What is Net Zero? - Net Zero Leiston

Defining 'Net Zero'

Net Zero refers to the state in which the amount of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) released into the atmosphere are balanced by the removal or offsetting an equivalent amount of GHGs.

This balance can be achieved from reducing emissions through sustainable practices and technologies, as well as in activities that remove or sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Why is a Net Zero future important?

GHGs contribute directly to warming the Earth when there is larger amounts of energy radiating down onto the planet than out to space. This warming in recent years is becoming a dangerous level and ultimately can have severe climate change impacts.

Driving towards a Net Zero future will ultimately slow down possible warming from reducing GHGs in the atmosphere. CO₂ currently represents 75% of all GHGs emissions and therefore will be important to tackle, however its important to be aware of other GHGs as they can be more potent, driving greater warming.

What are the potential impacts of Climate Change?

Global warming is currently being accelerated by human activities which is leading the planet to face unprecedented changes. Rapid warming will lead to an increase in global sea level, increased frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts and heavy rainfall, increased ocean acidification and irreversible impacts to global biodiversity which could lead to wildlife extinction.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group I (WGI) have created a new tool for flexible spatial and temporal analyses of much of the observed and projected climate change information underpinning the WGI contribution to the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report.

IPCC WGI Interactive Atlas

How can you support the Net Zero journey?

Check out our Net Zero Actions page to get an understanding of how you can support the project through lowering your personal emissions which could provide you with additional benefits.