What’s the difference between Carbon-Neutral & Net-Zero

Carbon-Neutral vs. Net-Zero: what’s the difference?

We hear the terms ‘carbon-neutral’ and ‘net-zero’ all the time, with many companies and businesses claiming they have achieved one or the other, or even both. Often these terms are used interchangeably, and with inconsistency, in the corporate sector and so it can be confusing to work out what they actually mean. ‘Carbon-neutral’ and ‘net-zero’ have quite distinct definitions and it’s important to be able to distinguish between them. So, what is the difference?

What is the definition of Carbon Neutral?

Carbon-neutral means purchasing carbon reduction credits equivalent to emissions released, without the need for emissions reductions to have taken place.

What is the definition of Net Zero?

Net-zero means reducing emissions in line with latest climate science, and balancing remaining residual emissions through carbon removal credits.

What is Carbon Neutral offsets?

Carbon-neutral involves offsetting using carbon reduction or removal projects which reduce the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere.

What is Net Zero offsets?

Net-zero involves offsetting using carbon removal projects which actually take CO2 out of the atmosphere.

‍

For the full article written by Ellen Heimpel from Ecologi visit their page here. Ecologi