Net zero

Net zero means reducing greenhouse gas emissions as far as possible and offsetting the remainder by removing an equal amount from the atmosphere, through measures such as forests, soil management and technologies that capture carbon. It describes a point at which human activities add no net carbon dioxide or other warming gases.

The concept gained prominence after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's 2018 report said that limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius would require reaching net zero carbon dioxide emissions around mid-century. The Paris Agreement of 2015 calls for a balance of emissions and removals in the second half of the century, and many countries, states and companies have set target dates, often 2050. The Biden administration set a goal of net zero by 2050, and in 2025 the Trump administration began withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and rolling back climate rules.

Supporters argue that net-zero targets provide a clear goal that guides investment and technology. Critics, including many conservatives, argue that the targets are costly and unrealistic, raise energy prices, rely on offsets and technologies that are unproven at scale, and that other countries, notably China and India, are increasing emissions. Some scientists criticize reliance on removals as a delay. The debate relates to energy independence, fracking and ESG investing.