Net-Zero Target
Definition
Net Zero Target. Setting a net zero target (at the level of an undertaking, entity, region or country) aligned with meeting societal climate goals means:
- achieving a scale of value chain emissions reductions consistent with the depth of abatement at the point of reaching global net-zero in 1.5 ̊C pathways, and
- neutralizing the impact of any residual emissions (after approximately 90-95% of GHG emission reduction) by permanently removing an equivalent volume of CO2.
To keep global warming below 1.5° C, the world’s governments need to ensure that all greenhouse gas emissions peak by 2025, and reach net zero in the second half of this century. The IPCC has recommended to reduce CO2 emissions globally by 45% before 2030 (compared to 2010 levels) and reach net zero by mid-century. [1]
Reaching net zero requires, for example, to ensure that carbon dioxide emissions from human activity are balanced by human efforts to remove carbon dioxide emissions (for example, by creating carbon sinks to absorb carbon dioxide) - thereby stopping further increases in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Transitioning to net zero requires a complete transformation of energy, transportation, and production and consumption systems. This is necessary to avert the worst consequences of Climate Change.
