A sustainability buzzword that’s used to describe the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere, “net zero” has long been a goal for governments, organizations and individuals looking to vastly reduce the size of their carbon footprints (or, the total GHGs generated by their actions).
With enough effort and attention, the entire world may reach net zero emissions by 2050, but it will take a lot of work, commitment and participation. According to a new International Energy Association (IEA) report, the number of countries announcing pledges to achieve net zero emissions over the coming decades continues to grow. However, it adds that the pledges by governments to date—even if fully achieved—fall “well short” of what is required to bring global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions to net zero by 2050.
