Net-zero emissions

Global net-zero emissions are reached when greenhouse gas emissions and removals due to human activities are in balance. Net-zero emissions is often shortened to net zero. Once global net zero is achieved, further global warming is expected to significantly slow down, but the effects of existing atmospheric greenhouse gases will still contribute to continued warming. Emissions can refer to all greenhouse gases or only to carbon dioxide (CO2). Reaching net zero is necessary to slow global warming. It requires deep cuts in emissions, for example by shifting from fossil fuels to sustainable energy, improving energy efficiency and halting deforestation. A small remaining fraction of emissions can then be offset using carbon dioxide removal. People often use the terms net-zero emissions, carbon neutrality, and climate neutrality with the same meaning. However, in some cases, these terms have different meanings. For example, some standards for carbon neutral certification allow a lot of carbon offsetting. But net zero standards require reducing emissions to more than 90% and then only offsetting the remaining 10% or less to fall in line with 1.5 °C targets. Organizations often offset their residual emissions by buying carbon credits. In the early 2020s net zero became the main framework for climate action. Many countries and organizations are setting net zero targets. As of November 2023, around 145 countries had announced or are considering net zero targets, covering close to 90% of global emissions. They include some countries that were resistant to climate action in previous decades. Country-level net zero targets now cover 92% of global GDP, 88% of emissions, and 89% of the world population. 65% of the largest 2,000 publicly traded companies by annual revenue have net zero targets. Among Fortune 500 companies, the percentage is 63%. Company targets can result from both voluntary action and government regulation....