Demystifying the myth of net-zero
Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions have been a popular goal. Net-zero refers to the claims that countries and organizations make, regarding a state where any greenhouse gas emissions are near zero and the rest are balanced by greenhouse gas removals or offsetting. The deadline is often by 2050 (when those making the commitment will be long gone). I’m not saying this is an unhelpful commitment. However, like a journey between two cities, how this commitment is reached matters. The journey matters even more than the end date and the zero commitment.
Take a look at 4 different GHG emissions reductions over 30 years from a 10,000 t/year starting point versus a do nothing scenario:
- a linear reductions approach gives a 50% reduction of cumulative GHG emission
- the Science-based Targets Initiative (SBTi) approach gives a 42% reduction.
- a late action approach might yield less than a10-20% reduction.
- an early action approach could yield 80-90% reduction of cumulative GHG emissions.
With carbon neutrality, every year, the organization is at Net Zero. A 100% reduction in cumulative GHG emissions. Now that is a smart climate move! See ISO 14068:2023
Join in the #GSSChallenge. This week’s theme is “What commitments are you making?”
