On the basis of the IPCC B2, A1b and B1 baseline scenarios, mitigation scenarios were developed that stabilize greenhouse
gas concentrations at 650, 550 and 450 and – subject to specific assumptions – 400 ppm CO
2-eq. The analysis takes into account a large number of reduction options, such as reductions of non-CO
2 gases, carbon plantations and measures in the energy system. The study shows stabilization as low as 450 ppm CO
2-eq. to be technically feasible, even given relatively high baseline scenarios. To achieve these lower concentration levels,
global emissions need to peak within the first two decades. The net present value of abatement costs for the B2 baseline scenario
(a medium scenario) increases from 0.2% of cumulative GDP to 1.1% as the shift is made from 650 to 450 ppm. On the other hand,
the probability of meeting a two-degree target increases from 0%–10% to 20%–70%. The mitigation scenarios lead to lower emissions
of regional air pollutants but also to increased land use. The uncertainty in the cost estimates is at least in the order
of 50%, with the most important uncertainties including land-use emissions, the potential for bio-energy and the contribution
of energy efficiency. Furthermore, creating the right socio-economic and political conditions for mitigation is more important
than any of the technical constraints.