Net Zero By 2050

Princeton University's "The Report" goes like this:

 This Net Zero America study aims to inform and ground political, business, and societal conversations regarding what it would take for the U.S. to achieve an economy-wide target of net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. Achieving this goal, i.e. building an economy that emits no more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than are permanently removed and stored each year, is essential to halt the buildup of climate-warming gases in the atmosphere and avert costly damages from climate change. A growing number of pledges are being made by major corporations, municipalities, states, and national governments to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. This study provides granular guidance on what getting to net-zero really requires and on the actions needed to translate these pledges into tangible progress.

The Net Zero America program resembles nothing so much as the "5 year" plans developed by communist countries. Now the Russians have a plan for the future:  

  Addressing scientists from Russia and other countries including India, Australia, France and Germany, Putin declared an ambitious plan to transform his nation into a data-driven economy by 2030, in which quantum-powered computers, communication networks, sensors and satellites would play important roles in the country’s digital infrastructure.

The Soviet predecessor of the current Russian state issued its first 5 year plan in 1928. In many ways it was a success but capitalists have always pointed out that central planning was hamstrung by a lack of reliable statistical  information for making economic decisions. A total of 12 five year plans were made, ending with the demise of the Soviet Union in 1991. Some were accomplished, some were not.

The climate plans of the West seem to have a better grasp of the science involved but there's no real agreement about that among qualified climate specialists. The economic issues are even more divisive. Spending what amounts to trillions of dollars to perhaps limit planetary warmth to less than 2 degrees Centigrade is a steep price to pay for a dubious benefit if it is possible at all. 

Additionally, the time line of the plan means that those most central to its imposition will likely no longer be alive to observe or take responsibility for success or failure, except perhaps Greta Thunberg.