What is Net Zero?

Net-zero is a term used in the context of climate change and refers to achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and the amount removed from the atmosphere. This is a key concept in the Paris Agreement, which seeks to significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Net Zero Official Definition

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines Net Zero as �a state where anthropogenic (man-made) CO2 emissions are balanced by anthropogenic removals over a specified period�, essentially resulting in no additional global warming. This balance can be achieved by reducing emissions and using greenhouse gas removal techniques, both biological (i.e., reforestation) and technological (i.e., carbon capture and storage).

Net Zero in Simple Terms

Think of it as a bathtub where the amount of CO2 in the earth's atmosphere is the water. Currently, the tap (our emissions) is running too much, risking an overflow (climate catastrophe). Net Zero means we aim to balance the water level by not only closing the tap (reducing emissions) but also by opening the drain (removing CO2).

Approaches to Achieve Net Zero

Reducing emissions implies transitioning to renewable energy and considering alternatives for industries like steel, aviation, and shipping that are difficult to decarbonize. However, since it'll be challenging to halt all emissions soon, we need to actively remove CO2 from the atmosphere. This can be done by investing in nature-based solutions like land restoration and tree plantation, as well as exploring Negative Emissions Technologies (NETs) that can remove CO2.

In summary, to achieve Net Zero, we need to actively reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and enhance CO2 absorption systems. Furthermore, the ultimate goal should be achieving a Net Negative Emissions--that is removing more CO2 than we emit.