Net zero
Net-zero emissions is a target where any remaining greenhouse gas emissions are completely neutralized or offset by removing an equivalent amount from the atmosphere. It means that human activities no longer contribute to further warming of the planet.
What is net zero?
Net zero is achieved when the amount of GHGs emitted into the atmosphere is equal to the amount removed through various methods, such as carbon capture and storage, afforestation, or other technologies
Why is net zero important?
The science shows clearly that in order to avert the worst impacts of climate change and preserve a livable planet, global temperature increase needs to be limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Currently, the Earth is already about 1.1°C warmer than it was in the late 1800s, and emissions continue to rise. To keep global warming to no more than 1.5°C – as called for in the Paris Agreement – emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
How to achieve net-zero?
To achieve net-zero, a combination of strategies is required:
- Reducing emissions: Transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, adopting sustainable transportation, and implementing low-carbon practices across various sectors.
- Removing emissions: Implementing nature-based solutions like reforestation and conservation, as well as carbon capture and storage technologies that remove and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Offsetting emissions: Investing in projects that absorb or avoid emissions, such as reforestation, renewable energy projects, or carbon capture technologies.
Reference
Net Zero Coalition | United Nations
Put simply, net zero means cutting carbon emissions to a small amount of residual emissions that can be absorbed and durably stored by nature and other carbon dioxide removal measures, leaving zero in the atmosphere.
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The What, When, and How of Net-Zero Emissions
Recognizing this urgency, a rapidly growing number of national governments, local governments and business leaders are making commitments to reach net-zero emissions within their jurisdictions or businesses. To date, over 90 countries have communicated such “net-zero targets,” including the world’s largest emitters (China, the United States and India). On top of that, hundreds more regions, cities and companies have set targets of their own.
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The Corporate Net-Zero Standard
The SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard is the world’s only framework for corporate net-zero target setting in line with climate science. It includes the guidance, criteria, and recommendations companies need to set science-based net-zero targets consistent with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
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Resources
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