The concept of climate neutrality refers to the objective of maintaining a level of concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere such as to avoid an increase in the planet's average temperature of more than 2°C compared to the pre-industrial period.
In this way it is hoped to avoid serious alterations to the natural balance of the Earth caused by climate change and to protect future generations from worrying consequences.
The global impact of climate change is already leading to an increase in the number of living species at risk of extinction and a change in their distribution; moreover, there is an increase in extreme phenomena (such as droughts, floods and hurricanes) and a rise in the level of the oceans.
As if that weren't enough, the intensity of these events also poses a threat to food security, human health, the economy and social stability.
In order to achieve climate neutrality, we must not only reduce the amount of greenhouse gases we generate, but we must also help the planet in its capacity to absorb emissions.
Earth's soil and oceans play a key role in removing gases from the atmosphere and it is important for us to implement a series of concrete actions that support and enhance this process, such as reforestation and the restoration of ecosystems.
The expression "Net Zero" means the neutralization of the quantity of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere seen as the result of a balance between the greenhouse gases emitted and their removal.
Achieving a balance of net zero emissions, i.e. becoming "climate neutral", therefore means limiting emissions as much as possible and offsetting any residue.
Carbon sequestration, i.e. its removal from the atmosphere and offsetting measures (such as supporting projects that promote climate solutions) are just a few ways to achieve a net zero emissions balance.
Difference between climate neutrality and carbon neutrality
Climate neutrality and carbon neutrality are terms often used interchangeably, but they actually have slightly different meanings.
Let's start by defining the concept of carbon neutrality: it relates to the goal of achieving a balance between carbon dioxide emissions released into the atmosphere and the actions taken to compensate for it, thus reducing its impact on the climate.
Climate neutrality (Net Zero), on the other hand, has the objective of maintaining the increase in global temperature within 2°C by containing the concentrations of all greenhouse gases of anthropic origin and not just carbon dioxide.
In addition to CO2, which represents the greenhouse gas par excellence and which decisively affects the temperature of the planet, the other emissions into the atmosphere from human activities are, for example, methane, nitrous oxide and other gasses fluorine.
They are more complex to remove than CO2 and therefore for these gases it takes longer to reach net zero. For the purposes of estimating their impact on the environment, these emissions are calculated as CO2 equivalent, ie mathematically converted into the equivalent quantity of CO2.
What is being done to reach Net Zero
The problem of climate change has set in motion many initiatives worldwide to achieve climate neutrality.
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there is a move towards clean energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectricity and various low-carbon technologies are being adopted.
Reforestation and the conservation of existing forests, as well as the restoration of other types of ecosystems, are among the most frequently undertaken initiatives that can help in the carbon removal process.
There is also a strong awareness campaign with respect to climate issues and a greater awareness of people to implement changes in their lifestyle to reduce waste (for example food waste) and consequently emissions.
The European Council has set itself the goal of reducing emissions by at least 55% in the European Union by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
These targets were set following the so-called Paris Agreement of 2015 in which EU member states undertook to keep the average temperature increase below 2°C, limiting it to 1.5°C.
What can be done individually to achieve climate neutrality
As consumers, even individually, we can make informed choices aimed at contributing to the achievement of climate neutrality to protect our planet.
We save energy at home by using, for example, energy-efficient appliances and avoiding unnecessary waste (find out how you can save energy at home).
We opt for sustainable mobility, we walk (when possible), we use the bicycle, we use public transport and/or we buy an electric car.
We also creatively reuse and recycle the objects we have, giving them a new life and avoiding buying new products.
We pay attention to waste (food or of any other nature). Let's always remember that behind every waste there is a quantity of raw materials used to produce that good and that disposal then weighs on it.
If possible, let's make use of renewable energy sources by installing, for example, solar panels on the roof of the house.
Let's support policies and companies with sustainable and low-carbon practices.
With these daily decisions and actions we can help accelerate the transition to a more sustainable economy by shortening the distance to climate neutrality.