As we continue to face the realities of climate change, terms like “carbon neutral” and “net zero” are becoming more and more prevalent. These terms describe two distinct but related concepts that are essential for understanding the role we all play in mitigating climate change. In this article, we will explore both “carbon neutral” and “net zero,” explain what they mean, and then compare them to help you understand the differences and similarities between these two crucial ideas.
Carbon neutrality refers to the state where an organization, individual, or country has balanced the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) they produce by removing an equivalent amount from the atmosphere. It means that the entity in question has offset the emissions produced by its activities through various measures such as reforestation, carbon sequestration, and clean energy initiatives.
For example, a company that emits 10,000 tonnes of CO2 per year can become carbon neutral by investing in projects that remove 10,000 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere, such as funding the planting of trees that absorb CO2 or investing in carbon capture technologies. In this way, the company would have a net zero carbon footprint, even though it still emits CO2.
Net zero refers to the state where an organization, individual, or country has completely eliminated its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or brought them down to a level where they are offset by removing an equivalent amount from the atmosphere. Achieving net zero involves reducing GHG emissions as much as possible, then balancing out the remaining emissions through carbon offsetting.
For example, a company that produces 10,000 tonnes of CO2 per year can achieve net zero emissions by reducing its emissions through efficiency measures or switching to renewable energy sources. It can also purchase carbon credits or invest in projects that remove or reduce GHG emissions from the atmosphere, such as reforestation or carbon capture and storage. If these measures result in an overall balance of zero GHG emissions, the company has achieved net zero.
While carbon neutrality and net zero sound similar, there are some critical differences between them. The most significant difference is that carbon neutrality only requires balancing CO2 emissions, while net zero requires balancing all GHG emissions. This means that achieving net zero involves reducing emissions from sources other than CO2, such as methane and nitrous oxide, which are more potent greenhouse gases.
Another difference is that carbon neutrality allows for continued emissions as long as they are balanced through carbon offsetting, while net zero requires the complete elimination of emissions or reducing them to a level that can be offset through carbon removal. Net zero, therefore, is a more ambitious and challenging target to achieve than carbon neutrality.
Finally, while carbon neutrality is a useful interim goal, achieving net zero emissions is critical to limiting the severity of climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has highlighted the need for all countries and sectors to reach net zero emissions by mid-century to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
Carbon neutrality and net zero are two crucial concepts in the fight against climate change. While they may sound similar, they represent different levels of ambition and scope. Carbon neutrality involves balancing CO2 emissions, while net zero requires balancing all GHG emissions. Achieving net zero is a more ambitious target and is necessary to limit the severity of climate change. It requires not only reducing emissions but also removing GHGs from the atmosphere. As individuals, organizations, and governments, we must work towards both carbon neutrality and net zero to ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.
