Abstract
Anthropogenic global warming (AGW) requires net-zero human greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to stabilize the climate. As achieving zero emissions is unrealistic, offsetting is necessary to achieve net-zero (emissions minus offsets). Organizations need to become carbon-neutral, both by reducing emissions and by removing atmospheric CO2. However, much of the language used in discourse surrounding carbon-neutrality and net-zero is vague; more rigorous definitions are required. Currently, emissions are “neutralized” through “deemed offsets,” which can include GHG sinks, reductions, and allowance schemes. Metrics are employed to determine offsetting amounts.
We extend current practice using a “do no harm” principle to better account for different GHGs’ climate impacts. We examine emissions reduction and the appropriate use of offsetting, including challenges such as carbon storage robustness. We illustrate these guidelines using the PAS 2060 carbon-neutrality standard.
In summary, while offsetting is required for climate stabilization, schemes differ in their capacity to halt AGW. High-quality offsetting is required to stabilize warming; we discuss key physical considerations.
We extend current practice using a “do no harm” principle to better account for different GHGs’ climate impacts. We examine emissions reduction and the appropriate use of offsetting, including challenges such as carbon storage robustness. We illustrate these guidelines using the PAS 2060 carbon-neutrality standard.
In summary, while offsetting is required for climate stabilization, schemes differ in their capacity to halt AGW. High-quality offsetting is required to stabilize warming; we discuss key physical considerations.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Business and Policy Solutions to Climate Change |
Editors | Thomas Walker, Stefan Wendt, Sherif Goubran, Tyler Schwartz |
Publisher | Palgrave Macmillan |
Chapter | 2 |
Pages | 13-35 |
Number of pages | 23 |
Edition | 1 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 978-3-030-86803-1 |
ISBN (Print) | 978-3-030-86802-4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 1 Jan 2022 |
Externally published | Yes |
Publication series
Name | Palgrave Studies in Sustainable Business in Association with Future Earth |
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ISSN (Print) | 2662-1320 |
ISSN (Electronic) | 2662-1339 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
Keywords
- Net-zero
- Carbon-neutral
- Climate change
- Global warming
- GWP
- GHG metrics