Journal article
The meaning of net zero and how to get it right
- Abstract:
- The concept of net-zero carbon emissions has emerged from physical climate science. However, it is operationalized through social, political and economic systems. We identify seven attributes of net zero, which are important to make it a successful framework for climate action. The seven attributes highlight the urgency of emission reductions, which need to be front-loaded, and of coverage of all emission sources, including currently difficult ones. The attributes emphasize the need for social and environmental integrity. This means carbon dioxide removals should be used cautiously and the use of carbon offsets should be regulated effectively. Net zero must be aligned with broader sustainable development objectives, which implies an equitable net-zero transition, socio-ecological sustainability and the pursuit of broad economic opportunities.
- Publication status:
- Published
- Peer review status:
- Peer reviewed
Actions
Access Document
- Files:
-
-
(Preview, Accepted manuscript, 531.6KB, Terms of use)
-
- Publisher copy:
- 10.1038/s41558-021-01245-w
Authors
- Publisher:
- Springer Nature
- Journal:
- Nature Climate Change More from this journal
- Volume:
- 12
- Issue:
- 2021
- Pages:
- 15-21
- Publication date:
- 2021-12-20
- Acceptance date:
- 2021-11-09
- DOI:
- EISSN:
-
1758-6798
- ISSN:
-
1758-678X
- Language:
-
English
- Keywords:
- Pubs id:
-
1226785
- Local pid:
-
pubs:1226785
- Deposit date:
-
2021-12-21
Terms of use
- Copyright holder:
- Springer.
- Copyright date:
- 2021
- Rights statement:
- © Springer Nature Limited 2022
- Notes:
- This is the accepted manuscript version of the article. The final version is available online from Springer Nature at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-021-01245-w
If you are the owner of this record, you can report an update to it here: Report update to this record