Net zero explained

What does net zero mean?

Net zero refers to achieving an overall balance between emissions produced and emissions taken out of the atmosphere. This will happen when the amount of carbon we add to the atmosphere is no more than the amount removed.

Carbon dioxide is emitted when fossil fuels are burned to meet our demand for energy. It is not the only greenhouse gas but it is the most significant so the term carbon emissions is often used to talk about all greenhouse gas emissions.

Net zero is important because the scientific evidence is clear that emissions of greenhouse gases, resulting from human activity, are causing our climate to change. This has resulted in temperatures rising around the world, extreme weather including flooding, droughts and rising sea levels.

How to achieve net zero by 2025?

The year 2050 was seen as the first realistic date for net zero emissions to be achieved. Reaching net zero will involve cutting emissions from homes, transport, agriculture and industry. These sectors will need to reduce the amount of carbon they put into the atmosphere.

These emissions will need to be removed from the atmosphere by changing how we use our land so it can absorb more carbon dioxide. Carbon removal strategies include familiar approaches such as growing trees but also include using technologies such as direct air capture which takes carbon dioxide from the air and sequestered it into the ground.

Is it possible?

Achieving net zero by 2050 is a bold target and will require significant changes within the next 10 years.

According to the UK greenhouse gas emissions figures released in March 2021, total greenhouse gas emissions have already fallen by 48.8% from what they were in 1990.

Part of this fall is because emissions fell in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic when there was a large reduction in the use of road transport and reduction in business activity during the nationwide lockdowns.

However, any key part of the fall in other years is due to changing the way we generate energy. Despite this, we still need to continue to change the way we use energy in our lives day to day.

To continue reducing emissions and meet net zero, The Committee on Climate Change states that using known technologies, the UK can end its contribution to global warming and reach this target. This will require a concerted effort and action by all and will include changes to people’s lives such as choosing a renewable energy supplier, reducing meat consumption and eating more plant-based foods and re-using, swapping and recycling clothes or household items.

Going forwards

Not aiming for net zero is not an option. If we do not act now, the costs of climate change will be much higher than the costs of achieving net zero.

Aiming for net zero is about improving our way of life: cleaner air and water, warmer and healthier homes, cleaner transport, greener spaces and better habitats for our wildlife.

Energy Saving Trust

You can find out more on the Energy Saving Trust’s 'What is net zero and how can we get there?' blog post.