Net Zero History Overview

The history of the concept of net zero emissions is intertwined with the evolving understanding of climate change and the global response to it. The term “net zero” refers to balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with the amount removed from the atmosphere, aiming to achieve a neutral impact on global warming.

Rio Convention

The origin of this concept can be traced back to the 1992 Rio Convention, where the focus was on stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. However, net zero emissions and stabilization are distinct concepts, mainly because the carbon cycle continuously absorbs a small percentage of human-caused CO2 emissions into vegetation and the ocean, even after current emissions are reduced to zero. This means that to maintain stable global average surface temperatures, human activities must reduce CO2 emissions to net zero, allowing the atmosphere’s concentration of CO2 to decline at a rate that compensates for deep ocean temperature adjustments.

IPCC 2028 Report

The urgency and framework for achieving net zero emissions were significantly outlined in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) 2018 report. This report emphasized that global carbon dioxide emissions must fall by about 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050 to prevent the catastrophic consequences of exceeding a 1.5°C increase in global temperatures. Following this report, countries like Sweden and the UK set goals for net zero emissions by 2050, with China, the world’s largest emitter, pledging carbon neutrality by 2060.

These commitments were a response to the growing understanding that even with the full decarbonization of electricity grids and advancements in technologies like green hydrogen production and carbon capture and storage, there would still be residual emissions from sectors such as farming, aviation, heavy industry, and waste management. Addressing these residual emissions requires greenhouse gas removal strategies like tree planting, restoring peatlands, and direct air capture of CO2.

The pathway to net zero emissions requires significant innovation and deployment of both existing and new technologies. Critical areas for innovation include advanced batteries, hydrogen electrolyzers, and direct air capture and storage. Governments are encouraged to increase and prioritize R&D spending in these areas and support the rollout of demonstration projects. However, despite these efforts, progress towards net zero emissions is happening too slowly to limit the temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C, pointing to a potential 2.8 degrees C increase by the end of the century.

Types of Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases play a significant role in the Earth’s climate system. The primary greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. Each of these gases contributes to the greenhouse effect, which traps heat in the atmosphere and leads to global warming.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

This is the most significant anthropogenic greenhouse gas. CO2 emissions primarily come from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas, as well as from deforestation, and certain industrial processes. CO2 is responsible for about three-quarters of global warming and can take thousands of years to be fully absorbed by the carbon cycle.

Methane (CH4)

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, reflecting about 100 times as much heat as CO2, although its lifetime in the atmosphere is much shorter, averaging around 10 years. Major sources of methane emissions include livestock, changes in forests and wetlands, and leaks from gas wells and pipes.

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

Nitrous oxide is a powerful greenhouse gas that remains in the atmosphere for over 100 years. The largest source of N2O emissions is agricultural activities, particularly the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers.

Fluorinated Gases

These gases, including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and various industrial processes. They are much less common but have a very large warming effect. For example, HFC-23 is counted as 14,600 CO2 equivalents.

Each of these gases has different sources, stays in the atmosphere for varying lengths of time, and has varying potencies in trapping heat. While some like CO2 occur naturally and are also produced by human activities, others such as industrial gases are exclusively human-made. The management and reduction of these gases are critical to tackling climate change and its impacts.

Scopes of Emissions Sources

In the context of greenhouse gas emissions, the concept of “Scopes” refers to different categories or types of emissions as defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. This protocol is widely used for greenhouse gas accounting and helps organizations understand their emission sources and focus their reduction efforts effectively.

Scope 1 Emissions

Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions that occur from sources owned or controlled by an organization. For instance, these emissions include the burning of fuel in a company’s fleet of vehicles or emissions from industrial processes in a factory. These emissions are typically easier to quantify and control since they are directly produced by the organization’s activities.

Scope 2 Emissions

Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions associated with the purchase of electricity, steam, heat, or cooling. Although these emissions occur at the facility where the energy is generated, they are accounted for by the organization that purchases and uses the energy. For example, the emissions from a power plant generating electricity used by a company would fall under this category.

