From Net Zero to True Zero

1/23/20230 min read

Net zero carbon emissions, which is synonymous with carbon neutrality, implies that, after balancing equivalent emissions and removals, total annual global CO2 emissions are zero (Rogelj et al 2015:2-3). Net zero greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions, or climate neutrality, similarly entails that GHG emissions are compensated by negative CO2 emissions (Rogelj et al 2015:3).

Some climate activists argue that net-zero emission targets will not address the climate emergency sufficiently. The ‘net’ aspect, which includes negative emissions by carbon removal, could distract from the urgent need to actually reduce emissions (Levin et al 2019); further, net-zero targets could theoretically be reached by purchasing emission credits, without any emission reductions within the purchaser’s territory (Levin et al 2019).

The ‘net’ in net zero allows flexibility in making progress toward emissions targets, especially in countries where clean or renewable energy are not yet widely available or affordable. However, as noted above, permitting offsets by carbon removal may reduce the urgency to mainstream non-fossil energy sources (Levin et al 2019). The commodification of carbon (Boyd 2009:2380) may shift environmental risks to developing countries and/or produce or reproduce inequality, especially if implemented without due consultation or coordination (Boyd 2009).

In my view, the promotion of net zero primarily benefits the private sector, particularly the engineering and construction sectors involved on the development of new large-scale energy and forest projects under, for instance, the Clean Development Mechanism, as well as traders dealing in certified emissions reduction credits on the carbon market.

The focus on carbon removals and credits could mean the exclusion of emission-reduction strategies which reduce actual carbon and/or GHG emissions. These include the closure of coal plants, investments in clean or renewable energy and energy efficiency, the decarbonization of buildings, aviation, and shipping, restoration of degraded environments, and upgrading agricultural methods (Levin et al 2019). (300 words)

References:

  • Boyd, E. (2009). ‘Governing the Governing the Clean Development Mechanism: global rhetoric versus local realities in carbon sequestration projects’. Environment and Planning A 2009, volume 41, pages 2380-2395

  • Levin, K., T. Fransen, C. Schumer, and C. Davis. (2019). ‘What does “net-zero emissions” mean? 8 common questions, answered’. World Resources Institute (2019).

  • Rogelj, J., M. Schaeffer, M. Meinshausen, R. Knutti, J. Alcamo, K. Riahi, and W. Hare. (2015). ‘Zero emission targets as long-term global goals for climate protection’. Environmental Research Letters 10(10) 2015, p.105007.