{"id":9874,"date":"2024-06-15T21:26:24","date_gmt":"2024-06-15T18:26:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/?p=9874"},"modified":"2024-06-15T21:30:41","modified_gmt":"2024-06-15T18:30:41","slug":"what-is-carbon-neutrality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/what-is-carbon-neutrality","title":{"rendered":"What is carbon neutrality?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"complex-narrative\">\n<div class=\"bx--content-layout bx--content-layout--with-complementary\">\n<div>\n<p><strong>What is Carbon Neutral?<br \/>\n<\/strong>Carbon neutrality refers to a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere in carbon sinks. Achieving this state means that the net carbon emissions of an entity\u2014such as an organization, government, or individual\u2014are equal to zero. This balance is typically attained through a combination of reducing carbon emissions and investing in activities that remove carbon from the atmosphere or prevent future carbon emissions.<\/p>\n<h3>Pathways to Carbon Neutrality<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Energy Efficiency Initiatives<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Upgrading Infrastructure<\/strong>: Enhancing buildings, transportation, and industrial processes to use less energy for the same output.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Adopting Energy-efficient Technologies<\/strong>: <a title=\"Enhancing the revival of homegardens for improved utility and productivity through the use of proven agroforestry technologies in the Northern Highlands of Tanzania (2012-2015).\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/research\/enhancing-the-revival-of-homegardens-for-improved-utility-and-productivity-through-the-use-of-proven-agroforestry-technologies-in-the-northern-highlands-of-tanzania-2012-2015\">Utilizing advanced technologies<\/a> like LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and energy-saving appliances.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Behavioral Changes<\/strong>: Promoting practices such as turning off unused electronics, optimizing heating and cooling settings, and reducing <a title=\"Funding: Waste Management in Developing Countries\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/funding-waste-management-in-developing-countries\">waste<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong><a title=\"Serengeti Energy \u2014 Renewable Energy Incubator Program\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/serengeti-energy-renewable-energy-incubator-program\">Renewable Energy<\/a> Transitions<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Solar Power<\/strong>: Installing <a title=\"What are solar trees, and Could they replace solar panels?\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/what-are-solar-trees-and-could-they-replace-solar-panels-what-are-solar-trees-and-could-they-replace-solar-panels\">solar panels<\/a> to generate electricity from the sun.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a title=\"Solar and Wind Energy Projects\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/solar-and-wind-energy-projects\">Wind Energy<\/a><\/strong>: Utilizing wind turbines to convert wind energy into electricity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hydropower<\/strong>: Harnessing energy from flowing <a title=\"Researcher \u2013 Integrated Water Modeling and Assessment\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/researcher-integrated-water-modeling-and-assessment\">water<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bioenergy<\/strong>: Using organic materials such as plant and animal waste to produce energy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Geothermal Energy<\/strong>: Exploiting heat from within the <a title=\"Earth Observation: Sustainable Blue Economy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/earth-observation-sustainable-blue-economy\">Earth<\/a> to generate power.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Carbon Removal<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Afforestation and Reforestation<\/strong>: Planting new <a title=\"Restoring a transitional cloud forest in Costa Rica\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/restoring-a-transitional-cloud-forest-in-costa-rica\">forests and restoring<\/a> existing ones to absorb CO2.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Soil Carbon Sequestration<\/strong>: Implementing agricultural practices that increase <a title=\"Climate Value of Temporary Carbon Storage in Forests\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/climate-value-of-temporary-carbon-storage-in-forests\">carbon storage<\/a> in soils.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Direct Air Capture<\/strong>: Using technology to capture CO2 directly from the air and store it underground or use it in other applications.