Carbon neutrality

Carbon neutrality refers to achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing carbon dioxide emissions with removal (often through carbon offsetting) or simply eliminating carbon dioxide emissions altogether (the transition to the "post-carbon economy").[1] It is used in the context of carbon dioxide-releasing processes associated with transportation, energy production, agriculture, and industrial processes. Carbon-neutral status can be achieved in two ways:

  • Balancing carbon dioxide emissions with carbon offsets, often through carbon offsetting—the process of reducing or avoiding greenhouse gas emissions or sequestering (removing) carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to make up for emissions elsewhere.[2] If the total greenhouse gasses emitted is equal to the total amount avoided or removed then the two effectively cancel each other out and the net emissions are 'neutral'.
  • Reducing carbon emissions (low-carbon economy) to zero through changing energy sources and industry processes. Shifting towards the use of renewable energy (e.g. hydro, wind, geothermal, and solar power)[3] as well as nuclear power[4] reduces GHG emissions. Although both renewable and non-renewable energy produce carbon emissions in some form, renewable energy has a lesser to almost zero carbon emissions.[5] which produces much less carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels. Making changes to current industrial and agricultural processes to reduce carbon emissions (for example, diet changes to livestock such as cattle can potentially reduce methane production by 40%.[6] Carbon projects and emissions trading are often used to reduce carbon emissions, and carbon dioxide can even sometimes be prevented from entering the atmosphere entirely (such as by carbon scrubbing).
See also: Low-carbon economy
Part of a series about
Environmental economics
Concepts
Policies
Dynamics
Carbon related
Veerappa Moily releasing the "Carbon Neutrality Initiative" during the 11th International Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition (PETROTECH-2014) in Noida, Uttar Pradesh

One way to implement carbon-neutral products is by making these products cheaper than carbon positive fuels.[7] Various companies have pledged to become carbon neutral or negative by 2050, some of which include: Microsoft,[8] Delta,[9] BP,[9] Ikea,[10] and BlackRock.[11] To help these companies become carbon neutral by 2050, more cost-effective renewable energy sources may need to be created. Otherwise, companies are likely to continue using coal or oil-based power, rather than renewable options such as wind or nuclear-based power.[12]

Although the term "carbon neutral" is used, a carbon footprint also includes other greenhouse gases (GHGs), usually carbon-based, measured in terms of their carbon dioxide equivalence. The phrase was the New Oxford American Dictionary's Word of the Year for 2006.[13] The term climate neutral reflects the broader inclusiveness of other greenhouse gases in climate change, even if CO2 is the most abundant. The terms are used interchangeably throughout this article. The term "net zero" is increasingly used to describe a broader more comprehensive commitment to decarbonization and climate action, moving beyond carbon neutrality by including more activities under the scope of indirect emissions, and often including a science-based target on emissions reduction, as opposed to relying solely on offsetting.

History
Plenary session of the COP21 adopting the Paris Agreement in 2015.

In 2016, the Oxford Dictionaries made the term carbon-neutral word of the year in the United States.

In December 2020, five years after the Paris Agreement, the Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres warned that the commitments made by countries in Paris were not sufficient and were not respected. He has urged all other countries to declare climate emergencies until carbon neutrality is reached.[14]

Process
See also: 100% renewable energy

Carbon neutrality is usually achieved by combining the following steps (although these may vary depending whether the strategy is implemented by individuals, companies, organizations, cities, regions, or countries):

Commitment

In the case of individuals, decision-making is likely to be straightforward, but for more complex set-ups, it usually requires political leadership at the highest level and wide popular agreement that the effort is worth making.

Counting and analyzing

Counting and analyzing the emissions that need to be eliminated, and the options for doing so, is the most crucial step in the cycle as it enables setting the priorities for action – from the products purchased to energy use and transport – and to start monitoring progress. This can be achieved through a GHG inventory that aims at answering questions such as:

  • Which operations, activities, units should be included?
  • Which sources should be included (see section Direct and indirect emissions)?
  • Who is responsible for which emissions?
  • Which gases should be included?

For individuals, carbon calculators simplify compiling an inventory. Typically they measure electricity consumption in kWh, the amount and type of fuel used to heat water and warm the house, and how many kilometres an individual drives, flies and rides in different vehicles. Individuals may also set various limits of the system they are concerned with, e.g. personal GHG emissions, household emissions, or the company they work for.

There are plenty of carbon calculators available online, which vary significantly in their usefulness and the parameters they measure. Some, for example, factor in only cars, aircraft and household energy use. Others cover household waste or leisure interests as well. In some circumstances, actually going beyond carbon neutral (usually after a certain length of time taken to reach carbon breakeven) is an objective.

Action

In starting to work towards climate neutrality, businesses and local administrations can make use of an environmental (or sustainability) management system or EMS established by the international standard ISO 14001 (developed by the International Organization for Standardization). Another EMS framework is EMAS, the European Eco Management and Audit Scheme, used by numerous companies throughout the EU. Many local authorities apply the management system to certain sectors of their administration or certify their whole operations.

