Carbon neutrality means having a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere in carbon sinks. Carbon sinks are any systems that absorb more carbon than they emit, such as forests, soils, and oceans. Removing carbon oxide from the atmosphere and then storing it is known as carbon sequestration. In order to achieve net zero emissions, all worldwide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will have to be counterbalanced by carbon sequestration. Carbon neutrality is similar to net-zero in that GHG emissions are offset, although it generally includes a wider definition of offsetting residual emissions, including emissions avoidance activities, and wouldn’t prescribe a specific reduction trajectory. Its also less prescriptive regarding the reporting boundary, with the inclusion of wider value chain (Scope 3) emissions being encouraged but not mandatory.
In summary, carbon neutrality means balancing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere with the amount that is removed or absorbed from the atmosphere. It is achieved by reducing carbon emissions and investing in carbon sinks that absorb CO2.
