Businesses and products alike have often claimed their commitment to the planet using phrases like Carbon Neutral, Carbon Zero and Net Zero. While all of these mean very different things, it’s not that difficult to confuse one for the other. Let’s take a deep dive into what they mean and avoid a greenwashing moment while we can!
Carbon Neutral:
Carbon Neutral is a term used to describe a product/service/company where any carbon dioxide (Co2) released into the environment during its production or activities related to the same have been balanced by removing Co2 of an equivalent amount. Usually, to achieve carbon neutrality, the amount of Co2 released is offset by environment-positive activities like tree plantation, waste management, water management, use of renewable energy etc.
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Carbon Zero:
Carbon Zero is when no Co2 is released into the atmosphere from the get-go. For example, when a product is made with a holistic eco-friendly point of view without releasing Co2 at any stage of production, packaging or delivery, the term carbon zero can be used.
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Net Zero:
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Much like carbon neutral, Net Zero is when all greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere are removed or balanced using offsetting activities. These offsetting activities are similar to those used for carbon offsetting.
Carbon Neutral Vs Carbon Zero Vs Net Zero: What’s the difference
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Let’s compare Carbon Neutral and Carbon Zero for starters: the main difference lies in the fact that carbon is released in the case of carbon neutral and not when it comes to carbon zero. In Carbon Zero, none of the activities lead to the release of Co2.
Similarly, while no Co2 is released in carbon zero, other greenhouse gases may be released, and unless mentioned otherwise, they may not be offset either, unlike in Net zero which deals with the offsetting of all greenhouse gases released.
Fundamentally, carbon neutral and net zero are extremely similar except for the fact that the former deals with the offsetting of just Co2 and the latter deals with the offsetting of all kinds of greenhouse gases.
India & Net Zero:
Did you know India is the fourth biggest emitter of carbon dioxide globally after China, USA and the European Union? In 2019 alone, India emitted 1.9 tonnes of Co2 per head of population and a total of 2,597 mega tonnes in total.
Recently, at the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26), a global climate summit that took place in Glasglow, India promised to achieve Net Zero by the year 2070. The pledge included four others, showcasing the country’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Reducing its total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes and sourcing 50 per cent of its energy from renewable resources by the year 2030 was among the other pledges made by the Prime Minister on behalf of the country.