Net Zero Goal: Zero Your Carbon Emissions

Göksu Deniz Ünsal 14 September 2023

There is a term that has been on all of our ears lately: "Net Zero Goal". However, for those who hear this term for the first time, it may seem quite technical and complex. This goal is one of the first steps that must be taken for our future. 

The net-zero target gives us clues about how we should transform our relationship with nature, the energy we consume, and even our daily lives. But don't worry, in this article, we will discuss this issue most simply and understandably. 

If you want, let's step into this carbon reduction adventure together and discover what we can do for our planet.

 

What is Net Zero?

"Net zero" means that the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere through human activities is equal to the amount of gas removed or sequestered from the atmosphere through the same activities. The purpose of this balance is to limit the negative effects of climate change by keeping global warming under control. Emission sources such as fossil fuel use and deforestation; Efforts are made to balance this with solution methods such as afforestation and carbon capture.

In terms of history, the concept of "net zero" came to the fore, especially with the Paris Agreement in 2015. The treaty aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. To achieve this goal, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has emphasized the need to achieve net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. In line with this goal, many countries and organizations have begun to develop net-zero strategies.

Balancing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Net zero refers to balancing the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities with the amount taken back from the atmosphere. This is achieved by taking back greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere through activities such as the use of fossil fuels, deforestation, waste management and animal husbandry, from the atmosphere through methods such as restoration of sink areas or nature-based carbon capture.

Burden of the Atmosphere: Why is Zero Emission Important?

Excessive release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere leads to global warming and climate change. Therefore, reducing and balancing the amount of greenhouse gases released is vital to the health of our world and ecosystem.

The Importance of IPCC and Net Zero

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is an international organization that warns the world about the harmful effects of climate change and determines the measures that can be taken against these changes. The Special Report on 1.5°C Global Warming published by the IPCC in 2018 highlights the aim of the Paris Agreement to achieve the 1.5-2.0°C global warming targets. The report states that by in 2050, human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, especially CO2, should be reduced as rapidly as possible compared to 2015 levels.

This should not be more than the amount removed from the atmosphere of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere by human activities. This goal was especially achieved by the parties to the Treaty of Paris.r It comes to the fore in conferences and in determining national, international or regional obligations.

According to the IPCC, several concepts and definitions need to be understood to address these issues. Some of those:

Negative Emissions: It refers to the planned removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere by human activities.

Net Negative Emissions: It describes the situation when more greenhouse gases are removed from the atmosphere by human activities.

Net Zero CO2 Emissions: This refers to the situation where human-induced CO2 emissions are balanced by the amount of CO2 taken from the atmosphere.

Net Zero Emissions: It defines the general balance between the greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount taken from the atmosphere.

 

Tips for Achieving the Net Zero Goal

To achieve the Net Zero Goal, institutions and individuals need to take some responsibilities, and the number of institutions that raise awareness about these responsibilities must be increased and supported. Here are some tips for organizations to use in their Net Zero journey:

Creating No New Emissions: Why Is This Important?

Limiting new emissions is key to reaching the net zero target. Each new emission means an additional amount of carbon dioxide that must be offset. That is, if new emissions are not created or minimized, this facilitates efforts to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Preventing emissions, in the beginning, allows us to save investments and efforts to compensate for these emissions later.

Moving Away from Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels are the main source of global greenhouse gas emissions. The use of coal, oil and natural gas releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Therefore, moving away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources is one of the critical steps to be taken towards achieving the net zero goal. Reducing the use of fossil fuels in electricity production, transportation, industry and housing are the main areas where we can achieve rapid results.

Investing in Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is the cleanest energy source that can replace fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, water and geothermal energy provide carbon-free or low-carbon energy production. Investing in these energy sources can reduce energy dependency and increase energy security, in addition to accelerating efforts to reduce emissions.

Increasing Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency means doing more work with the same amount of energy. Increasing thermal insulation in buildings, using energy-saving devices and optimizing industrial processes reduces our carbon footprint by reducing energy needs. Energy efficiency stands out with its potential to reduce emissions as well as economic benefits.

