Carbon neutrality

Carbon neutrality refers to the goal of getting to net-zero carbon dioxide emissions to prevent or reduce global warming. This can be done by balancing emissions of carbon dioxide with its removal (often through carbon offsetting) or by eliminating emissions from society (the transition to the "post-carbon economy"). It is used in the context of carbon dioxide-releasing processes associated with transportation, energy production, agriculture, and industry.

Some countries are carbon neutral: Comoros, Gabon, Guyana, Madagascar, and Niue. While Bhutan, Panama, and Suriname are carbon-negative countries.

Carbon Neutrality Media

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  The terms 'carbon neutral' and 'net zero' are often used interchangeably by politicians, businesses and scientists. Some experts use the terms differently, as illustrated by this graphic.

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       Net GDP benefit     Chronic damages avoided     Acute damages avoided     Costs of mitigation

  Percentage change in world GDP in a net zero scenario. The solid line shows the increase in GDP that would result from efforts to reduce emissions to net zero.

Related pages

• Nuclear energy
• Renewable energy