A Roadmap for a Secure, Low-Carbon Energy Economy

The document outlines a strategic roadmap developed by CSIS and WRI to transition the United States to a secure, low-carbon energy economy. It argues that energy security and climate goals must be integrated into all policymaking to avoid the instability caused by either continued fossil fuel dependence or the premature adoption of unreliable low-carbon alternatives. The proposed framework emphasizes establishing a long-term vision, resetting the energy system through carbon pricing and financial commitments, and managing the transition by balancing short-term demand with long-term decarbonization.

• The proposed framework for a secure, low-carbon economy consists of three primary pillars: establishing a long-term vision for energy security and climate change, integrating these priorities into all domestic and international policymaking, and updating policies and incentives to promote secure, low-carbon technologies.
• To reset the energy system, the authors recommend implementing a carbon price across the U.S. economy, making public financial commitments for infrastructure and clean-energy jobs, and reforming incentives to remove barriers to low-carbon technology adoption.
• The roadmap suggests a managed transition that balances immediate energy needs with climate goals, including supporting domestic conventional oil production during the shift to lower-carbon fuels and developing a natural gas strategy for short-term demand.
• The authors argue that energy security and climate goals can be conflicting; for example, relying on domestic coal-based liquid fuels improves security but worsens climate problems, while some solar or wind solutions could reduce reliable energy supplies in the short term.

APA

World Resources Institute (n.d.). A Roadmap for a Secure, Low-Carbon Energy Economy. https://www.wri.org/research/roadmap-secure-low-carbon-energy-economy

Chicago

World Resources Institute. A Roadmap for a Secure, Low-Carbon Energy Economy. n.d. https://www.wri.org/research/roadmap-secure-low-carbon-energy-economy.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=A Roadmap for a Secure, Low-Carbon Energy Economy |url=https://www.wri.org/research/roadmap-secure-low-carbon-energy-economy |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitutendroadmap, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{A Roadmap for a Secure, Low-Carbon Energy Economy}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/roadmap-secure-low-carbon-energy-economy}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }