Electrify Everything? Exploring the Role of the Electric Sector in a Nearly CO2<\/sub>- Neutral National Energy System

The first efforts to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on an international scale date back to 1997 with the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. All contracting states agreed to reduce their emissions by 18% in relation to 1990. On 12 September 2015, in the Conference of Parties 21, a follow-up agreement was elaborated to assure an ongoing pursuit of climate protection strategies. In total, 195 parties to the Convention agreed on common goals to further reduce their GHG emissions. This climate agreement came into force on 4 November 2016 and, as of November 2017, was ratified by 170 states.