What is Net Zero?

The decarbonization of power through renewable energy sources like wind and solar is one way to achieve net zero.

*Source: https://www.twi-global.com

Some negatives of net zero include:

• Verifiability: The program is vulnerable to manipulation because it’s getting harder to verify stated reductions and put offset promises into action.
• Double counting: A single carbon offset may appear simultaneously on the balance sheets of several different organizations, exaggerating the impact.
• Delayed impact: It takes time for the effects of nature-based offsets, like afforestation programs, to become apparent.
• Delay in decarbonization: By offering an easy answer, carbon offsets could deter businesses from doing the difficult but ultimately more fruitful and lasting task of decreasing their own carbon emissions.
• Permanence: To have a lasting impact, carbon offsets must be properly managed long after they are purchased.

Examples of a net zero strategy include:

• Generating electricity with renewable power sources (e.g., wind, solar, water)
• Replacing traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with electric vehicles
• Removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere with carbon capture technology (e.g., carbon sinks, saline aquifers)

*Source: https://www.nationalacademies.org

The second half of this century must achieve a balance between anthropogenic emissions from sources and removals from sinks of greenhouse gases, according to net zero standards. Going “net zero” means reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and/or making sure that any residual emissions are offset by removals.