Carbon Related Terminologies
1. Carbon Neutral
Carbon neutrality, also known as climate neutrality or carbon balance, is a state in which an entity (organization, individual, or even) balances the amount of CO2 emissions it releases into the atmosphere with an equivalent amount of CO2 removal or offset measures. Achieving carbon neutrality means that the entity's net carbon emissions are zero. In other words, it aims to reduce or mitigate as much CO2 emissions as it produces.
2. Carbon Offsetting
In most efforts to combat climate change, it is often challenging to eliminate all carbon emissions. To achieve carbon neutrality, an entity can invest in carbon offset projects that reduce or capture an equivalent amount of CO2 from the atmosphere. These offset projects can include reforestation and afforestation (planting trees), investing in renewable energy projects, and capturing methane emissions from landfills.
3. Net-Zero Carbon
The Net-Zero carbon indicates that an entity’s activities are not releasing carbon into the atmosphere. An example of such activity is replacing purchased electricity with solar panels.
4. Net-Zero Emissions
Net-Zero emissions is a related term that signifies that an entity's total Greenhouse Gases emissions, not just CO2, are balanced by removal or offset measures. This includes emissions of gases such methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), which are also significant contributors to global warming. Achieving Net-Zero emissions means that the entity is no longer adding to the overall concentration of Greenhouse Gases in the atmosphere, helping to stabilize global temperatures.
5. Net-Zero Target
A Net-Zero target is a specific goal set by an entity to achieve carbon neutrality or Net-Zero emissions within a defined timeframe, in line with the Paris 2015 Agreement. For example, a country might set a Net-Zero emissions target for the year 2050, indicating that it aims to balance its total emissions with removal or offset measures by that year. These targets are often part of broader climate action plans to limit global warming and combat climate change.