Reduction

One of the strongest arguments for reducing GHG emissions is that it will often save money. Energy prices across the world are rising, making it harder to afford to travel, heat and light homes and factories, and keep a modern economy ticking over. So it is both common sense and sensible for the climate to use energy as sparingly as possible. Examples of possible actions to reduce GHG emissions are:

Wind power, nuclear power, hydropower, solar power, and geothermal are the energy sources with the lowest life-cycle emissions, which includes deployment and operations.[3][4]

Main article: Life-cycle greenhouse-gas emissions of energy sources

Offsetting

The use of Carbon offsets aims to neutralize a certain volume of GHG emissions by funding projects which should cause an equivalent reduction of GHG emissions somewhere else, such as tree planting. Under the premise “First reduce what you can, then offset the remainder”, offsetting can be done by supporting a responsible carbon project, or by buying carbon offsets or carbon credits.

Carbon offsetting is also a tool for severals local authorities in the world.[16]

In 2015, the UNFCCC, following the mandate of the CDM Executive board, launched a dedicated website where organizations, companies, but also private person are able to offset their footprint (https://offset.climateneutralnow.org/) with the aim of facilitating everyone's participation in the process of promoting sustainability.

Offsetting is sometimes seen as a charged and contentious issue. For example, James Hansen describes offsets as "modern day indulgences, sold to an increasingly carbon-conscious public to absolve their climate sins." This may also be interpreted as greenwashing,[17] especially in the case of most company commitments, which do not include actionable goals and schedules that implicate that the 'net zero' emission goals are more than good publicity.[18]

Evaluation and repeating

This phase includes evaluation of the results and compilation of a list of suggested improvements, with results documented and reported, so that experience gained of what does (and does not) work is shared with those who can put it to good use. Finally, with all that completed, the cycle starts all over again, only this time incorporating the lessons learned. Science and technology move on, regulations become tighter, the standards people demand go up. So the second cycle will go further than the first, and the process will continue, each successive phase building on and improving on what went before.

Being carbon neutral is increasingly seen as good corporate or state social responsibility and a growing list of corporations and states are announcing dates for when they intend to become fully neutral. Events such as the G8 Summit[19] and organizations like the World Bank[20] are also using offset schemes to become carbon neutral. Artists like The Rolling Stones[21] and Pink Floyd[22] have made albums or tours carbon neutral.

Direct and indirect emissions

To be considered carbon neutral, an organization must reduce its carbon footprint to zero. Determining what to include in the carbon footprint depends upon the organization and the standards they are following.

Generally, direct emissions sources must be reduced and offset completely, while indirect emissions from purchased electricity can be reduced with renewable energy purchases.

Direct emissions include all pollution from manufacturing, company owned vehicles and reimbursed travel, livestock and any other source that is directly controlled by the owner. Indirect emissions include all emissions that result from the use or purchase of a product. For instance, the direct emissions of an airline are all the jet fuel that is burned, while the indirect emissions include manufacture and disposal of airplanes, all the electricity used to operate the airline's office, and the daily emissions from employee travel to and from work. In another example, the power company has a direct emission of greenhouse gas, while the office that purchases it considers it an indirect emission.

Simplification of standards and definitions

Carbon neutral fuels are those that neither contribute to nor reduce the amount of carbon into the atmosphere. Before an agency can certify an organization or individual as carbon neutral, it is important to specify whether indirect emissions are included in the Carbon Footprint calculation.[23] Most Voluntary Carbon neutral certifiers such as Standard Carbon in the US, require both direct and indirect sources to be reduced and offset. As an example, for an organization to be certified carbon neutral by Standard Carbon, it must offset all direct and indirect emissions from travel by 1 lb CO2e per passenger mile, and all non-electricity direct emissions 100%.[24] Indirect electrical purchases must be equalized either with offsets, or renewable energy purchase. This standard differs slightly from the widely used World Resource Institute and may be easier to calculate and apply.

Much of the confusion in carbon neutral standards can be attributed to the number of voluntary carbon standards which are available. For organizations looking at which carbon offsets to purchase, knowing which standards are robust, credible and permanent is vital in choosing the right carbon offsets and projects to get involved in. Some of the main standards in the voluntary market include; The Verified Carbon Standard, The Gold Standard, The American Carbon Registry, The Climate Action Reserve, and Plan Vivo. In addition companies can purchase Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) which result from mitigated carbon emissions from UNFCCC approved projects for voluntary purposes. The concept of shared resources also reduces the volume of carbon a particular organization has to offset, with all upstream and downstream emissions the responsibility of other organizations or individuals. If all organizations and individuals were involved then this would not result in any double accounting.