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Biochar<\/strong>: Converting organic waste into biochar, which can be used to improve soil <a title=\"Climate change creates health risks for 70% of global workers\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/climate-change-creates-health-risks-for-70-of-global-workers\">health<\/a> and sequester carbon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong><a title=\"Biodiversity credit market must learn from carbon offset mistakes (commentary)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/biodiversity-credit-market-must-learn-from-carbon-offset-mistakes-commentary\">Carbon Offsetting<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Purchasing <a title=\"The story behind a Carbon Credit\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/the-story-behind-a-carbon-credit\">Carbon Credits<\/a><\/strong>: Investing in projects that reduce or remove carbon emissions elsewhere, such as renewable energy projects, methane capture, or forest conservation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Supporting Emission Reduction Projects<\/strong>: Financing initiatives that prevent future emissions, like clean cookstove programs in <a title=\"United Nations Environment Programme: Waste Management in Developing Countries\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/united-nations-environment-programme-waste-management-in-developing-countries\">developing countries<\/a> or energy-efficient building projects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Steps Towards Carbon Neutrality<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Assessing Carbon Footprint<\/strong>: <a title=\"Agriculture Dept. to Invest 0M in Measuring Greenhouse Emissions\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/agriculture-dept-to-invest-300m-in-measuring-greenhouse-emissions\">Measuring the total greenhouse gas emissions<\/a> produced directly and indirectly by an entity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Setting Reduction Targets<\/strong>: Establishing clear, science-based goals for <a title=\"Climate change mitigation: reducing emissions\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/climate-change-mitigation-reducing-emissions\">reducing emissions<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a title=\"National Beekeeping Policy Implementation Strategy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/national-beekeeping-policy-implementation-strategy\">Implementing Reduction Strategies<\/a><\/strong>: Taking actionable steps to cut emissions through the aforementioned measures.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Offsetting Remaining Emissions<\/strong>: Investing in offset <a title=\"Trends and projections: limited rebound in EU emissions amid post-pandemic recovery and energy crisis\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/trends-and-projections-limited-rebound-in-eu-emissions-amid-post-pandemic-recovery-and-energy-crisis\">projects to balance out any unavoidable emissions<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Monitoring and Reporting<\/strong>: Regularly <a title=\"New framework launched to track progress on coral reef biodiversity\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/new-framework-launched-to-track-progress-on-coral-reef-biodiversity\">tracking progress<\/a> and transparently reporting on emissions and reduction efforts.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Examples of Carbon Neutral Initiatives<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Corporate Programs<\/strong>: Companies like Microsoft and Google have pledged to become carbon neutral by investing in renewable <a title=\"Funding for Climate or Clean Energy Projects\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/funding-for-climate-or-clean-energy-projects\">energy and carbon offset projects<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Government Policies<\/strong>: Countries such as Sweden and New Zealand have committed to achieving carbon neutrality through national policies and international agreements.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Individual Actions<\/strong>: People can contribute by reducing energy use, supporting <a title=\"Prize in Green Energy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/prize-in-green-energy\">green energy<\/a>, and purchasing carbon offsets for their personal emissions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bx--content-layout__body\">\n<div class=\"bx--content-layout\">\n<div class=\"bx--content-layout__body\">\n<div id=\"rich-text-0b41e73a9e\" class=\"cms-richtext\" data-dynamic-inner-content=\"description\">\n<p><strong>Why is\u00a0carbon neutrality\u00a0important?