What does ‘net zero’ mean?
Reaching net zero entails no longer contributing to the overall amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane, result from activities like burning oil, gas, and coal for energy, as well as agricultural practices and landfill processes. These gases trap the sun’s energy, leading to a rise in global temperatures. The ongoing deforestation worldwide further reduces the capacity of trees to absorb CO2.
In accordance with the 2015 Paris climate agreement, 197 countries, including the UK, committed to limiting the increase in global temperatures to 1.5C by 2100. Scientists assert that achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 is crucial to realizing this goal. However, the United Nations urges countries to expedite their net zero targets by a decade to mitigate what it describes as “the growing climate disaster.”
Would net zero mean a complete end to greenhouse gas emissions?
Achieving net zero emissions acknowledges that not all emissions can be completely eliminated. To counterbalance the remaining emissions, a process known as “offsetting” is employed.
Natural offsetting techniques involve activities such as planting trees and restoring peatlands. On an industrial scale, carbon capture and storage utilize machinery to extract carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and store it, typically deep underground. However, this technology is still in the early stages of development and comes with a significant cost.
While offsetting is a valuable strategy, it can only neutralize a small portion of the current greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, scientists emphasize that substantial reductions in fossil fuel use are imperative to achieve the net zero emissions goal.
What changes has the UK government announced?
On 20 September, Rishi Sunak announced major changes to the UK’s approach to the net zero target, including:
- a five-year delay in the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, meaning a requirement for all new cars to be “zero emission” will not come into force until 2035
- a nine-year delay in the ban on new fossil fuel heating for off-gas-grid homes to 2035
- raising the Boiler Upgrade Grant by 50% to £7,500 to help households who want to replace their gas boilers
- the ban on the sale of new gas boilers in 2035 remains, but there will be exemptions for poorer households
- scrapping the requirement on landlords to ensure all rental properties have a Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of grade C or higher, from 2025
Mr Sunak denied he was “watering down” the government’s net zero commitments, and insisted the UK was on course to reach its target by 2050, saying that a “more pragmatic, proportionate and realistic approach” was needed.
Labour said the prime minister had “sold out the biggest economic opportunity of the 21st century” for Britain “to lead the world in transition to well-paid secured new jobs of the green economy”.
There was also a mixed reaction from within his own party, as well as among business leaders, with some calling it a “mis-step” while others described the announcement as pragmatic.
The UK needs to reduce its emissions by 68% by 2030 compared with 1990 levels, in line with the Paris Agreement – a key step towards achieving net zero by 2050.
What have other countries promised?
Around 140 countries have pledged to reach net zero, covering about 90% of global emissions. However, not all have set a 2050 deadline.
China – currently the biggest producer of CO2 worldwide – aims for “carbon neutrality” by 2060. Its plans to cut emissions aren’t fully developed, but its renewable energy sector has been growing rapidly.
The US has historically been the biggest carbon emitter, and still emits more than China per head. It has pledged to reach net zero by 2050. In August 2022, it announced a major green investment package called the Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to boost renewables and other clean technologies.
The EU, the third biggest emitter of CO2, also has a 2050 net zero target. In March it announced its own green investment package, called the Net Zero Industry Act.
India and Russia are also key emitters. They have pledged to reach net zero by 2070 and 2060 respectively, but have published few policies to back this up.
What is the problem with net zero targets?
The debate on achieving net-zero emissions in some countries revolves around potential loopholes. For instance, a country might show lower emissions by importing energy-intensive goods instead of producing them domestically. However, this doesn’t actually decrease the overall greenhouse gas emissions.
There are also programs where affluent countries can offset their emissions by paying poorer nations to transition to cleaner fuels. Nevertheless, some climate scientists express concerns that this approach might allow wealthier nations to sidestep reducing their fossil fuel consumption. They argue that richer countries could take advantage of the transition to cleaner fuels in poorer nations, which might have occurred independently of any offset arrangements.
Source: BBC, September 2023