Regarding terminology in UK and Ireland, in December 2011 the Advertising Standards Authority (in an ASA decision which was upheld by its Independent Reviewer, Sir Hayden Phillips) controversially ruled that no manufactured product can be marketed as "zero carbon", because carbon was inevitably emitted during its manufacture. This decision was made in relation to a solar panel system whose embodied carbon was repaid during 1.2 years of use and it appears to mean that no buildings or manufactured products can legitimately be described as zero carbon in its jurisdiction.[25]

Pledges

Being carbon neutral is increasingly seen as good corporate or state social responsibility and a growing list of corporations, cities and states are announcing dates for when they intend to become fully neutral. Many countries have also announced dates by which they want to be carbon neutral, with many of them targeting at the year 2050. The setting of an earlier date (i.e. 2025,[26] 2030,[27] 2045[28]) may be considered to send out a stronger signal internationally though.[29][30] Also, delaying to take significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions is not financially seen as a good idea anyway.[31][32]

Companies and organizations

The original Climate Neutral Network was an Oregon-based non-profit organization founded by Sue Hall and incorporated in 1999 to persuade companies that being climate neutral was potentially cost saving as well as environmentally sustainable. It developed both the Climate Neutral Certification and Climate Cool brand name with key stakeholders such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency, The Nature Conservancy, the Rocky Mountain Institute, Conservation International, and the World Resources Institute and succeeded in enrolling the 2002 Winter Olympics to compensate for its associated greenhouse gas emissions.[33] The non-profit's web site as of March 2011, lists the organization as closing its doors and plans to continue the Climate Cool upon transfer to a new non-profit organization, unknown at this time.[34] The for-profit consulting firm Climate Neutral Business Network listed the same Sue Hall as CEO and many of the same companies who were participants in the original Climate Neutral Network as consulting clients.[35] Today, there are many companies and organizations that have developed other independent Carbon and Climate Neutral certifications and designations.

Few companies have actually attained Climate Neutral Certification, applying to a rigorous review process and establishing that they have achieved absolute net zero or better impact on the world's climate. Another reason that companies have difficulty in attaining the Climate Neutral Certification is due the lack clear guidelines on what it means to make a carbon neutral development.[36] Shaklee Corporation became the first Climate Neutral certified company in April 2000. The company employs a variety of investments, and offset activities, including tree-planting, use of solar energy, methane capture in abandoned mines and its manufacturing processes.[37] Climate Neutral Business Network states that it certified Dave Matthews Band's concert tour as Climate Neutral. The Christian Science Monitor criticized the use of NativeEnergy, a for-profit company that sells offset credits to businesses and celebrities like Dave Matthews.[38]

Salt Spring Coffee became carbon neutral by lowering emissions through reducing long-range trucking and using bio-diesel fuel in delivery trucks,[39] upgrading to energy efficient equipment and purchasing carbon offsets from its offset provider, Offsetters. The company claims to the first carbon neutral coffee sold in Canada.[40] Salt Spring Coffee was recognized by the David Suzuki Foundation in their 2010 report Doing Business in a New Climate.[41]

Some corporate examples of self-proclaimed carbon neutral and climate neutral initiatives include Dell,[42] Google,[43][44] HSBC,[45] ING Group,[46] PepsiCo, Sky,[47][48] Tesco,[49][50] Toronto-Dominion Bank,[51] Asos[52] and Bank of Montreal.[53]

Under the leadership of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations pledged to work towards climate neutrality in December 2007. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced it was becoming climate neutral in 2008 and established a Climate Neutral Network to promote the idea in February 2008.

Events such as the G8 Summit and organizations like the World Bank are also using offset schemes to become carbon neutral. Artists like The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd have made albums or tours carbon neutral, while Live Earth says that its seven concerts held on 7 July 2007 were the largest carbon neutral public event in history.

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games were the first carbon neutral Games in history[54] through a large partnership with the carbon offset provider, Offsetters.

Buildings are the largest single contributor to the production of greenhouse gases. The American Institute of Architects 2030 Commitment is a voluntary program for AIA member firms and other entities in the built environment that asks these organizations to pledge to design all their buildings to be carbon neutral by 2030.[55]

In 2010, architectural firm HOK worked with energy and daylighting consultant The Weidt Group to design a 170,735-square-foot (15,861.8 m2) net zero carbon emissions Class A office building prototype in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.[56]

Countries and nations

Two countries have achieved or surpassed carbon neutrality:

As of January 2021, numerous countries/nations have pledged carbon neutrality, including:[60][61]

Country/nation Target Source(s)
Year Status
 Andorra 2050 Submission to UNFCCC [62]
 Argentina 2050 Submission to UNFCCC [63]
 Australia 2050–2100 Pledged towards the Paris agreement [64]
 Austria 2040 Coalition agreement [61][65][66][67]
 Belgium 2050 Policy position [68]
 Brazil 2060 Submission to UNFCCC [61]
 Canada 2050 Under discussion [69][70]
 China 2060 Policy position [71]
 Chile 2050 Under discussion [61]
 Colombia [72]
 Costa Rica 2050 Policy position [61]
 Denmark 2050 Law [61]
 Ethiopia 2025 or 2030 Policy position [73][74]
 European Union 2050 Political agreement [75][76]
 Fiji 2050 Pledged towards the Paris agreement [61]
 Finland 2035 Coalition agreement [61]
 France 2050 Law [61]
 Hungary 2050 Law [61]
 Iceland 2040 Policy position [61]
 Germany 2050 Law [61]
 Grenada 2050 Submission to UNFCCC [61]
 Ireland 2050 Coalition agreement [61]
 Japan 2050 Statement of intent [61]
 Kazakhstan 2060 Submission to UNFCCC [77]
 Luxembourg [78]
 Maldives 2030 Submission to UNFCCC [78]
 Marshall Islands 2050 Pledged towards the Paris agreement [61]
 Mexico [79]
   Nepal 2050 Pledged towards the Paris agreement [61]
 Netherlands [80]
 New Zealand 2050 Law [81]
 Norway 2050 (actual)