<br \/>\n<\/strong>Achieving carbon neutrality is crucial for mitigating climate change and limiting global warming to manageable levels. The increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, primarily from burning <a title=\"Record Trillion in Fossil Fuel Subsidies\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/record-7-trillion-in-fossil-fuel-subsidies\">fossil fuels<\/a> and deforestation, enhances the greenhouse effect, leading to rising global temperatures, sea level rise, and extreme weather events. By aiming for carbon neutrality, entities contribute to a more stable climate, protect <a title=\"Ecosystems and Conservation\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/ecosystems-and-conservation\">ecosystems<\/a>, and promote sustainable development.<\/p>\n<p>Proponents of\u00a0carbon neutrality\u00a0efforts say they can play an important role in\u00a0mitigating\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibm.com\/topics\/climate-change\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-di-id=\"di-id-3c4c0b33-2b34f775\">climate change<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0global warming, which are caused by the build-up of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibm.com\/topics\/greenhouse-gas-emissions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-di-id=\"di-id-edb835de-bc37d6ee\">greenhouse gas emissions<\/a>\u00a0in the atmosphere. In addition to\u00a0carbon dioxide,\u00a0greenhouse gases (GHGs) contributing to climate change include methane, nitrous oxide and hydrofluorocarbons.<\/p>\n<p>These\u00a0emissions\u00a0are caused largely by\u00a0<a title=\"Human activities impact wildlife, even in protected areas\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/human-activities-impact-wildlife-even-in-protected-areas\">human activities<\/a>, especially the burning of\u00a0fossil fuels, and have led to significant increases to\u00a0global temperatures. The European Union climate monitor Copernicus reported <a title=\"2023: Warmest Year on Record\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/2023-warmest-year-on-record\">2023 to be the warmest year<\/a> on record\u2014nearly 1.48 degrees Celsius (2.66 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than pre-industrial levels.<\/p>\n<p>Carbon neutrality\u00a0initiatives can help in achieving the goal of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibm.com\/topics\/net-zero\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-di-id=\"di-id-f92ce7f9-c92a6a75\">net zero emissions<\/a>\u2014the reduction of all\u00a0GHG emissions\u00a0to near zero, with any remaining emissions removed from the atmosphere. However,\u00a0<a title=\"Conservatives\u2019 failed attempt to reinvent Net Zero\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/conservatives-failed-attempt-to-reinvent-net-zero\">net zero<\/a> emissions\u00a0initiatives typically focus more on\u00a0emissions reductions\u00a0than removal. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a partnership of several global nonprofit organizations, promotes a corporate\u00a0net zero standard that calls for companies to reduce direct and indirect\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/video.ibm.com\/playlist\/277619\/video\/115012697\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-di-id=\"di-id-ae27c62-e47324d1\">value-chain\u00a0emissions<\/a>\u00a0by more than 90%.<sup>1<\/sup> When a business or a country takes\u00a0<a title=\"Support for Climate Action\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/support-for-climate-action\">climate actions<\/a>\u00a0that successfully result in\u00a0net zero emissions, it\u2019s considered to be\u00a0climate neutral.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aside-card\">\n<div class=\"bx--tile bx--card bx--tile--clickable bx--card--link\">\n<div class=\"bx--card__wrapper \">\n<div class=\"bx--card__content\">\n<div class=\"bx--card__copy\">\n<p>How to establish finance-grade <a title=\"Spatial Data Scientist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/spatial-data-scientist\">data<\/a> and best practices for calculating emissions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mixed-series\">\n<div class=\"bx--col-lg-11 bx--no-gutter\">\n<div class=\"bx--content-layout\">\n<div>What strategies enable carbon neutrality?<br \/>\nOrganizations looking to achieve carbon neutrality in their operations and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibm.com\/topics\/supply-chain-management\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-di-id=\"di-id-e37d2ae8-73b4f468\">supply chains<\/a>\u00a0typically take one or more of the following approaches:<\/div>\n<div class=\"bx--content-layout__body\">\n<div id=\"mixed-series-container-bd50fa05ad\" class=\"cmp-container\">\n<div class=\"pictogram-series\">\n<div class=\"bx--content-layout\">\n<div class=\"bx--content-layout__body\">\n<div id=\"pictogram-items-container-4c4bcfa25b\" class=\"cmp-container\">\n<div class=\"pictogram-item\">\n<div class=\"bx--pictogram-item__row\">\n<div class=\"bx--pictogram-item__wrapper\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"bx--pictogram-item__content\">\n<div class=\"bx--content-item\"><strong>Energy efficiency<br \/>\n<\/strong>Energy efficiency\u00a0is the concept of performing of a task using less energy than might otherwise be required. The U.S. Department of Energy refers to\u00a0energy efficiency\u00a0as \u201ca vital component in achieving\u00a0net-zero <a title=\"Managing the Eastern Arc Mountain forests for Carbon credits and emission trading; Local knowledge and climate change adaptation project (2007 \u2013 to date).