NEW YORK, 30 November 2020 /PRNewswire Policy/ -- What is net zero and why is it important?
Put simply, net zero means we are not adding new emissions to the
atmosphere. Emissions will continue, but will be balanced by absorbing
an equivalent amount from the atmosphere.
Practically every country has joined the Paris Agreement on
climate change, which calls for keeping the global temperature to 1.5°C
above pre-industrial era levels. If we continue to pump out the
emissions that cause climate change, however, temperatures will continue
to rise well beyond 1.5, to levels that threaten the lives and
livelihoods of people everywhere.
This is why a growing number of countries are making commitments
to achieve carbon neutrality, or "net zero" emissions within the next
few decades. It's a big task, requiring ambitious actions starting right
now.
Net zero by 2050 is the goal. But countries also need to
demonstrate how they will get there. Efforts to reach net-zero must be
complemented with adaptation and resilience measures, and the
mobilization of climate financing for developing countries.
So how can the world move toward net zero?
The good news is that the technology exists to reach net zero – and it is affordable.
A key element is powering economies with clean energy, replacing
polluting coal - and gas and oil-fired power stations - with renewable
energy sources, such as wind or solar farms. This would dramatically
reduce carbon emissions. Plus, renewable energy is now not only cleaner,
but often cheaper than fossil fuels.
A wholesale switch to electric transport, powered by renewable
energy, would also play a huge role in lowering emissions, with the
added bonus of slashing air pollution in the world's major cities.
Electric vehicles are rapidly becoming cheaper and more efficient, and
many countries, including those committed to net zero, have proposed
plans to phase out the sale of fossil-fuel powered cars.
Other harmful emissions come from agriculture (livestock produce
significant levels of methane, a greenhouse gas). These could be reduced
drastically if we eat less meat and more plant-based foods. Here again,
the signs are promising, such as the rising popularity of "plant-based
meats" now being sold in major international fast-food chains.
What will happen to remaining emissions?
Reducing emissions is extremely important. To get to net zero, we
also need to find ways to remove carbon from the atmosphere. Here
again, solutions are at hand. The most important have existed in nature
for thousands of years.
These "nature-based solutions" include forests, peatbogs,
mangroves, soil and even underground seaweed forests, which are all
highly efficient at absorbing carbon. This is why huge efforts are being
made around the world to save forests, plant trees, and rehabilitate
peat and mangrove areas, as well as to improve farming techniques.
Who is responsible for getting to net zero?
We are all responsible as individuals, in terms of changing our
habits and living in a way which is more sustainable, and which does
less harm to the planet, making the kind of lifestyle changes which are
highlighted in the UN's Act Now campaign.
The private sector also needs to get in on the act and it is
doing so through the UN Global Compact, which helps businesses to align
with the UN's environmental and societal goals.
It's clear, however, that the main driving force for change will
be made at a national government level, such as through legislation and
regulations to reduce emissions.
Many governments are now moving in the right direction. By early
2021, countries representing more than 65 per cent of global carbon
dioxide emissions and more than 70 per cent of the world economy, will
have made ambitious commitments to carbon neutrality.
The European Union, Japan and the Republic of Korea, together with more than 110 other countries, have pledged carbon neutrality by 2050; China says it will do so before 2060.
Are these commitments any more than just political statements?
These commitments are important signals of good intentions to
reach the goal, but must be backed by rapid and ambitious action. One
important step is to provide detailed plans for action in nationally
determined contributions or NDCs. These define targets and actions to
reduce emissions within the next 5 to 10 years. They are critical to
guide the right investments and attract enough finance.
So far, 186 parties to the Paris Agreement have developed NDCs.
This year, they are expected to submit new or updated plans
demonstrating higher ambition and action. Click here to see the NDC
registry.
Is net zero realistic?
Yes! Especially if every country, city, financial institution and
company adopts realistic plans for transitioning to net zero emissions
by 2050.
The COVID-19 pandemic recovery could be an important and positive
turning point. When economic stimulus packages kick in, there will be a
genuine opportunity to promote renewable energy investments, smart
buildings, green and public transport, and a whole range of other
interventions that will help to slow climate change.
But not all countries are in the same position to affect change, are they?
That's absolutely true. Major emitters, such as the G20
countries, which generate 80 per cent of carbon emissions, in
particular, need to significantly increase their present levels of
ambition and action.
Also, keep in mind that far greater efforts are needed to build
resilience in vulnerable countries and for the most vulnerable people;
they do the least to cause
climate change but bear the worst impacts. Resilience and adaptation action do not get the funding they need, however.
Even as they pursue net zero, developed countries must deliver on their commitment to provide $100 billion dollars a year for mitigation, adaptation and resilience in developing countries.
SOURCE UN News Centre