2030 (offsets)

 Policy position [61]
 Panama 2050 Submission to UNFCCC [61]
 Portugal 2050 Policy position [61]
 Scotland 2045 Law [82]
 Singapore 2050–2100 Submission to UNFCCC [61]
 Slovakia 2050 Policy position [61]
 South Africa 2050 Policy position [61]
 South Korea 2050 Policy position [61]
 Spain 2050 Law (draft) [61]
 Sweden 2045 Law [61][83]
  Switzerland 2050 Policy position [61]
 Timor-Leste [84]
 United States 2050 Statement of intent [61]
 United Kingdom 2050 Law [61]
 Uruguay 2030 Pledged towards the Paris agreement [61]
  Vatican City 2050 Submission to UNFCCC [63]

Canada

In June 2011, the Canadian Province of British Columbia announced they had officially become the first provincial/state jurisdiction in North America to achieve carbon neutrality in public sector operations:[85] Every school, hospital, university, Crown corporation, and government office measured, reported, and purchased carbon offsets on all of their 2010 Greenhouse Gas emissions as required under legislation.[86] Local Governments across B.C. are also beginning to declare Carbon Neutrality,[87] including the Regional District of Mount Waddington on Vancouver Island, whose indoor ice arena, the Chilton Regional Arena, is now carbon neutral and rely on solely on electricity from flooding their ice to mowing the grass.[88] The province intends to accelerate the deployment of natural gas vehicles.[89] Under the LiveSmart BC initiative, natural gas furnaces and water heaters receive cash back thereby promoting the burning of fossil fuel in the province.[90] The province states that an important part of new natural gas production will come from the Horn River basin where about 500 million tonnes of CO2 will be released into the atmosphere.[91][92]

On September 24, 2019, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged to make Canada carbon neutral by 2050 if re-elected.[93] On October 21, 2019, Trudeau was re-elected, and in December 2019, the Canadian government formally announced its goal for Canada to be carbon neutral by 2050.[70] In its speech from the throne, which was delivered on September 23, 2020, the federal government pledged to legislate its goal of making Canada carbon neutral by 2050.[94]

The city of Edmonton, Alberta is currently developing a carbon neutral community called Blatchford, on the grounds of its former City Centre Airport.[95]

Costa Rica

Costa Rica aims to be fully carbon neutral by at least 2050.[96] There are plans to do it even faster, namely by 2021 (the 200th anniversary of its independence)[97] In 2004, 46.7% of Costa Rica's primary energy came from renewable sources,[98] while 94% of its electricity was generated from hydroelectric power, wind farms and geothermal energy in 2006.[99] A 3.5% tax on gasoline in the country is used for payments to compensate landowners for growing trees and protecting forests and its government is making further plans for reducing emissions from transport, farming and industry.

European Union
Further information: European Green Deal

As of 2019, the EU has intermediate targets,[100] carbon neutrality was accepted by European Council on December 13, 2019.[101]

Denmark

Samsø island in Denmark is the largest carbon-neutral settlement on the planet, with a population of 4200, based on wind-generated electricity and biomass-based district heating. They currently generate extra wind power and export the electricity to compensate for petro-fueled vehicles. There are future hopes of using electric or biofuel vehicles.[102][103][104]

France

On 27 June 2019, the French National Assembly voted into law the first article in a climate and energy package that sets goals for France to cut its greenhouse gas emissions and go carbon-neutral by 2050 in line with the 2015 Paris climate agreement.[105] This was approved by the French Senate on 18 July 2019.[106]

Iceland

Iceland is also moving towards climate neutrality. Iceland generates over 99% of its electricity from renewable sources, namely hydroelectricity (approximately 80%) and geothermal (approximately 20%). No other nation uses such a high proportion of renewable energy resources.[107] Over 99% of electricity production and almost 80% of total energy production comes from hydropower and geothermal. In February 2008, Costa Rica, Iceland, New Zealand and Norway were the first four countries to join the Climate Neutral Network, an initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to catalyze global action towards low carbon economies and societies.[108]

Reykjavík aims to be carbon neutral by 2040.[109][110]

Maldives

The ex-president of the Maldives has pledged to make his country carbon-neutral within a decade by moving to wind and solar energy. The Maldives, a country consisting of very low-lying islands, would be one of the first countries to be submerged due to sea level rise. The Maldives presided over the foundation of the Climate Vulnerable Forum.

