{"id":38194,"title":"What is Net Zero?","description":"Net Zero is a state of equilibrium in which carbon emissions, from human activity, are balanced by the removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. This can be achieved by reducing emissions to a minimal level and conducting carbon removal and\/or allowing natural processes to absorb and store remaining emissions, resulting in constant atmospheric carbon dioxide\u00a0levels.","content":"

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\"WindNet Zero<\/u><\/span><\/a> is a state of equilibrium in which carbon emissions, from human activity, are balanced by the removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. This can be achieved by reducing emissions to a minimal level and conducting carbon removal and\/or allowing natural processes to absorb and store remaining emissions, resulting in constant atmospheric carbon dioxide\u00a0levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Since it would be difficult to reduce all emissions to zero in the near future, it is a long-term goal set by 195 Parties in the<\/span> Paris Agreement<\/u><\/span><\/a> to ensure that we avert the worst impacts of climate change that could render the planet uninhabitable. The Paris Agreement aims to keep average global temperature increases below 1.5<\/span>o<\/sup>C by reducing emissions by 45% by 2023, which was unfortunately not reached, with the aim to achieve net zero by 2050.<\/span><\/p>

\"DiagramCommitted CO2 emissions from existing fossil fuel infrastructure, compared with carbon budgets reflecting the long-term temperature goal of the Paris Agreement<\/em><\/p>

However, the <\/u><\/span>United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Emissions Gap Report 2023: Broken Record<\/u><\/span><\/a>,<\/u> states that if current policies are continued, global warming is estimated to be limited to 3<\/span>o<\/sup>C, Delivering on all unconditional and conditional pledges by 2023 lowers this estimate to 2.5<\/span>o<\/sup>C, with the additional fulfillment of all net-zero pledges bringing it to 2<\/span>o<\/sup>C. Worse than the 2022 estimate.<\/span><\/p>

Rapid and comprehensive multi-sector transformation, including how we power economies, transport people and goods, and manage food and waste, is crucial for net-zero emissions by 2050.<\/span><\/p>

What you can do\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>

An individual can be effective in reducing their carbon footprint through <\/span>mindful sustainable habits<\/span><\/strong>. Some examples of this are reducing flying, limiting the use of internal combustion vehicles, eating less meat, improving home insulation and moving to energy-efficient heating systems such as heat pumps, and turning off your lights when they are not being used.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

Learn more<\/h3>