{"id":9540,"date":"2024-03-26T20:21:11","date_gmt":"2024-03-26T17:21:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/?p=9540"},"modified":"2024-03-26T20:21:11","modified_gmt":"2024-03-26T17:21:11","slug":"net-zero-against-climate-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/net-zero-against-climate-change","title":{"rendered":"\u201cNet Zero\u201d against climate change"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Achieving “net zero” involves reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to as close to zero as possible, effectively balancing the amount of GHGs released into the atmosphere with the amount removed or offset. While the concept might seem straightforward from its name, its implementation requires comprehensive and concerted efforts across various sectors and industries.<\/p>\n

At its core, the goal of net zero is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, ideally striving for 1.5 degrees Celsius, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. This ambitious target necessitates radical transformations in energy<\/a> production, transportation, agriculture, industry, and other key sectors that contribute to GHG emissions.<\/p>\n

To achieve net zero emissions, countries, businesses, and individuals must prioritize decarbonization efforts, transitioning away from fossil fuels<\/a> to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Additionally, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainable<\/a> land use practices, and investing in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies are crucial components of the net zero strategy.<\/p>\n

While achieving net zero emissions globally is challenging, it is essential for mitigating the most severe impacts of climate change<\/a>, such as extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss. As such, governments, businesses, and civil society organizations<\/a> must collaborate to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What is \u201cnet zero\u201d?
\n<\/strong>According to the UN,\u00a0\u201cnet zero\u201d<\/a>\u00a0can be defined as \u201ccutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to as close to zero as possible, with some residual emissions being reabsorbed in the atmosphere, for example by the ocean and forests\u201d.<\/p>\n

This is a very important goal because to keep the planet habitable, global temperature rise should be limited to no more than 1.5\u00b0C above pre-industrial levels, a figure that is already at 1.1\u00b0C compared to the end of the 19th century. And emissions<\/a> continue to rise.<\/p>\n

To keep global warming below 1.5\u00b0C \u2013 as required by the\u00a0Paris Agreement<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 emissions must be reduced by around 45% by 2030 with the ultimate goal of \u201cnet zero\u201d two decades later.<\/p>\n

Achieving the zero emissions challenge requires a profound transformation in the way we produce, consume and move. The United Nations explains that the energy sector is \u201cthe source of about three-quarters of today\u2019s greenhouse gas emissions<\/a> and holds the key to avoiding the worst effects of climate change\u201d.<\/p>\n

In view of this, it advocates \u201cthe substitution of pollution generators, such as coal, oil or gas energy production, by renewable energy sources<\/a>, such as solar or wind energy, would drastically reduce carbon emissions\u201d.<\/p>\n

Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions<\/strong><\/p>\n

What do we mean by Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions?<\/p>\n