enough to reach global climate targets.

decarbonize

/ diːˈkɑːbəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. tr to remove carbon from (the walls of the combustion chamber of an internal-combustion engine) Alsodecokedecarburize

Derived Forms

• deˈcarbonˌizer, noun
• deˌcarboniˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• de·car·bon·i·za·tion [dee-kahr-b, uh, -nahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• de·car·bon·iz·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decarbonize¹

First recorded in 1815–25; de- + carbonize

Example Sentences

Vehicles fueled by diesel lead to substantial carbon emissions that are challenging to decarbonize.

From Science Daily

“I do not want to slow down the efforts we have made to decarbonize,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

But while repealing the IRA might slow the steady pace of American households decarbonizing, it can’t stop what’s already in motion.

From Salon

This will happen in electricity generation first and then in sectors that are harder to decarbonize, including aviation and long-range shipping.

From Los Angeles Times

Microsoft also called it a "milestone" in its efforts to "help decarbonize the grid".

From BBC