Why is net zero important?
From countries and companies to individuals, tackling climate change is at the top of the agenda. Action taken to limit emissions in the next decade will be critical to the future, which is why every country, sector, industry and each one of us must work together to find ways to cut the carbon we produce.
Read more about why reaching net zero is so important
Is net zero the same as carbon neutral?
No. Although 'net zero' and 'carbon neutral' are often referred to interchangeably, and both result in CO2 being removed from the environment, the two terms are not the same.
You’ve most likely heard the term ‘carbon neutral’ being used when referring tobusinesses. In this case, it’s often referring to their ambition to limit any increase in future carbon emissions, while using offsets to neutralise existing emissions.
‘Net zero’ on the other hand places much more focus on reducing carbon emissions as much as possible first, and only offsetting unavoidable, residual CO2 as a last resort.
Organisations such as the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) have developed pathways for companies to validate their net zero greenhouse gas reduction targets, and ensure they’re aligned with what science deems necessary to limit global warming to 1.5°C in the near-term.
Find out more about the difference between carbon neutral and net zero
What’s the difference between gross zero and net zero?
‘Gross zero’, also known as ‘real zero’ refers to industry sectors (such as the energy sector) aiming to completely eliminate carbon emissions from their operations.
At National Grid, we’re striving for our operational emissions to reach zero in absolute terms, rather than relying on large-scale offsetting or unproven removal technologies to meet our long-term climate commitments.
Through the actions outlined in our Climate Transition Plan, we believe that the decarbonisation of power grids in the 2030s and ourclean energy vision of fossil-free US gas networks by 2050will enable us as a company to get close to real zero, with only small residual emissions in sectors that currently look hard to abate, such as elements in our upstream supply chain, and where UK and US national plans still have emissions in 2050.
What is climate change?
Evidence shows that our planet has been getting hotter. The warmest 20 years on record have been in the last 22 years according to the World Meteorological Organisation and the warmest four were all very recent: 2015 to 2020. Global average temperatures are now 1.2°C(2.16°F) higher than in the pre-industrial era.
A degree doesn’t sound like a lot, but the reality is that this incremental warming already appears to be having a negative impact. What’s more, if recent trends continue, this is set to worsen, with predictions of global temperatures increasing by as much as 2.7°C(4.86°F) by 2100.
Even with this tiny rise in global temperatures we are feeling the effects of climate change with erratic weather patterns includingheatwaves,floods and severe storms,loss of polar ice,andrising sea levels. This will only get worse if global warming intensifies.
What are the causes of climate change?
It’s widely recognised by scientists and governments that climate change is being triggered by higher levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Their name derives from the greenhouse effect they create by warming the Earth’s surface and the air above it. This is caused by gases that trap energy from the sun. The most common greenhouse gases are water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane.
CO2 is the most dangerous and abundant of the greenhouse gases, which is why cutting carbon emissions, carbon footprints or seeking low-carbon alternatives should help to tackle climate change. This can be done in two ways:
Lowering the emissions we’re sending into the atmosphere, from activities such as industrial processes, power generation, transport and intensive agriculture.
Removing greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere, for example by capturing carbon that’s created during industrial processes, or by planting more trees.
Last updated: 23 Feb 2023
The information in this article is intended as a factual explainer and does not necessarily reflect National Grid's strategic direction or current business activities.
FAQs
The term net zero means achieving a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere, and the carbon removed from it. This balance – or net zero – will happen when the amount of carbon we add to the atmosphere is no more than the amount removed.
What is an example of a net zero? ›
We reach net zero when the amount of greenhouse gas we produce is no more than the amount taken away. Zero carbon concerns the emissions produced from a product or service – it means no carbon is given off at all. In the context of energy generation, one example would be a wind turbine creating electricity.
Does net zero mean no fossil fuels? ›
When carbon-neutral refers to balancing out the total amount of carbon emissions, net-zero carbon means no carbon was emitted from the get-go, so no carbon needs to be captured or offset. For example, a company's building running entirely on solar, and using zero fossil fuels can label its energy as “zero carbon.”
What is the difference between net zero and carbon neutral? ›
Net zero is similar in principle to carbon neutrality, but is expanded in scale. To achieve net zero means to go beyond the removal of just carbon emissions. Net zero refers to all greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere, such as methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and other hydrofluorocarbons.
What is another word for net zero? ›
According to the IPCC definition, “carbon neutrality” and “net-zero” are synonyms. Carbon neutrality is a generic term, scientifically valid when considered comprehensive, and on a global level: it corresponds to a worldwide equilibrium between anthropogenic emissions and anthropogenic absorption.
What happens when we reach net zero? ›
'Net zero' means that any emissions are balanced by absorbing an equivalent amount from the atmosphere. In order to meet the 1.5°C global warming target in the Paris Agreement, global carbon emissions should reach net zero around mid-century.
What are the negatives of net zero? ›
Net-zero pledges can potentially worsen climate inequities. For example, wealthy countries, which include some of the largest historical polluters, are able to fund offset projects outside their borders while continuing to pollute at home.
What is the largest net zero building in the world? ›
1. The Unisphere (Maryland, US) The Unisphere, situated in Maryland, United States, boasts a stunning design featuring dramatic curves and a glass facade across its six stories, proudly asserting its status as the world's largest net-zero energy building.
Why is net zero so important? ›
The concept of net zero is important because it directly impacts the health of humans and the environment. Greenhouse gases stay in the atmosphere for a long time, so it is useful to have a universal term that references a solution.
Why is net zero flawed? ›
First, there is a dramatic risk of underachieving necessary emissions cuts. The atomized, libertarian approach to net-zero only incentivizes companies to undertake emissions reductions activities that are cheaper than available offsets.
Commenting on the estimate that warming will stop at net zero, Imperial College London's Professor Joeri Rogelj said: “These estimates come with substantial uncertainty, meaning there is a non-negligible chance that global warming will continue after net zero and intensify dangerous climate change.
Which country is the only country in the world that is carbon negative? ›
Bhutan is the world's first carbon-negative country; its vast forests absorb more carbon dioxide (CO2) than the country emits from all activities. This accomplishment stems from Bhutan's holistic approach to development.
What is better than net zero? ›
Climate positive means that activity goes beyond achieving net-zero carbon emissions to create an environmental benefit by removing additional carbon from the atmosphere.
Is the Apple Watch carbon neutral? ›
100% of the electricity used in manufacturing of the watch is matched with 100% clean electricity, which means that Apple and its manufacturers have invested in enough renewable energy to cover the electricity footprint of what is used to make the Apple “carbon neutral” watch.
How to get to net zero? ›
The most feasible pathways to net-zero emissions include four main strategies:
- Generate electricity without emissions. ...
- Use vehicles and equipment that are powered by electricity instead of fossil fuels. ...
- Use energy more efficiently. ...
- Remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Put simply, net zero means cutting carbon emissions to a small amount of residual emissions that can be absorbed and durably stored by nature and other carbon dioxide removal measures, leaving zero in the atmosphere.
What does terms net 0 mean? ›
Also known as Payable on Receipt or NET 0, cash on delivery means that upon delivery of the goods or services, payment must be made. This can be useful if you're a new business looking to build trust in customers as it greatly benefits the customer.
How does zero net work? ›
In addition to using bitcoin cryptography, ZeroNet uses trackers from the BitTorrent network to negotiate connections between peers. ZeroNet is not anonymous by default, but it supports routing traffic through the Tor network.
What does net zero mean for kids? ›
Definition. Net zero is the point at which the number of greenhouse gases. being put out into the atmosphere is equal to the number that are being taken in.