\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/research\/managing-the-eastern-arc-mountain-forests-for-carbon-credits-and-emission-trading-local-knowledge-and-climate-change-adaptation-project-2007-to-date\">emissions\u00a0of\u00a0carbon<\/a> dioxide.&#8221;<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n<div id=\"rich-text-6c1db67b0c\" class=\"cms-richtext\" data-dynamic-inner-content=\"description\">\n<p>Energy efficiency\u00a0improvements can be minor, such as replacing older lightbulbs with new, energy-saving lightbulbs. But improvements can also take the form of larger-scale projects. For example, installing a reflective roof covering and adding insulation throughout a building may keep indoor temperatures lower during hot weather, which would reduce overall energy consumption by HVAC systems. In addition to reducing an entity\u2019s\u00a0carbon footprint,\u00a0energy efficiency\u00a0can lower energy bills, which can help <a title=\"Pollination service business\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/pollination-service-business\">businesses reduce prices for goods and services<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pictogram-item\">\n<div class=\"bx--pictogram-item__row\">\n<div class=\"bx--pictogram-item__wrapper\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"bx--pictogram-item__content\">\n<div class=\"bx--content-item\">\n<p><strong>Renewable <a title=\"Award for Global Energy Transition\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/uncategorized\/award-for-global-energy-transition\">energy transitions<\/a><br \/>\n<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibm.com\/topics\/renewable-energy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-di-id=\"di-id-2bf73ffb-a6a78dcf\">Renewable energy<\/a>\u00a0is energy generated from natural sources that can be replenished faster than the energy is consumed.\u00a0It is often called\u00a0<a title=\"Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund \u2014 Clean Energy Technologies\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/africa-enterprise-challenge-fund-clean-energy-technologies\">clean energy<\/a>\u00a0because most types of\u00a0renewable energy, once in operation, don\u2019t produce\u00a0carbon dioxide\u00a0emissions. (The manufacturing and installation of\u00a0renewable energy technologies do produce a relatively small\u00a0carbon footprint.)<sup>3<\/sup><\/p>\n<div id=\"rich-text-9507e58b80\" class=\"cms-richtext\" data-dynamic-inner-content=\"description\">\n<p>Forms of\u00a0renewable energy\u00a0include solar power, wind power, hydropower, geothermal energy and bioenergy. As with\u00a0energy efficiency, organizations can pursue an array of strategies as they embark on transitioning from\u00a0fossil fuel\u00a0sources to <a title=\"Bamboo plants shows great potential to become the next big renewable energy source\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/bamboo-plants-shows-great-potential-to-become-the-next-big-renewable-energy-source\">renewable energy<\/a> sources. On-site options include installing solar panels, erecting wind turbines and using geothermal heating and cooling systems.<\/p>\n<p>Where available, <a title=\"Civil Society Organizations Renew Commitment to Biodiversity at CEPF Workshop\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/civil-society-organizations-renew-commitment-to-biodiversity-at-cepf-workshop\">organizations can also purchase power directly from local\u00a0renewable<\/a> energy\u00a0providers. In the United States and Europe, organizations also have the option of purchasing certificates representing their investment in <a title=\"Climate Change Impact on Beaches: Need for Green Thinking\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/climate-change-impact-on-beaches-need-for-green-thinking\">green<\/a> energy. (Proponents of such certificates say they help support and raise <a title=\"European Commission \u2014 Awareness Raising in Renewable Energy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/european-commission-awareness-raising-in-renewable-energy\">awareness of\u00a0renewable energy<\/a>\u00a0transitions. Research indicates, however, that the certificates don\u2019t always encourage more\u00a0renewable energy\u00a0infrastructure development, raising concerns over\u00a0greenwashing\u2014the marketing of misleading information about corporate sustainability.)