The promises of ‘zero’ carbon emissions are unfulfilled

Countries and companies around the world are talking about their climate credentials, pledging to achieve “zero” carbon emissions in the next few decades. But when we delve into the details a little, it is difficult for these countries to deliver on their promises.

The United States aims to move to net zero emissions by 2050. China aims to achieve the same goal in 2060. More than 2,000 major companies in the world have committed to net zero goals in the near future, according to a new report from the nonprofit Energy and Climate Organization in United Kingdom (ECIU)
Unfortunately, there are no standardized scientific criteria for achieving net zero or carbon neutral emissions. This means that companies and countries can create their own standards, according to CNBC.

Entities that pledge to be carbon neutral do not explicitly promise to remove carbon dioxide from their activities. Rather, it reviews environmental projects that would offset emissions. Examples include carbon offsets from groups that install renewable energy, plant and protect trees, or provide other means to decarbonize the atmosphere.

These plans are not necessarily realistic or useful. For example, a recent Oxfam report estimated that the total land required for planned decarbonization could be five times the size of India, or the equivalent of all agricultural land on the planet.

Research from the Voluntary Carbon Markets Safety Initiative shows that less than 5% of promises removed actually help reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.

“Without a scientific basis, and a real path to net zero… some of these ‘trade’, or these commitments, may simply not be achievable,” said Rachel Kyte, climate adviser to the UN Secretary-General.

“The company needs to be able to measure and verify its emissions within global standards, and it must be able to measure, verify and show the results to the outside world with high transparency,” she added.