New Zealand

On November 7, 2019, New Zealand passed a bill requiring the country to be net zero for all greenhouse gases by 2050 (with the exception of biogenic methane, with plans to reduce that by 24%–47% below 2017 levels by 2050).[111][112][113]

Norway

On April 19, 2007, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg announced to the Labour Party annual congress that Norway's greenhouse gas emissions would be cut by 10 percent more than its Kyoto commitment by 2012, and that the government had agreed to achieve emission cuts of 30% by 2020. He also proposed that Norway should become carbon neutral by 2050, and called upon other rich countries to do likewise.[114] This carbon neutrality would be achieved partly by carbon offsetting, a proposal criticised by Greenpeace, who also called on Norway to take responsibility for the 500m tonnes of emissions caused by its exports of oil and gas.[115] World Wildlife Fund Norway also believes that the purchase of carbon offsets is unacceptable, saying 'it is a political stillbirth to believe that China will quietly accept that Norway will buy climate quotas abroad'.[116] The Norwegian environmental activist Bellona Foundation believes that the prime minister was forced to act due to pressure from anti-European Union members of the coalition government, and called the announcement 'visions without content'.[116] In January 2008 the Norwegian government went a step further and declared a goal of being carbon neutral by 2030. But the government has not been specific about any plans to reduce emissions at home; the plan is based on buying carbon offsets from other countries, and very little has actually been done to reduce Norway's emissions, apart from a very successful policy for electric vehicles[117]

Spain

In Spain, in 2014, the island of El Hierro became carbon neutral (for its power production).[118][119] Also, the city of Logroño Montecorvo in La Rioja will be carbon neutral once completed.[120][121]

Sweden

Sweden aims to become carbon neutral by 2045.[122] The vision is that net greenhouse gas emissions should be zero. The overall objective is that the increase in global temperature should be limited to two degrees, and that the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stabilizes at a maximum of 400 ppm.[123]

South Korea

South Korea aims to be carbon neutral by 2050.[124]

Vatican City

In July 2007, Vatican City announced a plan to become the first carbon-neutral state in the world, following the politics of the Pope to eliminate global warming. The goal would be reached through the donation of the Vatican Climate Forest in Hungary. The forest is to be sized to offset the year's carbon dioxide emissions.[125] However, no trees have actually been planted As of 2008.[126] The company KlimaFa is no longer in existence and hasn't fulfilled its promises.[127] In November 2008, the city state also installed and put into operation 2,400 solar panels on the roof of the Paul VI Centre audience hall.[128]

United Kingdom

As recommended by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) the government has legally committed to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the United Kingdom by 2050[129] and the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) has said it would be affordable. A range of techniques will be required including carbon sinks (greenhouse gas removal) in order to counterbalance emissions from agriculture and aviation. These carbon sinks might include reforestation, habitat restoration, soil carbon sequestration, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage and even direct air capture.[130] The UK government has recently linked attainment of net zero targets as a potential mechanism for improved air quality as a co-benefit.[131] In 2020 the UK government estimated that eliminating fossil fuels for home heating and transportation could lead to a tripling of demand for electricity.[132]

Scotland

Scotland has set a 2045 target.[133] The islands of Orkney have significant wind and marine energy resources, and renewable energy has recently come into prominence. Although Orkney is connected to the mainland, it generates over 100% of its net power from renewables.[134] This comes mainly from wind turbines situated right across Orkney

Carbon neutral initiatives

Many initiatives seek to assist individuals, businesses and states in reducing their carbon footprint or achieving climate neutrality. These include

Certification

Although there is currently no international certification scheme for carbon or climate neutrality, some countries have established national certification schemes. Examples include Norwegian Eco-Lighthouse Program and the Australian government's National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS). In the private sector, organisations such as ClimatePartner can, for a fee, allow companies from many sectors to offset their carbon emissions using techniques like reforestation. These companies can then claim climate neutral status and even use the title online.[135] However, there is no international clarity around these certifications and their validity.

Certifications are also available from the CEB,[136] BSI (PAS 2060) and The CarbonNeutral Company (CarbonNeutral).[137]

