mission
Rapid Switch is a solutions-focused, international research effort that aims to identify a realistic pace and pathways for decarbonizing the world, sector by sector, and region by region.
Led by Princeton University’s Andlinger Center for the Energy and the Environment, the research network seeks to identify viable decarbonization opportunities using existing technologies while acknowledging regional technological, social, political, and economic constraints. In a series of reports, the researchers will identify roadblocks and unintended consequences that could slow the deployment and scale up of more sustainable technologies with an eye to address these potential bottlenecks before they arise.
the approach
“Many previous climate strategies have focused on the critical goal of keeping the planet below a certain degree of warming and working backwards to generate scenarios for decarbonization. We’re starting with the technologies and the realities on the ground now and asking how rapidly we can effect a transition. Then we can ask: How close does that get us to the climate goals, and what can we do to get there faster?”
— Yueh-Lin (Lynn) Loo, director of the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment
What distinguishes Rapid Switch?
Pragmatism
Focus on transition pace
Deep local collaboration globally
the people
the research
resources
“The intensive collaboration with local stakeholders and decision-makers and the laser-sharp focus on transition scale and pace set this project apart.”
– Chris Greig, Theodora D. ’78 and William H. Walton III ’74 Senior Research Scientist at the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment
connect with us
We are a multi-institutional team looking to engage with stakeholders across sectors. Connect with our project leaders and researchers to help make the Rapid Switch.