Scope 3 Emissions

Scope 3 emissions are the most extensive and complex to handle. They include all indirect emissions that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, both upstream and downstream. These emissions are not produced by the company itself nor are they the result of activities from assets owned or controlled by the company. An example could be the emissions associated with the production of purchased materials or the use of sold products. Scope 3 emissions often represent the largest share of an organization’s carbon footprint but are also the most challenging to measure and mitigate, as they involve activities outside the company’s direct control.

Understanding these scopes is crucial for organizations aiming to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions comprehensively. While Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions are generally easier to quantify and address, Scope 3 emissions require a more in-depth analysis of the entire value chain, including interactions with suppliers and consumers. Accurately reporting and actively managing emissions across all scopes is essential for aligning operations with global climate goals and sustainability targets.

Approaches to Achieve Net Zero Emissions

Approaches to achieving net zero emissions encompass a variety of strategies that organizations and countries can implement to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The ultimate goal is to balance the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with the amount removed from the atmosphere, aiming for a net-zero impact on climate change. Here are some key strategies based on information from the International Energy Agency, World Resources Institute, MIT Climate Portal, and other sources:

Rapid Reduction of Emissions

The most immediate and impactful approach is to reduce emissions as much as possible. This includes transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind, improving energy efficiency in industrial processes, buildings, and transportation, and changing consumption patterns. Early and significant reductions in emissions reduce the reliance on carbon removal technologies later on.

Development and Deployment of Carbon Removal Technologies

Technologies that actively remove CO2 from the atmosphere are essential for achieving net zero, especially for balancing emissions from sectors where complete decarbonization is challenging. Direct air capture, carbon mineralization, and enhanced natural processes like reforestation and soil carbon sequestration are examples of carbon removal strategies.

Electrification and Clean Energy Transition

Electrification of sectors such as transportation, combined with a shift towards clean, renewable energy sources, is a critical pathway. This approach not only reduces emissions but also improves air quality and energy security.

Innovation in Hard-to-Abate Sectors

Certain sectors like heavy industry and long-distance transport are more challenging to decarbonize. Innovation in these areas, including the development of low-carbon fuels, energy-efficient processes, and circular economy practices, is vital for reducing emissions.

Policy and Global Cooperation

Strong policy frameworks and international cooperation are required to provide the necessary incentives and regulations to drive the transition towards net zero. This includes carbon pricing, subsidies for clean technologies, and collaborative efforts to share knowledge and technologies.

Net Zero Roadmaps

Countries and organizations are encouraged to develop clear, ambitious, and implementable roadmaps for net zero that align with global climate goals. These roadmaps should be based on the specific circumstances of each country or organization and utilize a variety of low-carbon technologies and options.

Equity and Just Transition

The transition to net zero should be equitable, considering factors like the historical responsibility for emissions, per capita emissions, and the capacity of countries and communities to adapt. Support for vulnerable groups and a just transition for workers in high-carbon industries are crucial.

Corporate Commitments and Credible Targets

Businesses play a significant role in this transition. Setting science-based targets for emissions reduction, investing in clean technologies, and ensuring transparent and credible reporting on progress are key actions businesses can take.

Criticism of Net Zero Concept

The concept of net zero emissions, while scientifically robust and necessary for mitigating climate change, has faced significant criticism on several fronts.

Ambiguity

One major concern is the ambiguity surrounding the term “net” in net zero. Critics argue that some net zero plans rely heavily on offsets or futuristic, unproven technologies rather than actual emission reductions. Offsets, such as afforestation or direct air capture, may take years to have an impact and require substantial land or resources. There’s also skepticism about the effectiveness of carbon capture technologies currently available, some of which are only viable in specific applications like enhanced oil recovery. These critiques highlight a potential overreliance on offsets that may not effectively contribute to global emission reduction goals​​​​.

