What does it mean to be net-zero?

As the UK government aims for a net-zero future by 2050, it raises an important question: what exactly does 'net zero' mean? In this blog post, we'll explore what achieving net-zero entails and why the government has set this ambitious goal.

The UK Government's Net-Zero Target

In June 2019, the UK became the first major economy globally to legislate for a net-zero emissions target by 2050. This represents a shift from the previous goal of reducing emissions by at least 80% compared to 1990 levels. The new target demands that the UK eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions entirely by 2050.

According to a statement on the GOV.UK website, the UK has already reduced its emissions by 42%, while simultaneously boosting its economy by 72%. This progress highlights the potential for green growth, with projections suggesting that "green-collar jobs" could reach two million by 2030, along with exports from the low-carbon sector potentially reaching £170 billion annually.

When signing the legally binding document, Chris Skidmore, then Energy and Clean Growth Minister, remarked: “The UK kickstarted the Industrial Revolution, which drove global economic growth but also increased emissions. Today, we're once again leading the way by becoming the first major economy to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050, all while continuing to grow our economy." The UK's commitment to this ambitious target was strongly influenced by the Committee on Climate Change, the country's independent climate advisory body.

What Does Net Zero Mean?

So, what does it really mean to be net-zero? The government defines it as ensuring that any remaining emissions are balanced out by initiatives to remove an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. This might involve planting trees, adopting carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, or investing in other methods to offset emissions.

To achieve net-zero by 2050, the UK must address emissions from various sectors, including housing, transportation, industry, and agriculture. These areas will need to focus on reducing their carbon output significantly. However, for certain industries like aviation, achieving zero emissions entirely is either too costly or technologically challenging. In such cases, the leftover emissions will need to be counteracted through negative emissions technologies.

Negative emissions technologies are essential for sectors where reducing emissions completely is impractical. For example, CCS is a popular approach that captures carbon dioxide produced during industrial processes like steelmaking or power generation. The captured carbon is then transported—via ships or pipelines—and stored deep underground in geological formations, preventing it from entering the atmosphere. This helps maintain a balance, ensuring that overall emissions remain at net-zero.

Why Do We Need to Be Net-Zero?

Addressing climate change is a priority for governments, businesses, and individuals around the world. With global temperatures rising faster than ever before, we face an urgent need to curb greenhouse gas emissions. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the warmest 20 years on record occurred within the last 22 years, with the warmest four years being 2015 to 2018. Global average temperatures have risen by about 1°C compared to pre-industrial levels, and if current trends persist, they could rise by 3-5°C by 2100.

Even a small increase in temperature has already had noticeable impacts, such as erratic weather patterns, heatwaves, floods, and rising sea levels. The stakes are high, and action is critical to prevent further warming over the next few decades.

What Causes Climate Change?

Scientific consensus identifies greenhouse gases as the main drivers of climate change. These gases accumulate in the atmosphere, trapping heat from the sun—a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect. The most common greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor.

The Cost of Achieving Net-Zero

The latest Carbon Budget estimates that reaching net-zero will cost the UK around 0.6% of its GDP by the early 2030s, dropping to approximately 0.5% by 2050. In financial terms, this translates to increasing investments in low-carbon technologies from roughly £10 billion to £50 billion by 2050. While it’s a significant expense, failing to transition to net-zero carries far greater risks.

If other nations follow the UK’s example and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, there’s a 50% chance we can avoid catastrophic warming of 1.5°C by 2100. Protecting the planet is priceless, and every effort counts. Whether it’s installing solar panels or supporting renewable energy initiatives, everyone can contribute to reducing our carbon footprint. Reach out today to begin your journey toward sustainability!