See also

References
  1. "What is carbon neutrality and how can it be achieved by 2050? | News | European Parliament". www.europarl.europa.eu. 2019-03-10. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  2. Carbon-Neutral Is Hip, but Is It Green?, The New York Times, published 2007-04-29, accessed 2007-08-03
  3. Adams, Samuel (2019). "Reducing carbon dioxide emissions; Does renewable energy matter?".
  4. "What is the role of nuclear power in the energy mix and in reducing greenhouse gas emissions?". Grantham Research Institute on climate change and the environment. 2018-01-26. Retrieved 2020-10-21.
  5. "Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy".
  6. Smith, Joshua (2019). "The race is on to cultivate a seaweed that slashes greenhouse emission from cows, other livestock".
  7. "Last Energy raises $3 million to fight climate change with nuclear energy". VentureBeat. 2020-02-25. Retrieved 2021-01-11.
  8. "Microsoft Pledges To Remove From The Atmosphere All The Carbon It Has Ever Emitted". NPR.org. Retrieved 2021-01-11.
  9. "Delta And BP Pledge To Go Carbon-Neutral. How? That's The Question". NPR.org. Retrieved 2021-01-11.
  10. Frangoul, Anmar (2019-11-28). "Ikea to invest $220 million to make it a 'climate positive business'". CNBC. Retrieved 2021-01-11.
  11. "World's Largest Asset Manager Puts Climate At The Center Of Its Investment Strategy". NPR.org. Retrieved 2021-01-11.
  12. www.chooseenergy.com https://www.chooseenergy.com/news/article/nuclear-solution-or-enemy/. Retrieved 2021-01-11. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  13. "Carbon Neutral: Oxford Word of the Year". Blog.oup.com. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  14. Fiona Harvey (12 December 2020). "UN secretary general urges all countries to declare climate emergencies". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  15. "How electrification can supercharge the energy transition". World Economic Forum. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  16. Kebe A., V. Bellassen & A. Leseur (2011) "Voluntary carbon offsetting by local authorities: practices and lessons" Climate report n.29, CDC Climate
  17. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/mar/11/greenwash-noel-kempff-forests
  18. Condon, Madison. "Climate Change's New Ally: Big Finance". Boston Review.
  19. Geoghegan, Tom (2005-06-07). "The G8 summit promises to be a "carbon-neutral" event". BBC News. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  20. GreenBiz Admin (2006-06-04). "GreenBiz News |World Bank Group Goes Carbon-Neutral". Greenbiz.com. Archived from the original on 2008-03-29. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  21. ClimateBiz Staff (2003-09-04). "GreenBiz News |Rolling Stones Pledge Carbon-Neutral U.K. Tour". Greenbiz.com. Archived from the original on 2006-05-08. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  22. "Pink Floyd breathe life into new forests". prnewswire.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  23. "Carbon footprints will decrease in the Future » Standard Carbon". standardcarbon.com. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  24. Carbon Neutral Certification Guidelines Archived November 12, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  25. "Article with references to ASA documentation banning marketing of "Zero Carbon"". Solartwin.com. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  26. Can we reach zero carbon by 2025?
  27. Extinction Rebellion: What do they want and is it realistic?
  28. Reducing greenhouse gases: our position
  29. Net Zero report
  30. Net zero emissions by 2050 or 2025? Depends how you think politics works
  31. Inaction on climate change risks leaving future generations $530 trillion in debt
  32. Young people's burden: requirement of negative CO2 emissions
  33. Ellison, Katherine (2002-07-08). "Burn Oil, Then Help A School Out; It All Evens Out". Money.cnn.com. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  34. "climateneutralnetwork.org". climateneutralnetwork.org. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  35. "Climate Neutral Business Network". Climateneutral.com. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  36. Zuo, Jian; Read, Ben; Pullen, Stephen; Shi, Qian (2012-04-01). "Achieving carbon neutrality in commercial building developments – Perceptions of the construction industry". Habitat International. 36 (2): 278–286. doi:10.1016/j.habitatint.2011.10.010. ISSN 0197-3975.
  37. "SShaklee Heats Up Environmental Commitment By Going Climate Cool". Greenbiz.com. 2002-05-17. Retrieved 2016-09-19.
  38. "Is Dave Matthews' carbon offsets provider really carbon neutral?". CSMonitor.com. 2010-04-20. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  39. Smith, Charlie (September 9, 2004). "Biodiesel Revolution Gathering Momentum". The Georgia Straight. Retrieved July 27, 2009.
  40. "Green goes mainstream". The Vancouver Sun. April 15, 2008. Archived from the original on 2013-05-13. Retrieved 2009-07-28.
  41. "Doing Business in a New Climate: A Guide to Measuring, Reducing and Offsetting Greenhouse Gas Emissions | Publications | David Suzuki Foundation". Davidsuzuki.org. Archived from the original on 2012-07-29. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  42. "Dell to go 'carbon neutral' by late 2008". Washingtonpost.com. 2007-09-26. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  43. Waters, Darren (2007-06-19). "Technology |Google's drive for clean future". BBC News. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  44. "Official Google Blog: Carbon neutrality by end of 2007". Googleblog.blogspot.com. 2007-06-19. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  45. "Business |HSBC bank to go carbon neutral". BBC News. 2004-12-06. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  46. "Climate Change and ING". Ceoroundtable.chinadaily.com.cn. Archived from the original on 2013-05-07. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  47. "Case Studies: Sky CarbonNeutral". Carbonneutral.com. Archived from the original on 2013-11-02. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  48. Horovitz, Bruce (2007-04-30). "PepsiCo takes top spot in global warming battle". Usatoday.com. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  49. "Business |Tesco boss unveils green pledges". BBC News. 2007-01-18. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  50. "Tesco wants to be carbon neutral by 2050. How will the retailer do it?". silicon.com. Archived from the original on 2012-04-03. