In general, the term Net Zero means reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, aiming to reach zero emissions by the middle of the century. The full expression is net zero carbon emissions (zero net carbon emissions, in free translation).
The ultimate goal is to stop global warming., in a form of reckoning with Earth. Since the Industrial Revolution, in the century 18, GHGs have been massively deposited in the atmosphere, with emphasis on carbon dioxide (CO2), which has caused a 1.1°C rise in the global average temperature since then.
Warmer temperatures have several consequences, as it changes weather patterns and upsets the usual balance of nature (HIM-HER-IT, 2021). The results are increasingly common in the news, showing for example the thaw (ice sheet reduction in mainly polar regions), increase in droughts, more severe storms (It is noteworthy that changes in temperature cause changes in rainfall). The implications are not just limited to the climate and nature itself., also influencing the lives of human beings, especially in vulnerable situations. Furthermore, also imply a lot in the fauna, affecting biodiversity and often forcing the displacement of animals to other environments and ecosystems, where they are not used to living, or taking them to death.
For these and other effects, initiatives are created and highlighted to make the world aware and alert, in addition to aiming at changing the current scenario. No case from Net Zero, the focus is on reducing emissions, This can happen in two main ways, the first is to reduce or eliminate activities that produce greenhouse gases. In the case of individuals, changing car journeys for walking or cycling is a way to generate less impact. Install solar panels to power homes or residential buildings as well.
Companies committed to net zero need to pay attention to the type of energy matrix they use to offer their products and services, directly and indirectly. This includes real estate, logistics network, suppliers and third parties. In a net zero policy, the corporation undertakes to offset emissions by everyone involved in its production chain. This one by the way, is the main difference between net zero and carbon neutrality. The focus may be on replacing fleets of combustion vehicles with electric equivalents. Or use energy generated from renewable sources, such as wind and solar, for example. According to a report by Superinteressante, a study at the University of Oxford that analyzed 4 thousand companies two 25 countries that emit the most CO2, noted that 19% of them adhered to net zero targets (they represent 61% of global carbon emissions).
Government instances should also adopt the aforementioned strategies. For example, O Sao Paulo's State Government created the Net Zero Acceleration Program 2050. The Government of the State of São Paulo was present at COP26, and adhered to the UN program through a decree published in July 2021, fulfilling the commitment to reduce pollutant emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change, and establishing action plans to meet the goals by 2050. It is worth mentioning that the Program presents four main challenges, being the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, change in the energy matrix, mobility and sustainable fuels and resilient cities.
According to the portal that explains the Program, the state, when compared to Brazil and many countries, It has a low emission of greenhouse gases – about 3,4 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per capita annually (data from 2019) Where 150 million tons in total. Although, the Climate Action Plan envisages achieving the neutrality of these emissions. Which shows a great opportunity for a real green revolution, in order to recover the economy and society from the impacts of the current pandemic.
beyond the government, several companies have already adhered to Net Zero, such as the national Vale and JBS and the international Apple, Google e Walmart. Regardless of the adhesion, many institutions still fall short in meeting goals. Defining and adopting a standardized methodology for calculating emissions and offsets is necessary to generate reliable and uniform reports. And this is essential to align the various entities committed to net zero goals and analyze the effectiveness of their policies and practices.
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