With an increase in the understanding of the climatic crisis, we are more aware of the harm that we are causing to ourselves, the environment and the economy of a country. It, therefore, becomes important to work towards reducing carbon and carbon emissions on an individualistic basis. Carbon neutral, zero emissions, net-zero, and carbon negative are all terms that are commonly heard. However, with an increased number of efforts that are being made towards a clean and sustainable environment, it is crucial to understand how these terms differ and what they actually mean.
The actual difference between the two terms
Net-zero carbon and carbon neutral are two terms that are often used interchangeably. However, the two terms are not interchangeable. Carbon neutral refers to a policy that supports decreasing carbon emissions and ultimately achieving reduced carbon emissions with offsets. Net-zero carbon emissions, on the other hand, involve making certain changes that contribute to reducing the carbon emissions to the lowest possible amount and carbon offsetting is considered to be the very last resort. This is because carbon offsetting is used to counteract the vital emissions that remain post all the initiatives for carbon emission reduction have been made and implemented well.
Be it carbon neutrality or net-zero carbon emissions, carbon offsetting functions to remove carbon dioxide from the environment. For carbon offsetting to actually count, the CO2 removal must be permanent and licenced or accredited. Projects that help achieve reduced emissions in the atmosphere offer both community and social benefits. These projects can include the planting of trees, conservation, afforestation, to funding projects that are empowering individuals to reduce their fossil fuel dependence. Additionally, investments can be made that reduce GHG emissions.
Initiatives that help achieve carbon neutrality
Offsetting projects as part of carbon neutrality improve and enhance rainwater absorption, production of food, improve the quality of soil and biodiversity. Projects that particularly enhance the quality of soil are pertinent to climate change, and global warming as the soil is the most significant store of carbon, holding three times the carbon that is present in the atmosphere. Soil quality is an important factor when it comes to carbon offsetting and is often overlooked. A net-zero carbon commitment focuses only on reducing carbon emissions. This approach requires an initial measurement of the carbon footprint. This can then be followed by strategic initiatives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions with effective implementation of solutions for renewable energy use and then, finally, carbon offsetting.
Conclusion
In order to protect the environment from global warming, net-zero carbon emissions must be achieved on a global level. It must also be persistent, meaning that the greenhouse gases that are removed from the atmosphere are not released back into the atmosphere. At C6 Energy, we develop Graphene battery technology that utilises green carbon for a green footprint.