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  51. "TD Greenhouse Gas Emissiona". Td.com. 2011-01-07. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  52. "News and media from The CarbonNeutral Company and clients - Natural Capital Partners". carbonneutral.com. Archived from the original on 13 April 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  53. "BMO Meets Carbon Neutral Commitment". Environmentalleader.com. 2010-08-25. Archived from the original on 2013-11-04. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  54. "Offsetting the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games". Offsetters.ca. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  55. "AIA Introduces 2030 Commitment Program to Reach Goal of Carbon Neutrality by 2030". Dexigner.com. 2009-05-05. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  56. A Net Zero Office Today Archived December 5, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  57. Youn, Soo (2017-10-17). "Visit the World's Only Carbon-Negative Country". National Geographic. Retrieved 2018-01-09.
  58. Walker, Robert (2018-12-11). "Heard Of This Small But Hugely Carbon Negative Country? Suriname In Amazonian Rain Forest". Science 2.0. Retrieved 2019-02-21.
  59. "Suriname's climate promise, for a sustainable future". UN News. 2020-01-31. Archived from the original on 2020-11-10. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
  60. "Members of the Carbon Neutrality Coalition". Retrieved 15 December 2018.
  61. Darby, Megan (2019-06-14). "Which countries have a net zero carbon goal?". Climate Home News. Retrieved 2019-06-16.
  62. "NDC Update: Rwanda is First LDC in 2020, Andorra Commits to Carbon Neutrality by 2050 | News | SDG Knowledge Hub | IISD". SDG Knowledge Hub | Daily SDG News | IISD. 2020-05-26. Retrieved 2021-01-24.
  63. Lombrana, Laura Millan; Shankleman, Jess; Ross, Tim (2020-12-12). "Xi Disappoints and Activists Slam Baby Steps: Climate Update". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2020-12-29.
  64. Pupazzoni, Rachel (2020-07-01). "Net zero emissions by 2050 push is on, whether the Federal Government follows or not". ABC News. Retrieved 2020-12-07. Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor was not available for an interview, but his office issued a statement reaffirming the Federal Government's climate change policy.
    "The Government has a very clear 2030 emissions reduction target and we have a joint global commitment through the Paris agreement to deliver net zero emissions in the second half of the century," the statement read.
  65. Huggler, Justin (2020-01-02). "New coalition to crack down on headscarves and make Austria carbon neutral by 2040". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  66. Welle (www.dw.com), Deutsche. "Austria's new government sets goal to be carbon neutral by 2040 | DW | 02.01.2020". DW.COM. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  67. Freimuller, Martin (2020-02-11). "Austria's new government sets goal to be carbon neutral by 2040". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 2020-02-11.
  68. "2050". Klimaat | Climat. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  69. Farand, Chloé (2019-10-22). "Justin Trudeau's narrow victory lays path for net zero carbon Canada". Climate Home News. Retrieved 2019-10-22.
  70. "Government of Canada releases emissions projections, showing progress towards climate target". Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2019-12-20. Retrieved 2020-09-15.
  71. "China Pledges Carbon Neutrality by 2060 and Tighter Climate Goal". news.bloomberglaw.com. Retrieved 2020-09-22.
  72. "Colombia". Carbon Neutrality Coalition. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  73. "Second National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)" (PDF). Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission. Government of Ethiopia. p. 142. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  74. Woldegebriel, E.G. (2015-03-24). "Can Ethiopia reach carbon neutrality by 2025?". World Economic Forum. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  75. "2050 long-term strategy". Climate Action - European Commission. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  76. "Committing to climate-neutrality by 2050: Commission proposes European Climate Law and consults on the European Climate Pact". European Commission. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  77. Satubaldina, Assel (2020-12-15). "Tokayev Announces Kazakhstan's Pledge to Reach Carbon Neutrality by 2060". The Astana Times. Retrieved 2020-12-29.
  78. "Luxembourg". Carbon Neutrality Coalition. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  79. "Mexico". Carbon Neutrality Coalition. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  80. "Netherlands". Carbon Neutrality Coalition. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  81. Wamsley, Laurel. "New Zealand Commits To Being Carbon Neutral By 2050 — With A Big Loophole". npr. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  82. "Climate change - gov.scot". The Scottish Government. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  83. "Sweden Plans to Be Carbon Neutral by 2045". UNFCCC. 2017-06-19. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  84. "Timor-Leste". Carbon Neutrality Coalition. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
  85. "Carbon Neutral B.C., LiveSmart BC". Livesmartbc.ca. 2011-06-30. Archived from the original on 2013-11-03. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  86. "Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Act, Carbon Neutral Government Regulation, BC Laws". Bclaws.ca. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  87. "B.C. Climate Action Charter | BC Climate Action Toolkit". Toolkit.bc.ca. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  88. "A School, An Arena and a Converted Zamboni with a Logging Truck Wrap".
  89. http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/climate-change/policy-legislation-and-responses/climate_action_21st_century.pdf Archived 2017-03-11 at the Wayback Machine pg17
  90. http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/climate-change/policy-legislation-and-responses/climateaction_plan_web.pdf Archived 2017-02-06 at the Wayback Machine pg9
  91. "Blue Fuel Energy - BC's CO2 emissions problem". bluefuelenergy.com. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  92. http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/climate-change/policy-legislation-and-responses/2012-progress-to-targets.pdf pg15
