Net zero
Net zero is a state in which human-caused greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere are balanced by human-caused removals over a specified period. Credible pathways reduce emissions deeply and rapidly first, then counterbalance residual emissions with durable removals within clearly stated organizational, geographic, gas, and time boundaries.
In simple terms
Net zero can refer to carbon dioxide alone or to a basket of greenhouse gases, so the claim must say which. For multiple gases, the result depends on the chosen comparison metric and time horizon. At organizational or subnational scale, the inventory boundary, target year, emission scopes, reductions, and removals determine what is being balanced. A target date without those elements is incomplete.
Why it matters
Reaching global net zero carbon dioxide emissions is necessary to stop further warming from cumulative carbon dioxide emissions. For an organization, city, or country, a well-specified target turns that global condition into a bounded transition plan. Science-based targets can structure reductions, while renewable energy procurement and improvements in operational energy efficiency can help deliver them; none replaces transparent treatment of residual emissions.
Example
For example, a manufacturer can define a net-zero target covering its stated greenhouse gases and value-chain boundary, set near- and long-term reductions, publish progress, and plan durable removals for residual emissions at the target year. Buying credits without the stated reductions would not, by itself, demonstrate this pathway.
How it differs
Carbon neutrality
The concepts overlap globally. At subglobal scales, net zero usually emphasizes emissions and removals within a stated control or responsibility boundary, while carbon neutrality may include counterbalancing beyond that boundary under a chosen programme.