<sup>4<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pictogram-item\">\n<div class=\"bx--pictogram-item__row\">\n<div class=\"bx--pictogram-item__wrapper\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"bx--pictogram-item__content\">\n<div class=\"bx--content-item\">\n<p><strong>Carbon removal and carbon capture<br \/>\n<\/strong>CO2 emissions are naturally removed from the atmosphere through carbon sinks. Natural <a title=\"Extreme wildfires are turning the world\u2019s largest forest ecosystem from carbon sink into net-emitter\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/extreme-wildfires-are-turning-the-worlds-largest-forest-ecosystem-from-carbon-sink-into-net-emitter\">carbon sinks include forests<\/a>, oceans and wetlands, which absorb carbon dioxide from the air\u2014a process known as sequestration. Humans can support such <a title=\"University Assistant postdoctoral\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/university-assistant-postdoctoral\">biological<\/a> sequestration through reforestation and preserving or restoring wetlands. (Such habitat restoration can also yield the added benefit of protecting <a title=\"Biodiversity on a Changing Planet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/biodiversity-on-a-changing-planet\">biodiversity.<\/a>)<\/p>\n<div id=\"rich-text-fedc10d2e7\" class=\"cms-richtext\" data-dynamic-inner-content=\"description\">\n<p>Other kinds of carbon\u00a0sequestration\u00a0also involve human efforts. These include agricultural practices that increase the amount of carbon stored in <a title=\"Junior Research Scientist in Forest soil science\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/junior-research-scientist-in-forest-soil-science\">soil<\/a>s (known as soil carbon sequestration) and direct air capture (DAC). DAC technology removes carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere through air capture systems that use chemical reactions to filter out CO2 molecules. Though DAC is a particularly expensive\u00a0carbon removal\u00a0method, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), 27 DAC plants were commissioned worldwide as of July 2023.<sup>5<\/sup>\u00a0Continued <a title=\"Schneider Electric Foundation: Youth Innovation for a Sustainable Future Program\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/schneider-electric-foundation-youth-innovation-for-a-sustainable-future-program\">innovation<\/a> in\u00a0carbon removal\u00a0is being supported by government programs such as the\u00a0Carbon Negative\u00a0Shot initiative<sup>6<\/sup>\u00a0and the\u00a0Carbon Dioxide\u00a0Removal Launchpad.<sup>7<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>Some technologies used in\u00a0carbon removal\u00a0are similar to those used in\u00a0carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) projects. CCUS projects, however, are distinct because they capture\u00a0<a title=\"Global energy-related CO2 emissions hit record high in 2023\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/global-energy-related-co2-emissions-hit-record-high-in-2023\">CO2 emissions<\/a>\u00a0at the source, such as a factory or power plant. The captured\u00a0carbon dioxide\u00a0can then be compressed and transported for industrial uses or stored underground. More than 500 CCUS <a title=\"Call for Project Grant 2021: Sustainable development and climate change.\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/call-for-project-grant-2021-sustainable-development-and-climate-change\">projects are under development<\/a> as of July 2023, according to the IEA.<sup>8<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pictogram-item\">\n<div class=\"bx--pictogram-item__row\">\n<div class=\"bx--pictogram-item__content\">\n<div class=\"bx--content-item\">\n<p>Carbon <a title=\"Biodiversity credit market must learn from carbon offset mistakes (commentary)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/biodiversity-credit-market-must-learn-from-carbon-offset-mistakes-commentary\">offsets and carbon credits<\/a><br \/>\nTo supplement their sustainability efforts and meet the expectations of climate change-conscious stakeholders, organizations often invest in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibm.com\/blog\/carbon-offsets-and-the-net-zero-pathway\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-di-id=\"di-id-3b31b105-91601cb6\">carbon offset projects<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0carbon credits. These projects can take the form of many of the efforts described above, such as reforestation and renewable energy generation. By investing in the removal or avoidance of\u00a0GHG emissions, companies are &#8220;offsetting&#8221; their own\u00a0emissions.