Difference between carbon-neutral and net-zero

When talking about reducing emissions, many people are confused with the terms net-zero and carbon-neutral, and they are not the same thing. According to the targets set by the Paris Climate Agreement, there are only 28 years remaining to teach global net-zero emissions, so let’s understand better the concept of these two actions. 

We talk about carbon-neutral when it refers to the practice of balancing any carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) that is emitted and, at the same time, an equivalent amount of CO2 are removed from the atmosphere.

On the other hand, net-zero emissions, refers to the practice of reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) as close to zero as possible and then offsetting the rest by removing an equal amount of GHGs from the atmosphere. 

The difference is that carbon-neutral deals only with CO2, while net-zero deals with all greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide. Net-zero also focuses on reducing emissions as much as possible and only offsetting as a last resort, whereas carbon-neutral allows companies to continue emitting as long as they balance it out with carbon offsets.

Which is better?

The net-zero key advantages, over carbon-neutral, is that net-zero has a large scope than carbon-neutral because it includes all greenhouse gases. There are other greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide also contribute to rising temperatures. 

Sustonable, takes into account the effects of greenhouse gases. Because of that, the line production, has been designed towards sustainability and circular economy, without applying any toxic catalysts or accelerators in the process. At the same time, the process does not emit gas vapours or dust clouds. It is a healthy balance of the right temperatures, clean materials and proper techniques to make practically minimal and safe emissions.

In conclusion, both carbon-neutral and net-zero have been important tools in the fight against global warming. However, as we understand more about what is causing climate change, we are learning that more aggressive strategies are needed to avoid a global warming.