Net zero emissions refer to a state where the number of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere is equal to the amount removed. This can be achieved through a combination of reducing emissions from sources such as power plants and transportation and increasing the amount of carbon removed from the atmosphere through methods such as reforestation and carbon capture technology. The goal is to achieve net zero emissions in order to limit the increase in global temperatures and mitigate the effects of climate change.

How are net zero emissions achieved?

Net zero emissions can be achieved through a combination of reducing emissions from sources such as power plants, transportation, and industry, as well as increasing the amount of carbon removed from the atmosphere through methods such as reforestation and carbon capture technology.

• Reducing emissions: This can be done by increasing the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and phasing out the use of fossil fuels. Improving energy efficiency, implementing sustainable transportation systems and practices, and decarbonizing industrial processes can also help to reduce emissions.
• Carbon sequestration: This can be done by reforestation, afforestation, agroforestry, and regenerative agriculture, which can remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it in trees and other vegetation. Soil carbon sequestration and blue carbon sequestration can also help to capture CO2.
• Carbon capture and storage: This is a technology that captures CO2 emissions from large point sources, such as power plants, and stores it underground.
• Carbon offset: This is a way to compensate for emissions that cannot be reduced through other means. This can include investing in verified emission reduction projects, such as renewable energy, in other parts of the world.
• Carbon pricing: This is a mechanism that puts a price on carbon emissions, which can create economic incentives for companies and individuals to reduce their emissions.

It’s important to note that achieving net zero emissions will require significant changes in policy, technology, and behavior across all sectors of the economy and society, and will likely involve significant investments in clean energy, energy efficiency, and carbon capture and storage. Additionally, there will be different strategies and combinations of them to be applied depending on the sector or region.

What does net zero emissions mean for a company?

For a company, achieving net zero emissions means that the company’s overall greenhouse gas emissions are balanced by an equivalent amount of greenhouse gas removals. This can be achieved through a variety of strategies, such as reducing emissions from the company’s operations and supply chain, investing in renewable energy, and implementing carbon offset projects. It may also include a combination of mitigation, adaptation, and carbon sequestration/removal.

In practice, a company may set a net zero emissions target for itself and then work to meet that target over time through a combination of reducing its own emissions and purchasing offsets.

Achieving net zero emissions can have benefits for a company, such as reducing its environmental impact, improving its reputation and competitiveness, and potentially reducing its exposure to future carbon pricing or regulations. It also aligns with the global effort of reducing emissions and slowing down climate change.

How to measure net zero emissions?

Measuring net zero emissions involves quantifying the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by a company, organization, or country, and comparing it to the total amount of GHGs removed from the atmosphere through carbon sequestration and other mitigation efforts.

• Inventory of emissions: This includes the measurement and reporting of emissions from all sources under the control of the company, organization, or country, such as energy use, transportation, and industrial processes. This data is often reported using the GHG Protocol, which is a widely used international standard for GHG accounting and reporting.
• Carbon offset: This is a way to compensate for emissions that cannot be reduced through other means. This can include investing in verified emission reduction projects, such as renewable energy, in other parts of the world.
• Carbon sequestration: This can be done by measuring the amount of carbon removed from the atmosphere through reforestation, afforestation, agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, soil carbon sequestration and blue carbon sequestration, and other mitigation efforts.
• Net emission calculation: Once the inventory of emissions and carbon sequestration is done, the net emissions can be calculated by subtracting the sequestered carbon from the total emissions.
• External verification: An independent third-party verifier can provide assurance that the calculation and reporting of emissions and sequestration are accurate, complete, and consistent with the relevant standards and regulations.

It’s important to note that measuring net zero emissions is a complex task that requires accurate data, appropriate methodologies, and transparent reporting. Additionally, it’s important to consider the context of the company, organization, or country, and to review and update the measurement regularly to ensure it’s aligned with the goal of reaching net zero emissions.