<\/p>\n<div class=\"complex-narrative\">\n<div class=\"bx--content-layout dds-ce--content-layout--with-adjacent-heading-content\">\n<div><strong>Global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality<\/strong><br \/>\nIn 1997, the Kyoto Protocol became the first international treaty to set legally binding targets for developed countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The Paris Agreement of 2015 extended reduction targets to <a title=\"Guidelines for developing national biodiversity monitoring systems\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/guidelines-for-developing-national-biodiversity-monitoring-systems\">developing nations<\/a>, ultimately garnering signatories from nearly 200 countries around the world. In 2015, the United Nations also adopted 17 <a title=\"Action Awards for Sustainable Development Goals\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/action-awards-for-sustainable-development-goals\">Sustainable Development Goals<\/a> (SDGs), which included emphasis on lowering emissions.<\/div>\n<div class=\"bx--content-layout__body\">\n<div class=\"bx--content-layout\">\n<div class=\"bx--content-layout__body\">\n<div id=\"rich-text-00c0c56a8d\" class=\"cms-richtext\" data-dynamic-inner-content=\"description\">\n<p>The focus on\u00a0carbon neutrality, specifically, has intensified with the development of a <a title=\"Global Climate Fund\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/global-climate-fund\">global coalition for\u00a0climate<\/a> neutrality. By 2020, more than 110 countries committed to achieving\u00a0carbon neutrality\u00a0by 2050, including members of the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan and South Korea. In addition, China has pledged to reach\u00a0carbon neutrality\u00a0before 2060.<sup>9<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>Another global commitment took shape in 2023 at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on\u00a0<a title=\"UN Urges States to Protect Children\u2019s Rights Amidst Climate Change\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/un-urges-states-to-protect-childrens-rights-amidst-climate-change\">Climate Change<\/a>\u00a0(UNFCCC COP 28). There, more than 120 countries signed a pledge to work together to triple the world\u2019s installed\u00a0renewable energy\u00a0generation capacity by 2030 and double the global average annual rate of\u00a0energy efficiency\u00a0improvements from roughly 2% to more 4% every year until 2030.<sup>10<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"complex-narrative\">\n<div class=\"bx--content-layout dds-ce--content-layout--with-adjacent-heading-content\">\n<div><strong>What technology aids carbon neutrality efforts?<\/strong><br \/>\nTechnological innovation is central to many organizations\u2019 and countries\u2019 pathways toward carbon neutrality. New developments include a carbon dioxide removal system that leverages sunlight and seawater,<sup>11<\/sup>\u00a0the advent of small wind power generators and plans to retrofit canals with solar panels.<sup>12<\/sup><\/div>\n<div class=\"bx--content-layout__body\">\n<div class=\"bx--content-layout\">\n<div class=\"bx--content-layout__body\">\n<div id=\"rich-text-46aaad9c3e\" class=\"cms-richtext\" data-dynamic-inner-content=\"description\">\n<p>In addition, carbon management software can help organizations accelerate their\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibm.com\/topics\/decarbonization\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-di-id=\"di-id-7fbdc899-fad54abe\">decarbonization<\/a>\u00a0efforts. Such software can build a data foundation with\u00a0GHG emissions\u00a0information, streamline reporting processes and provide analytical tools that identify opportunities to reach\u00a0low-carbon\u00a0goals as well as track performance against commitments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is Carbon Neutral? Carbon neutrality refers to a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere in carbon sinks. Achieving this state means that the net carbon emissions of an entity\u2014such as an organization, government, or individual\u2014are equal to zero. This balance is typically attained through a combination of reducing carbon emissions [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":9875,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9874","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9874","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9874"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9874\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9884,"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9874\/revisions\/9884"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9875"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9874"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9874"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9874"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}