What is Net Zero?
Net Zero refers to a state where, within a specified period, anthropogenic (human-caused) greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere are balanced by an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases removed from the atmosphere. This means that any remaining emissions (often called 'residual emissions' or 'hard-to-abate' emissions) are offset by carbon removal activities.
Why is Net Zero important?
Achieving net-zero emissions globally is widely recognized by the IPCC and other scientific bodies as essential to limit global warming to 1.5°C and avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change. It provides a clear target for governments, businesses, and individuals to align their climate strategies.
Related terms
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Frequently asked questions
Net zero typically refers to all greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂, methane, N₂O, etc.) and emphasizes significant emissions reductions *before* removals. Carbon neutrality often focuses solely on CO₂ and can rely more heavily on offsetting existing emissions without necessarily prioritizing deep reductions.
According to the IPCC, global net-zero CO₂ emissions need to be reached by around mid-century (2050) to have a good chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C.
No, achieving net zero does not mean zero emissions. It means that any unavoidable or 'residual' emissions are balanced by an equivalent amount of carbon removal from the atmosphere.