The University of Oxford defines net zero as "a state in which the greenhouse gases (GHGs) going into the atmosphere are balanced by removal out of the atmosphere." Excess carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere damages ecosystems on which all human life depends.
A global net-zero emissions profile is necessary as the GHGs already in the atmosphere will not disperse for hundreds of years. A focus on lessening ongoing damage can help protect future generations.
To aim for net zero is to imagine a better world for everyone. If we methodically replace fossil fuels with healthier alternatives, then humans and the natural world enter into a reciprocal relationship rather than an extractive one.
Carbon sinks like forests, healthy soil, grasslands, mangroves, sea grasses, tidal salt marshes and tundra store and remove CO2 naturally. The sinks offer the added benefit of restoring habitat, thus slowing extinction rates.
To achieve net zero, environmental scientists correlate alternatives with our current sources of emissions.
For global transportation, which contributes 14%, alternatives include supporting electric vehicles, leveraging revisions in aviation methods and enhancing mass transit systems.
More energy-efficient buildings would address another 6% of our emissions, as less energy is wasted in both residential and commercial sectors.
And for agriculture's 24%, one of the most important portions given that agriculture touches nearly all types of emissions, ceasing global deforestation and adjusting large-scale commercial practices like palm oil plantations and feedlots make a huge difference.
Steel, concrete and metal manufacturers, which contribute 21% globally, are also innovating less resource-intensive processes.
For every net zero alternative we incorporate into our daily lives, a different circular economy follows. The phrase "circular economy" is defined by the European Parliament as "a model of production and consumption which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the life cycle of products is extended." Given our global production of trash, using materials more effectively and producing less waste will bring notable benefits.
We have the solutions available to reach net-zero emissions. Embracing them will cut emissions by 50% almost immediately, says Johan Rockström and Owen Gaffney, authors of Breaking Boundaries: The Science of our Planet.
Even better, this move to net zero is anticipated to bring a substantial boon to our economy.
"Getting the U.S. to net-zero emissions by 2050 is feasible and would generate millions of new jobs and significant GDP growth for the U.S.," says Robbie Orvis, Energy Innovation’s director of energy policy design.
Net zero also means, ultimately, less pollution and environmental degradation, both of which take a toll on physical and mental health. When we make our planet healthier, we make ourselves healthier, too.
In forthcoming articles, we’ll talk about how global nations work to meet their net-zero emissions goals, which methods could help Montana, and why focusing on energy production matters. We’ll also address potential improvements for farmers and ranchers, in case those in our hard-working community find them useful.
Achieving net-zero emissions might feel like a tall order until we consider our past breakthroughs like space travel and nuclear physics. The power of net zero lies within local communities collaborating to craft local solutions to enhance the local environment. People who farm, ranch and live in an area know it intimately well and have an investment in protecting it.
Net zero is a lot like a Little League baseball game, where the community shows up together to root for kids. It's about creating the common ground to start conversations about sustainable growth.