Net Zero
It sounds a bit like a new pop band that has come onto the scene.
Admittedly it’s not as exciting as a band but it is becoming very popular as it should.
Introducing: net zero!
Where has it come from? What do we know about it?
👉Net zero has made it into the dictionary:
“(of a country, city, etc.) removing as many emissions (= gases that cause the earth to warm up) as it produces.”
So, net zero is about balancing greenhouse gases from human activity (production-absorption).
👉Brief history:
-In the late 2000s, worried scientists published research papers about alarming levels of greenhouse gases (GHG)
-Until the mid-2010s, the lingo focused on mitigating climate change and reducing GHG emissions below the ‘baseline’ level
-Then in 2015 COP21 happened where the historical Paris Agreement was created. This aimed to limit planet-warming to 1.5-2°C compared to pre-industrial times
The Paris Agreement spurred countries into action. Net zero came about – it’s a scientific but tangible concept.
👉When?
-The UN and the IPCC urge that net zero must be reached by 2050
👉Europe has led the way
-Countries in Europe were the first to plan for net zero and legislate for it
-Since the early 2020s net-zero pledges has become a global commitment
Taking action
👏How to get there?
-Reduce all destructive GHG – not just carbon
-Phase out fossil fuels – focus on e.g. natural/renewable energy – need more policy!
-Work on energy efficiency
-Invest in technology – on land & in space
-Nature restoration & conservation – e.g. tree planting – but within biodiversity needs
-Waste management
-Change agricultural practices – educate & financially support farmers
-Raise individual awareness & educate children
✋How NOT to get there?
-Carbon offsetting! e.g. donating money to climate-change charities, or when a company is researching/ into renewable energy BUT without reducing emissions
-Carbon credits – puts a measurement in place for maximum emissions. They are bought/sold via a “cap-and-trade” system. But countries have to get to net zero eventually, so this option seems to be disappearing
-Greenwashing = dishonesty in reducing emissions, green claims & reporting
👉Debatable
-Carbon capture technologies:
-Fossil fuels companies plan to capture & bury gases to be used again later
-Farmers are testing the rock-dust method to capture carbon. But how effective is this?
-Or should there be more investment into other carbon capture tech?
-Green hydrogen energy – big plants take decades to build and they are expensive. Then if small operations are built instead, you’d have nuclear everywhere
🗝️We’ve talked enough. Governments and businesses need to get into real action – and we can all help the net-zero cause.💪
Happy Friday!
While you are here, have a look at my services to see how I can help you on your eco journey!
Sources: Cambridge Dictionary, ECIU, IPCC, NewScientist, National Academies, PlanA Earth, nature, College of Agricultural Sciences.