What does it mean to be net-zero?

As the United Kingdom sets its sights on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, it raises the question: what exactly does "net zero" mean? In this article, we’ll explore the concept in detail and explain why this ambitious goal has been set by the government.

The UK Government's Net-Zero Ambition

In June 2019, the UK made history by becoming the first major economy globally to pass legislation aimed at completely eliminating its contribution to global warming by 2050. This new target requires the nation to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero within the next three decades. Previously, the aim was to reduce emissions by at least 80% compared to 1990 levels by 2050.

A statement on the GOV.UK website noted: “The UK has already cut emissions by 42% while growing the economy by 72%, placing clean growth at the core of our modern Industrial Strategy. This initiative could see green-collar jobs rise to 2 million and exports from the low-carbon sector grow to £170 billion annually by 2030.”

Speaking about the new law, Energy and Clean Growth Minister Chris Skidmore remarked: “The UK initiated the Industrial Revolution, which spurred global economic growth but also increased emissions. Today, we're once again leading the way by becoming the first major economy to legislate for net-zero emissions by 2050 while staying committed to economic growth.”

The UK’s 2050 net-zero goal—one of the most ambitious in the world—was inspired by the Committee on Climate Change, the country’s independent climate advisory body.

Understanding Net Zero

Let’s address the main question: what does it mean to be net-zero? The government website explains that “net-zero means balancing any remaining emissions by removing an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, through actions like planting trees or employing technologies such as carbon capture and storage.”

To reach net-zero by 2050, the UK must drastically reduce emissions from housing, transportation, industrial processes, and agriculture. Essentially, these sectors will need to minimize their carbon output. However, for certain industries like aviation, cutting emissions entirely is either impractical or prohibitively expensive. In such cases, the leftover emissions will need to be removed from the atmosphere.

For these sectors to achieve net-zero, residual emissions will need to be offset using negative emissions technologies like planting more trees to absorb atmospheric CO2. It’s about striking a balance so that overall emissions hover at net-zero.

Negative Emissions Technologies

Due to the high costs or complexities associated with certain industries, like aviation and manufacturing, negative emissions technologies will play a crucial role in reaching net-zero goals. One of the most common methods is carbon capture and storage (CCS).

CCS is an effective approach to reducing carbon emissions from industrial activities such as steel production or power generation using fossil fuels. The captured carbon is transported via pipelines or ships and injected into deep underground rock formations where it remains permanently stored, preventing its release into the atmosphere.

Why Do We Need to Be Net-Zero?

Addressing climate change is a top priority for nations, businesses, and individuals around the world. There’s mounting pressure to be mindful of our carbon footprint and safeguard the planet.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, the twenty warmest years on record have occurred in the past two decades. The data clearly shows that our planet is heating up, and this issue has become increasingly urgent. The four hottest years ever recorded were between 2015 and 2018, with global temperatures sitting 1°C higher than pre-industrial levels.

Even though a single degree might seem minor, research indicates that it already has adverse effects. If current trends persist, global temperatures could rise by 3 to 5°C by 2100 unless we act swiftly. Already, we’ve witnessed firsthand the consequences: erratic weather patterns, heatwaves, severe flooding, and rising sea levels. The urgency to curb global warming cannot be overstated.

What Causes Climate Change?

Many scientists and governments agree that higher levels of greenhouse gases are driving climate change in the atmosphere, necessitating rapid reductions in these emissions. The term “greenhouse gases” refers to gases that create a warming effect similar to that of a greenhouse, trapping solar energy and heating the planet. Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor are the most prevalent greenhouse gases.

The Cost of Achieving Net Zero

According to the latest Carbon Budget released last year, the Committee on Climate Change estimates that achieving net-zero will cost around 0.6% of the UK’s GDP by the early 2030s, dropping to approximately 0.5% by 2050. In monetary terms, this means the government will need to ramp up investments in low-carbon technologies, increasing spending from roughly £10 billion to £50 billion by 2050.

While it’s not inexpensive, failing to transition to net-zero is no longer an option. The Committee on Climate Change warns that if other countries follow the UK’s lead and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, there’s a 50% chance we can avoid a catastrophic temperature rise of 1.5°C by 2100. Protecting the planet is invaluable.

Each of us can contribute to mitigating climate change by adopting sustainable energy solutions for our homes. Get in touch today to embark on your solar energy journey.