Lacks specificity

Another criticism is that the net-zero movement can be vague and lacks specificity in terms of how and when emissions will be reduced. For example, while the United Kingdom announced a net-zero target by 2050, its near-term policies were initially off track, emphasizing the need for clear interim targets and coherent implementation plans. This vagueness risks inaction and could potentially lead to failure in achieving the targets​​.

Fairness and equity

Additionally, there are fairness and equity concerns. The cost and feasibility of reducing emissions vary significantly across industries and countries, leading to criticisms that net-zero targets may disproportionately benefit wealthier, high-emitting countries while putting undue burden on poorer nations. This disparity is evident in the trade-offs between different greenhouse gases; for instance, giving less weight to methane in net-zero calculations would make it easier for agricultural-heavy countries to claim they’ve achieved net-zero, potentially leading to more global warming unless compensated by other countries with mainly CO2 emissions​​.

Lastly, the reliance on offsets is criticized for potentially allowing companies and countries to bypass the obligation to eliminate their own emissions, especially those that are costly to abate. This approach could lead to an unfair distribution of responsibility and benefits between rich and poor nations. Additionally, there are concerns about the double-counting of offsets and their actual contribution to reducing global emissions.

Conclusion

While the concept of net zero emissions is a critical component in the fight against climate change, it requires a nuanced and multifaceted approach, incorporating both immediate actions and long-term strategies across various sectors and countries.

About GreenUP

Pioneering the Green Transition with Expertise and Innovation. With over 10 million I-RECs issued since 2019, we are Vietnam’s leaders in renewable energy certification. Our comprehensive suite of services, positions us uniquely as a one-stop solution for all your green and ESG needs. Experience unparalleled market access, competitive pricing, and strategic partnerships that drive not only cost savings but also significant value to your sustainability goals.

References

1. National Grid Group. (2023) ‘What are scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions?’, National Grid Group. Available at: https://www.nationalgrid.com.
2. BDO. ‘The Greenhouse Gas Protocol: Measuring Scope 1, 2 & 3 Emissions’, BDO. Available at: https://www.bdo.com.
3. Insights@Questrom. (2023) ‘From Supply Chains to Climate Action: Exploring Scope 3 Emissions and Their Significance’, Insights@Questrom. Available at: https://insights.bu.edu.
4. Agility. ‘What Are Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 Emissions?’, Agility. Available at: https://www.agility.com.
5. National Geographic. ‘The Greenhouse Effect and our Planet’, National Geographic. Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.org.
6. MIT Climate Portal. (2023) ‘Greenhouse Gases’, MIT Climate Portal. Available at: https://climate.mit.edu.
7. Wikipedia. ‘Greenhouse gas’, Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gas.
8. U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). ‘Greenhouse gases’, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Available at: https://www.eia.gov.
9. National Grid. ‘What is Net Zero?’, National Grid. Available at: https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/what-is-net-zero.
10. United Nations. ‘Net Zero Coalition’, United Nations. Available at: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/net-zero-coalition.
11. McKinsey & Company. ‘What is Net-Zero?’, McKinsey & Company. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-net-zero.
12. Climate Council. ‘What does Net Zero Emissions Mean?’, Climate Council. Available at: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/what-does-net-zero-emissions-mean/.
13. Nature. ‘The meaning of net zero and how to get it right’, Nature. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-021-01245-w.
14. PwC United Kingdom. ‘Tailored Net Zero Transformation’, PwC United Kingdom. Available at: https://www.pwc.co.uk/issues/esg/tailored-net-zero-transformation.html.
15. Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU). ‘Net Zero: Why?’, ECIU. Available at: https://eciu.net/analysis/briefings/net-zero/net-zero-why.
16. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). ‘What is Net Zero? What is the Role of Nuclear Power and Innovations?’, IAEA. Available at: https://www.iaea.org/bulletin/what-is-net-zero-what-is-the-role-of-nuclear-power-and-innovations.
17. World Resources Institute. ‘Net-Zero GHG Emissions: Questions Answered’, WRI. Available at: https://www.wri.org/insights/net-zero-ghg-emissions-questions-answered.