  93. Connolly, Amanada (2019-09-24). "Liberals pledge Canada will have net-zero emissions by 2050 — but details are scarce". Global News. Retrieved 2019-10-22.
  94. Cruickshank, Ainslie (2020-09-23). "Climate action will be 'cornerstone' of Canada's economic recovery plan: throne speech". The Narwhal. Retrieved 2020-09-24.
  95. Amato, Sean (2020-09-16). "'It's finally happening': Blatchford homes selling, 11 years after bitter civic fight over airport land". Edmonton. Retrieved 2020-09-24.
  96. "Costa Rica unveils plan to achieve zero emissions by 2050 in climate change fight". The Guardian. 25 Feb 2019.
  97. Costa Rica has an ambitious new climate policy — but no, it’s not banning fossil fuels
  98. Share of Total Primary Energy Supply in 2004, International Energy Agency, published 2006, accessed 2007-08-06
  99. President Aims for Carbon Neutrality Archived 2016-01-06 at the Wayback Machine, Environmental Entrepreneurs, published 2007-06-28, accessed 2007-08-06
  100. Boffey, Daniel (2019-11-27). "Von der Leyen pledges climate focus as MEPs back new commission". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2019-11-29.
  101. "European Council meeting (12 December 2019) – Conclusions" (PDF). Retrieved 2019-12-13.
  102. Kolbert, Elizabeth (2011-08-01). "A Reporter at Large: The Island in the Wind". The New Yorker. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  103. "Participants > Countries > New Zealand" Archived December 11, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. UNEP Climate Neutral Network.
  104. "Participants > Countries > Iceland". UNEP Climate Neutral Network.
  105. "France sets 2050 carbon-neutral target with new law". Reuters. 27 June 2019.
  106. "French senate approves carbon neutrality law by 2050". RFI. 19 July 2019.
  107. Aldred, Jessica (2008-04-22). "Iceland's energy answer comes naturally". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2019-11-09.
  108. "UNEP Announces Climate Neutral Network | News | SDG Knowledge Hub | IISD". International Institute for Sustainable Development. 2008-02-21. Retrieved 2019-11-09.
  109. Bernharðsdóttir, Berghildur Erla (2016-09-14). "Reykjavík Carbon Neutral by 2040". visitreykjavik.is. Retrieved 2019-11-09.
  110. Boztas, Senay (2016-10-03). "Reykjavík: the geothermal city that aims to go carbon neutral". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2019-11-09.
  111. "New Zealand Commits To Being Carbon Neutral By 2050 — With A Big Loophole". NPR.org. Retrieved 2019-11-09.
  112. "'Zero Carbon Bill' aims for clarity around New Zealand's climate change goals". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 2019-11-09.
  113. Tidman, Zoe (2019-11-07). "New Zealand passes 'zero carbon' law in fight against climate change". The Independent. Retrieved 2019-11-09.
  114. "Speech to the congress of the Labour Party". regjeringen.no. 2007-04-19. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  115. "Science News | Technology News - ABC News". Abcnews.go.com. 2011-12-04. Archived from the original on 2011-06-29. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  116. Archived September 29, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  117. Rosenthal, Elisabeth (2008-03-22). "Lofty Pledge to Cut Emissions Comes With Caveat in Norway - New York Times". Nytimes.com. Norway. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  118. "Tiny Spanish Island Nears Its Goal: 100 Percent Renewable Energy". npr.org. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  119. Mathiesen, Karl (20 May 2015). "From Kansas to Copenhagen: clean energy beacons around the world". the Guardian. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  120. "Spain's Carbon-Neutral Ecotopia Gets the Green Light". inhabitat.com. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  121. "Carbon-Neutral City in La Rioja, Spain - MVRDV+GRAS - Arch2O.com". arch2o.com. 14 June 2012. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  122. "Sweden passes law to become carbon neutral by 2045". Retrieved 2018-01-09.
  123. "2050 Ett koldioxidneutralt Sverige" [2050 A carbon neutral Sweden] (in Northern Sami). Natur Vards Verket. 2013. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  124. McCurry, Justin (2020-10-28). "South Korea vows to go carbon neutral by 2050 to fight climate emergency". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2020-10-28.
  125. "The Vatican to go carbon neutral". Physorg.com. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  126. Thompson, Kalee. "Carbon Discredit | Popular Science". Popsci.com. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  127. Doug Struck (20 April 2010). "Carbon offsets: How a Vatican forest failed to reduce global warming". Christian Science Monitor. Csmonitor.com. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  128. Pope's first "green audience", Catholic News Service. Archived December 8, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  129. "'This report will change your life': what zero emissions means for UK". The Guardian. 2 May 2019.
  130. "Net Zero: CO2 removal technology could make UK carbon neutral by 2050". 12 September 2018. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  131. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) webmaster@defra gsi gov uk. "Air Quality Library- Defra, UK". uk-air.defra.gov.uk. Retrieved 2020-07-10.
  132. Rowlatt, Justin (2020-11-11). "Rolls-Royce plans 16 mini-nuclear plants for UK". BBC. In addition to the six nuclear plants going offline by 2030, there's another challenge. You have to factor in a massive increase in electricity demand over the coming decades. That's because if we're going to reach our net zero target, we need to stop using fossil fuels for transport and home heating. The government has said this could lead to a three-fold increase in electricity use.
  133. Keane, Kevin (2019-06-11). "Greenhouse gas emissions target missed". Retrieved 2019-06-11.
  134. Llewelyn, Robert. "Orkney Island of the future". Fully Charged. Robert Llewelyn. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  135. https://sanvt.com/journal/sanvt-and-eden-projects-working-together-for-reforestation/. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  136. "CEB VER Registry".
  137. "Environmental Standards: Carbon Neutral". carbonneutral.com. Archived from the original on 2012-07-18. Retrieved 2012-05-16.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.