Carbon emission is one of the leading causes of global warming in 2023. With over a 60 percent increase since the 1960’s, it is obvious that these emissions need to be properly managed if the earth is to survive. However, carbon management is largely misunderstood because a lot of individuals and organizations don’t know the difference between carbon neutral and net zero emissions. Both terms are extremely important for industries looking to mitigate the harmful effects of their carbon emissions.
What Does it Mean to be Carbon Neutral?
Carbon neutral is a term used to define a balance between carbon emission and the removal of the harmful greenhouse gases that have been emitted from the atmosphere. There are many different ways to define a carbon neutral organization, and you can click here to learn more about what it involves.
What is Net Zero?
On the other hand, net zero is a term used to define completely cutting off the source of carbon emissions while providing a solution to existing C02 emissions. For example, it may include active measures like planting more trees, purchasing offsets, and generally prioritizing decarbonization, except in unavoidable cases. Net zero focuses on switching to alternative measures so that there are no carbon emissions. However, in extreme instances, specific measures are implemented to counteract the effects of carbon emissions.
How Carbon Management Can Help Achieve Net Zero Emissions
There are several ways that organizations can achieve net zero emissions. However, these methods can’t be executed immediately; organizations must dedicate time and effort to canceling their carbon footprint. Some of these methods are listed below:
Carbon Offsetting
Carbon offsetting means compensating for any carbon emissions you are responsible for as an organization. By contributing to initiatives and activities that reduce carbon in the atmosphere, you can offset what you have contributed through your usage. Furthermore, offsetting can be done by ensuring an automatic system is in place to measure these emissions and suggest probable offsetting techniques to account for them.
Calculating Emissions
Calculating emissions involves keeping tabs on the amount of carbon your industry consumes and how much it is released back into the atmosphere over a particular period. It further involves measuring the amount of carbon your organization contributes to this effect.Carbon emissions are calculated based on the source of the emission, the time, and the industry. Other factors, such as proximity to communities and potential damages, can also be factored into these calculations.
Setting Science-Based Targets
When setting targets for your carbon emissions, it is essential always to ensure that they are based on scientific feedback and research. By setting science-based targets, the effects of your organization’s actions are more likely to reduce the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere and, thus, mitigate their impact.
Developing Long-Term Decarbonization Pathways
It is always essential to build long-term plans to achieve a net zero carbon footprint. One of the best plans is developing pathways for decarbonization, such as afforestation, carbon filters, custom converters, and similar projects. Decarbonization pathways may include switching to a greener energy source. Individuals and smaller-scale organizations can switch to solar energy and high-capacity battery units. Larger organizations can switch to hydrogen-powered generators, wind power, and other sources that are less likely to contribute to environmental pollution.
Investing in Third-party Carbon Assessments
There are several easy ways to manage carbon, but one of the best methods is by capturing the relevant data and properly monitoring your emissions. Carbon data includes how much carbon an individual or organization has used. Furthermore, it is measured in tonnes. This data focuses on a primary source of carbon emissions and determines how much carbon has been released.
Long-term Carbon Capture
Businesses can strive to capture and store their carbon emissions for recycling. There are industries where recycled carbon is used for other manufacturing processes. Carbon can also be stored for later use. There are specialized tanks for storing carbon wastes to prevent them from being flared and polluting the environment.
Purchase Carbon Credits
Carbon credits are provided to industries for them to make amends for their carbon emissions. It is an initiative for enterprises to support the fight against global warming. When you purchase carbon credits, you do your best to ensure your carbon emission doesn’t exceed your credit.
Every individual and business is charged with a moral obligation not only to minimize their greenhouse gas emissions but also strive to achieve net zero emissions to mitigate the effects of global warming.
By utilizing Carbon Management techniques, they can track their usage and mark areas for people to reduce carbon consumption. From simple lifestyle choices to big industrial moves, there are many ways both individuals and companies can contribute to the mitigation of the harmful effects of global warming. Saving the planet is a collective effort that is going to take time and dedication.