Carbon neutral means achieving a balance between the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed or offset, so that the net carbon emissions equal zero. This balance is typically reached by reducing emissions as much as possible and compensating for the remaining emissions through activities like carbon offset projects, such as reforestation or investing in renewable energy
. Key points about carbon neutrality:
- It involves measuring the total carbon footprint, including emissions from various activities.
- Emissions are then reduced where possible, for example by improving energy efficiency or switching to renewable energy.
- Remaining emissions are offset by supporting projects that absorb or avoid an equivalent amount of CO2, like planting trees or carbon capture technologies.
- Carbon neutrality does not mean zero emissions are produced, but that emissions are balanced by removals or offsets
- Carbon neutral is similar to but slightly different from net zero; carbon neutrality often focuses on balancing carbon emissions specifically, while net zero can refer to balancing all greenhouse gases and often involves a more prescriptive reduction trajectory
In summary, being carbon neutral means that any carbon emissions produced are effectively canceled out by absorbing or offsetting an equivalent amount, resulting in no net increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
