NET ZERO EMISSIONS.

Let’s wise up on what ‘Net Zero by 2050’ means and how it could lead to inaction if framed in the wrong way.

Net Zero.

Global net zero emissions = one happy planet.

BUT there are some issues with the term ‘net zero’ to be aware of. Keep reading to find out more.

What is Net Zero?

Net zero means carbon dioxide emissions go down to almost zero and the last small bit that’s hard to cut is removed through taking carbon dioxide back out of the atmosphere e.g. by planting trees or carbon capture and storage.

This means making rapid, large-scale changes to the current system to transition away from fossil fuel consumption. Eg: switching to renewable energy, preventing any new fossil fuel extraction, stopping investment in fossil fuels by governments & banks etc., de-carbonising transport systems.

And Why by 2050?

Reaching at least Net Zero carbon dioxide emissions is required to limit human-induced global warming to a specific level (IPCC). This is why many Governments are pledging to reduce emissions to Net Zero by 2050.

So What’s The Issue?

Unfortunately, Governments seem to be using Net Zero targets to under-deliver on their climate change commitments to reduce emissions.

  1. By aiming to reach Net Zero by 2050, they delay taking action to reduce emissions now.

  2. By over-relying on carbon removals, instead of actually reducing emissions.

It is important not to let Governments use Net Zero targets as a way to delay taking action!

To sufficiently limit global warming, we need to start making large-scale changes to the current system now and rapidly reduce emissions (IPCC).

 

Is Your Govt. Playing Games?

 

If you’re not sure whether your Government is genuine in their commitment to Net Zero, consider these things:

  • Has the target been put into domestic legislation?

  • Can they be held accountable if they fail?

  • Do they have a clear transition plan?

  • Does the plan include steps for large-scale action in the next 5 years?

  • Have they stopped funding fossil fuels?

If not, that could be a big red flag! Pledging to get to Net Zero by 2050 but still investing in fossil fuels or producing oil and gas and wanting to sell that to others ain’t right. Pledging to get to Net Zero by 2050 with no plan to do it ain’t right.

Call out your Govt.

Here are some ways to call out your Government for not taking immediate action:

  • Partner with a climate org in your country/region to help amplify your voices.

  • Write to your Government representative to call them out directly and ask for legitimate action.

  • Support various climate petitions to local, national & international leaders.