Net zero is a state where all generated emissions (in carbon equivalents, CO2e) can be captured by carbon sinks such as oceans and forests. The global temperature will stabilize when the world reaches net zero. According to future climate simulations done by the IPCC, if emissions can be reduced by 45% (compared to 2020 levels) by 2030 and if we can reach net zero by 2050, global warming could be limited to 1.5 °C compared to pre-industrial levels. This is what is needed to preserve a livable planet. Failing to reach net zero by 2050, and with global greenhouse gas emissions continuing to increase into the future, the
The importance of and how the rate at which we reach it will net zero affect the climate
average global temperature can increase, on average, by 3.2 °C by 2100. The warming effect for Southern Africa is however expected to be roughly double the average for the globe and could make agricultural production as we know it infeasible.
The timeline below shows how policy frameworks have evolved to address the issue of climate change globally. From this, it should be apparent that the EU is a trailblazer by pushing to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent. It aims to reach net zero by adopting targets of reducing
greenhouse gas emissions by 55% compared to 1990 levels in 2030 and, reaching net zero by 2050. Regulatory reforms that drive these ambitions are included in the EU Commission Fit for 55 package which aims to meet the interim target of 55% emission reduction by 2030. The Green Deal, in turn, is the policy frame- work under which the EU will push to reach net zero by 2050.
What are some of the key policy measures around the globe that are being implemented to reach net zero?
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