NET ZERO
1. Context
In a bid to attain a net-zero emissions status, more than 20 countries have pledged to triple the global nuclear installed capacity by 2050, at the COP28 climate meeting. Just as in the case of the pledge tripling renewable energy, India is not a part of the nuclear energy commitment as well, in keeping with its position not to join alliances outside the COP process
2. What is Net Zero?
Net zero refers to achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. It's a state where the net emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, are reduced to as close to zero as possible. This balance can be achieved by either eliminating greenhouse gas emissions entirely or by offsetting emissions through various means, such as carbon capture and storage or investing in projects that remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, like afforestation or reforestation initiatives. The goal of reaching net zero is crucial in combating climate change and stabilizing global temperatures
3. Why is net zero important?
Net zero is critical in the fight against climate change for several reasons:
Limiting global warming:
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that reaching net zero by mid-century is crucial to limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This goal is essential to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and mass extinctions.
- By balancing emissions and removals, we prevent the further accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, stabilizing the climate system and preventing further damage.
Environmental benefits:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions also leads to cleaner air, benefiting public health and reducing respiratory illnesses.
- Limiting warming protects ecosystems and the biodiversity they support, preserving vital natural resources and services.
- By lowering carbon dioxide levels, net zero helps mitigate ocean acidification, which is harmful to marine life and ecosystems.
Economic and social benefits:
- The transition to net zero creates opportunities for new technologies, industries, and jobs, driving economic growth and innovation.
- Reducing reliance on fossil fuels enhances energy security and independence from volatile global markets.
- Climate change poses a serious threat to human health. Achieving net zero reduces these risks and promotes healthier communities.
Global cooperation:
- Net zero is a global challenge requiring international collaboration and cooperation. Achieving this goal requires all nations to contribute and share best practices.
- We have a moral obligation to future generations to protect the planet and ensure a sustainable future. Net zero is an essential step in this direction
4. How can net zero be achieved?
Achieving net zero involves a multifaceted approach across various sectors. Here are some key strategies:
- Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power is crucial. This involves increasing renewable energy capacity and enhancing energy efficiency
- Encouraging the use of electric vehicles, heat pumps, and other clean technologies can reduce emissions in transportation, heating, and cooling sectors
- Improving energy efficiency in buildings, industries, and appliances can significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions
- Implementing technologies that capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and power generation, followed by storing or utilizing it, can help offset emissions
- Protecting and restoring forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems can capture and store carbon dioxide naturally, contributing to offsetting emissions
- Encouraging industries to adopt cleaner production methods, such as low-carbon cement production or sustainable agricultural practices, can reduce emissions
- Implementing policies like carbon pricing, emissions regulations, and incentives for renewable energy can drive the transition to net zero
- Investing in research and development of new technologies, materials, and processes that produce fewer emissions is crucial for long-term sustainability
- Encouraging individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices like reducing meat consumption, using public transportation, and embracing energy-efficient habits contributes to emissions reduction
5. Net Zero vs Carbon Nuetral
| Subject | Net Zero | Carbon Neutral |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Achieving a balance between emissions produced and removed from the atmosphere, ideally resulting in no net emissions. | Offsetting or balancing the emissions released with an equivalent amount of emissions removed or avoided elsewhere. |
| Focus | Focuses on achieving a balance of overall greenhouse gas emissions, not necessarily zero emissions for all activities. | Primarily focuses on balancing carbon dioxide emissions, often through offsets or carbon credits. |
| Scope | Includes all greenhouse gases, not just carbon dioxide, aiming to balance the overall emissions footprint. | Primarily centered on carbon dioxide emissions, sometimes excluding other greenhouse gases. |
| Time frame | Doesn't necessarily imply immediate zero emissions but aims to balance emissions over time, potentially allowing some emissions with equivalent removal. | Allows for ongoing emissions if they are compensated by an equivalent amount of carbon removal or offsetting. |
| Strategies | Involves reducing emissions as much as possible and offsetting remaining emissions through various methods like carbon capture, afforestation, etc. | Focuses on offsetting carbon emissions through projects that remove or prevent an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. |
| Target | Generally considered a more ambitious goal as it aims to ultimately eliminate or balance all greenhouse gas emissions. | May be perceived as a less ambitious goal since it primarily targets carbon emissions and allows for offsetting rather than complete elimination. |
6. Way forward
At the COP28 event, the IAEA director general also announced that a first of its kind Nuclear Energy Summit would be held in Brussels in March next year to discuss the role of nuclear energy in reducing the use of fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and boosting economic development