Preventing Deforestation and Protecting Green Spaces

Forests play an important role in maintaining the world's carbon balance. Preventing deforestation and protecting natural habitats is a critical step in combating greenhouse gas emissions. Protecting forests is a huge benefit in reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by storing carbon naturally.

 

Sectoral Steps for Net Zero Target

Achieving the net zero goal is not limited to decisions made at the individual or government level. This goal should be supported by concrete and sustainable steps to be taken in all sectors. Every sector, from energy to agriculture, from transportation to aviation, bears its responsibility for the realization of this vision. Here are the steps that can be taken briefly for some sectors.

In the Energy Sector Sustainable Approaches

  • Investment should be made in renewable energy sources, especially solar, wind and hydroelectric energy.
  • Strategies to move away from fossil fuels should be adopted.
  • The focus should be on energy storage solutions.
  • The use of smart grids should be expanded.

Sustainability in Agriculture and Production

  • The use of chemical inputs should be reduced.
  • Methods that protect the soil, such as rotational planting, should be adopted.
  • Water-saving methods such as drip irrigation should be used.
  • Composting of organic waste should be encouraged.

Green Approaches in Transportation

  • Electric vehicle infrastructure should be expanded.
  • The use of public transportation should be encouraged.
  • Investment should be made in alternative transportation methods.
  • Sustainable transportation infrastructures such as bicycle and walking paths should be developed. Promoting cycling directly benefits 10 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Reducing Carbon Footprint in Aviation

  • Investment should be made in bio-jet fuels.
  • Investments should be made in aerodynamic improvements and innovative engine technologies.
  • Strategies to offset carbon emissions, such as forest planting or renewable energy projects, should be adopted.
  • Training on sustainable flight practices should be organized.

 

Global Solution Proposals and Initiatives

Reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change is not an issue that can only be addressed at the local or national level. International initiatives and innovative technologies are of great importance against this problem, which requires global cooperation.

International Agreements and Commitments

Paris Agreement (2015): This agreement includes countries committing to keep the global average temperature increase below 2°C compared to the pre-industrial period. The target is to limit this increase to 1.5°C.

Kyoto Protocol (1997): It includes commitments of industrial countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the 2008-2012 period.

Kigali Agreement (2016): This agreement, which aims to reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), is part of the steps taken to protect the ozone layer.

Countries That Have Achieved Net Zero Target

Many countries have adopted a target of net zero emissions by 2050. For example, Sweden has set a target of net zero emissions by 2045.

Some regions and cities have committed to achieving net-zero emissions targets earlier than national targets.

Technological Advances and Carbon Capture

Technological innovations are of great importance in reducing carbon emissions. Capture and storage technologies play a critical role in achieving the net zero goal by removing CO2 from the atmosphere.

Direct Air Capture (DAC): This technology is used to capture CO2 directly from the atmosphere. The captured CO2 can then be stored or used.

Carbon Capture and Storage with Biomass (BECCS): It is the process of capturing and storing CO2 underground during energy production using biomass energy.

Blue Hydrogen: It is produced by combining hydrogen obtained by reforming natural gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. This process captures the CO2 released during hydrogen production before it is released into the atmosphere.

Mineralization: It is the process of reacting CO2 with minerals such as basalt to form stable minerals such as carbonates.

Carbon Capture with Microalgae: Microalgae absorb CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. In this process, microalgae grow and increase biomass, which can then be used for energy production. Additionally, microalgae can grow rapidly and absorb large amounts of CO2 in the process, making it considered an effective method for carbon capture and storage.

Thanks to technological advances, the cost of carbon capture and storage solutions is decreasing and their efficiency is increasing. Expanding these technological steps is key to achieving the net zero goal.

 

Conclusion

Achieving the net zero goal is possible with not only individuals but also institutions taking an active role. Carbon Gate is an experienced solution partner for institutions embarking on this journey to achieve their sustainability goals. We offer end-to-end sustainability specific to sectors with our services, we help businesses reduce their carbon footprint, thus contributing to the global net zero target. 

If you want to start this transformation for your organization and be part of a sustainable future, Take action now!

Let's contact us now and take your first step towards a sustainable future with Carbon Gate.