How to Achieve Net Zero

Net zero is a concept being pursued by many governments, organizations, and companies to minimize the release of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. To achieve this goal, industries, agriculture, transportation, and households need to reduce their carbon emissions. This can be done by using renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, adopting green technologies, and engaging in tree-planting activities to absorb carbon emissions.

Reducing red meat consumption is one of the most effective ways to decrease carbon emissions into the atmosphere

1. Net Zero - Concept and Significance

In the context of climate change, Net Zero means no additional greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), which is produced when we use oil, natural gas, and coal to provide energy for homes, factories, and transportation. It contributes to global warming by trapping solar energy. According to the 2015 Paris Agreement, 197 countries agreed to limit global temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees Celsius to mitigate the severe effects of climate change. Experts suggest that to achieve this goal, countries need to reduce CO2 emissions to net zero by 2050.

Many countries have started tree-planting as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Complete removal of CO2 emissions may not always be feasible, so these emissions need to be offset by other measures, such as tree-planting. Many countries have begun tree-planting efforts as a way to minimize greenhouse gases. However, the question remains whether we have enough space for the necessary tree planting activities. Carbon capture and storage technology is also considered a technological solution. This technology employs machinery to extract carbon from the air, solidify it, and bury it underground. However, this technology is still in its infancy, is expensive, and has not been proven effective yet.

2. Measures to Achieve Net Zero

To achieve the net zero goal, a variety of complex measures need to be implemented, including:

1. Using renewable energy: Using renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy to minimize carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
2. Improving energy efficiency: Enhancing energy efficiency by using energy-saving devices, improving energy use in homes, and using energy-efficient electronic devices.
3. Adopting green technologies: Utilizing green technologies such as electric vehicles, hybrid cars, and energy-efficient electronic devices to reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
4. Engaging in tree-planting activities: Participating in tree-planting activities to absorb carbon emissions.
5. Reducing air travel: Air travel significantly contributes to carbon emissions. Reducing the number of flights and using public transportation or electric vehicles can help decrease carbon emissions.
6. Reducing red meat consumption: According to a report by the Climate Commission, reducing red meat consumption is one of the most effective ways to decrease carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

For example, the United Kingdom has introduced measures such as banning gasoline and diesel cars by 2030, increasing offshore wind power capacity, investing in low-carbon hydrogen energy, and extensive tree planting. The UK government has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. However, some experts argue that current measures will only achieve about 20% of the emission reduction target.

The UK government's 'jet zero' project explores options to reduce emissions from the aviation industry

3. Challenges of the Net Zero Goal

The net zero goal faces various challenges. According to an article from MIT Climate Portal, one of the biggest challenges is a lack of financial resources for investing in green technologies and nature-based solutions. Additionally, setting net zero goals requires cooperation between countries and organizations to achieve a level of consistency in standards and measurement methods.

According to an article from the World Economic Forum, businesses are also facing several challenges in transitioning to a net zero model. Some of these challenges include a lack of coordination in emission reduction, a shortage of skilled and knowledgeable workforce to implement green solutions, and a lack of new technologies to minimize carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

Using public transportation or electric vehicles can help reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere

Achieving the net zero goal is not easy, and there is ongoing debate about how countries should implement it. For example, a country may reduce emissions by closing industries that consume a lot of energy, but if they import products from another country with high emissions, they may effectively increase global emissions rather than reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions.