Net Zero & the Climate Change

Net zero is a term refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount that is removed from the atmosphere, & So We reach net zero when the amount we add is no more than the amount taken away. 

And So What does it mean?

Simply, Net zero means achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere and those taken out.
Reaching net zero applies the same principle, requiring us to balance the amount of greenhouse gases we emit with the amount we remove. When what we add is no more than what we take away, we reach net zero.

Why is net zero important?

Net zero is the best way we can tackle climate change by reducing global warming. What we do in the next decade to limit emissions will be critical to the future, which is why every country, sector, industry and each one of us must work together to find ways to cut the carbon we produce.

Then is Carbon neutral is like net zero?

Net Zero refers to the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) – such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane or sulphur dioxide – that are removed from the atmosphere being equal to those emitted by human activity. Emissions reductions would generally follow a certain trajectory, e.g. 1.5°C (34.7°F). Any residual emissions would generally focus on GHG sequestration from the atmosphere.

Carbon neutrality is similar in that GHG emissions are offset, although it generally includes a wider definition of offsetting residual emissions, including emissions avoidance activities, and wouldn’t prescribe a specific reduction trajectory. It's also less prescriptive regarding the reporting boundary, with the inclusion of wider value chain (Scope 3) emissions being encouraged but not mandatory.

CO2 is the most dangerous and abundant of the greenhouse gases, which is why cutting carbon emissions, carbon footprints or seeking low-carbon alternatives are suggested as ways to address climate change.
 

How can we stop climate change?

The excess of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is triggering harmful global warming, so reducing the amount of these gases should help to tackle climate change. 

This can be done in two ways:

1. Lower the emissions we are sending into the atmosphere

2. Remove greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere

What’s the difference between real zero and net zero?

Given the impact that carbon emissions have on our planet, you might wonder why we aren’t aiming for zero, or real zero, rather than net zero. Real zero would mean stopping all emissions, which isn’t realistically attainable across all sectors of our lives and industry. Even with best efforts to reduce them, there will still be some emissions.

Net zero looks at emissions overall, allowing for the removal of any unavoidable emissions, such as those from aviation or manufacturing. Removing greenhouse gases could be via nature, as trees take CO2 from the atmosphere, or through new technologies or changing industrial processes.