What is Net-zero?
Net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed from it. A country, company, or individual reaches net zero when they emit no more greenhouse gases than they can absorb or offset.
(Figure1: Net Zero. Source: https://vnexpress.net/net-zero-la-gi-4794647.html)
Why is Net-zero important?
Prevents dangerous warming: Achieving net-zero stops the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which is crucial to limiting global warming to 1.5°C — the threshold scientists say is necessary to avoid severe climate disruptions like extreme weather, sea-level rise, and ecosystem collapse.
Protects people and economies: Climate change increases the frequency of natural disasters, threatens food and water supplies, and puts vulnerable communities at risk. Net-zero helps reduce these threats and creates more stable conditions for societies and economies.
Encourages innovation and clean growth: The push for net-zero drives investment in clean technologies like renewable energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable agriculture. This not only helps the planet but also creates jobs and economic opportunities.
Fulfills global commitments: Countries have agreed under the Paris Agreement to take action on climate change, and reaching net-zero by mid-century is key to meeting those promises.
(Figure2: Zero emissions future for all. Source: https://newsroom.cisco.com/c/r/newsroom/en/us/a/y2021/m09/hold-fran-net-zero-blog.html)
How can Net-zero achieved?
The first crucial step toward achieving net-zero is to cut greenhouse gas emissions right at their source. This includes transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power. At the same time, improving energy efficiency in buildings, appliances, and industrial processes helps reduce unnecessary energy consumption. In transportation, replacing fuel-powered vehicles with electric ones or expanding the use of electric public transit also makes a significant contribution. Moreover, the industrial sector must adopt cleaner technologies to reduce emissions from cement, steel, and chemical production processes.
Agriculture and land use play a key role in the net-zero strategy. Forest conservation, especially of old-growth forests, is a top priority due to their ability to absorb large amounts of CO₂. Additionally, adopting sustainable farming methods helps reduce methane from livestock and nitrous oxide from fertilizers. Restoring degraded ecosystems such as wetlands, grasslands, and mangroves not only enhances carbon sequestration but also improves biodiversity and reduces disaster risks.
After maximizing emissions reduction, the remaining emissions must be removed from the atmosphere to achieve a net balance. Natural solutions like planting trees and restoring degraded land are effective and low-cost methods of capturing CO₂. In addition, advanced technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) or direct air capture are being developed and may play a key role in the long term.
For emissions that cannot be completely eliminated, organizations and countries can offset them by purchasing carbon credits. These credits often come from verified projects such as reforestation, clean cookstove distribution in developing countries, or building renewable energy facilities. Offsetting helps balance total emissions and promotes investment in global climate solutions.
Governments play a central role in creating legal and financial frameworks to steer society toward the net-zero goal. Tools such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems help internalize the environmental costs of emissions. Setting legally binding emission targets, providing financial support for green technology research and development, and investing in sustainable infrastructure all drive the transition to a low-emission economy.
Finally, achieving lasting net-zero requires changes in individual lifestyles and consumption patterns. Reducing red meat consumption, minimizing food waste, conserving electricity and water, and choosing eco-friendly modes of transport are all practical actions. Additionally, the financial system must be reoriented to favor green projects and reduce investment in fossil fuels. Coordinated changes from individuals to communities will create powerful momentum to meet global climate goals.
(Figure 3: Net Zero programs over the world. Source: https://leaf-si.com/net-zero-programs-over-the-world/)
Is there a global effort to reach net zero?
According to the United Nations website, a growing coalition of countries, cities, businesses and other institutions are pledging to get to net-zero emissions. As of June 2024, 107 countries responsible for approximately 82 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, had adopted net-zero pledges either in law, in a policy document such as an national climate action plan or a long-term strategy, or in an announcement by a high-level government official. More than 9,000 companies, over 1000 cities, more than 1000 educational institutions, and over 600 financial institutions have joined the Race to Zero, pledging to take rigorous, immediate action to halve global emissions by 2030.
Nhan Van