What is net zero emissions
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Understanding Net Zero Emissions
Definition of Net Zero Emissions
Net zero emissions refer to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed from it. Achieving net zero means that any GHGs emitted are offset by equivalent amounts of GHGs being removed, resulting in no net increase in atmospheric GHG levels1 4 7.
Importance of Net Zero Emissions
The concept of net zero emissions is crucial for stabilizing global temperatures and mitigating climate change. To avoid dangerous levels of climate change, global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions must fall to zero later this century1. This is because CO2 and other GHGs trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change.
Challenges in Achieving Net Zero Emissions
Difficult-to-Decarbonize Sectors
Certain sectors are particularly challenging to decarbonize, including aviation, long-distance transport, steel and cement production, and reliable electricity supply1. These sectors require innovative technologies and coordinated efforts across various industries to reduce emissions effectively.
Technological and Economic Barriers
While existing technologies can potentially meet future demands without adding CO2 to the atmosphere, the high costs and long lead times for development and deployment pose significant barriers1. Additionally, integrating operations across currently discrete energy industries is essential but challenging due to institutional and organizational hurdles1.
Strategies for Achieving Net Zero Emissions
Electrification and Renewable Energy
Electrifying energy services and generating electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar are promising strategies for decarbonization1. This approach is relatively straightforward for services such as light-duty transportation, heating, cooling, and lighting.
Carbon Management and Recycling
Recycling and removing carbon from the atmosphere, known as carbon management, are critical components of a net-zero emissions strategy. Techniques such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) are essential for managing residual emissions1 6.
Sector Coupling
Integrating energy-consuming sectors (e.g., buildings, transport, industry) with the energy supply sector, known as sector coupling, is vital for achieving deep decarbonization. This approach optimizes energy use across sectors and enhances the efficiency of the overall energy system9.
Net Zero Emissions in Agriculture
Agriculture contributes significantly to global GHG emissions, primarily through methane, nitrous oxide, and CO2. Achieving net zero in agriculture involves decarbonizing on-farm energy use, adopting nitrogen fertilizer management technologies, and implementing alternative cultivation methods6. However, residual emissions will require offsets from carbon removal technologies to achieve net zero6.
Global and National Net Zero Targets
Over 100 countries have set or are considering net-zero emissions targets. These targets vary based on factors such as carbon storage capacity, income levels, and sector-specific emissions5. For instance, Brazil and the USA are projected to reach net zero earlier than the global average, while India and Indonesia may reach it later5.
Conclusion
Achieving net zero emissions is essential for mitigating climate change and stabilizing global temperatures. While significant challenges exist, including difficult-to-decarbonize sectors and high costs, a combination of electrification, renewable energy, carbon management, and sector coupling can pave the way towards a sustainable future. Coordinated efforts and innovative technologies are crucial for overcoming these barriers and achieving net zero emissions globally.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Net-zero emissions energy systems
Achieving a net-zero emissions energy system requires research, development, and integration of disparate energy sectors and industrial processes, with current technologies showing promise.
Highly CitedIdentifying Knowledge and Process Gaps from a Systematic Literature Review of Net-Zero Definitions
A clear net-zero definition is needed at appropriate scales, with governance, design, measurement, verification, and circular framework being key areas for achieving net zero.
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Net-zero energy cost balance, net-zero site-energy, net-zero source-energy, and net-zero emission buildings are the most effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in buildings.
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A net zero strategy should prioritize early mitigation and known emissions reduction approaches, with a focus on climate justice, rather than relying on unproven negative emissions techniques.
Net-zero emission targets for major emitting countries consistent with the Paris Agreement
Brazil and the USA can achieve net-zero emissions a decade earlier than the global average, while India and Indonesia take longer, depending on factors like land-use emissions accounting and carbon storage.
Highly CitedAchieving net-zero emissions in agriculture: a review
Net-zero emissions in agriculture can be achieved through technologies like decarbonizing on-farm energy use, nitrogen fertilizer management, alternative rice cultivation methods, and reducing enteric methane.
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Net zero CO2 emissions are achievable between 2060 and 2070, with net negative emissions after that, to achieve a likely below 2°C global temperature target.
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Net-zero CO2 emissions scenarios show renewable energy sources accounting for 60% of primary energy, with electricity making up half of final energy consumed, but solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels remain prevalent.
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