All the research on the climate crisis shows that to avoid its most devastating effects; There is one thing we must do first: Cut Carbon emissions in half by 2030 and completely zero by 2050. Here we come across the following definition: Net–Zero Emissions

So what does this target around which climate policies are shaped mean? Why is Net–Zero so important? Moreover, how can we achieve this goal?

It means equalizing the number of gases such as Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide, which are released into the atmosphere due to human–induced activities and cause the greenhouse effect, with the number of greenhouse gases naturally absorbed by the earth. In other words, Net–Zero means not adding new emissions to the atmosphere. So the emission will continue, but this will be compensated by absorbing an equivalent amount of gas from the atmosphere.

The Net–Zero target is important because, at least for Carbon Dioxide emissions, this will be a situation where global warming can be controlled. However, if we continue to keep emissions that cause climate change at the current level, temperatures are predicted to rise well above 1.5°C in the coming years. This will threaten all living life and natural resources around the world.

What can be done to reach the Net–Zero targets?

To reduce the use of fossil fuels to zero as much as possible. So instead, we turn to renewable energy sources such as wind, sun, and water.

We invest in energy–saving and Green Energy in the energy, agriculture, transportation, and industry sectors.

Stop deforestation restore forests and vegetation.

We are investing in carbon capture technologies.

Even a single individual can focus on their own Net–Zero goal by making small changes in their lifestyle:

• Saving energy,
• Reducing food waste,
• Turning to more natural products instead of plastics,
• Walking or cycling instead of driving to nearby destinations.

RESPONSIBILITY: Businesses are responsible for taking action to keep global warming at 1.5°C for a sustainable world. Creating environmentally–friendly employment, ensuring economic growth, and developing a more robust and climate–resistant society constitute the main framework of this responsibility.

ACTION PLANS: All companies need to implement climate action plans based on scientific data to reach the Net–Zero Carbon target by 2050. It provides a framework for all companies to develop and implement climate action plans to achieve the Net–Zero Carbon target. In this context, it supports all commitments and initiatives of all companies towards the 1.5°C target.

COOPERATION: No single company can achieve the net-zero carbon target. A WBCSD project envisions companies collaborating with their stakeholders and value chains to accelerate the transition to a Net–Zero Carbon economy. Within the scope of WBCSD’s work on the SOS 1.5 project; Climate action projects in the fields of energy, transportation, construction, agriculture, environment, and industry are aligned with each other.

Difficulties Reaching Net–Zero

• Many companies are still beginning their journey towards achieving the Net–Zero Carbon target.
• Increasingly, companies are feeling increasing pressure from various parties to switch to low–carbon practices. In addition, companies; come under increasing pressure from all stakeholders, including investors, regulators, employees, customers, and society, to engage in focused climate action. These pressures are expected to increase as the adverse effects of climate change become more tangible.
• Businesses make ambitious Net–Zero Carbon commitments. For example, under the “We Mean Business” coalition, more than 1,200 companies have made more than 1,900 commitments to accelerate their climate action activities. The combined market value of these companies is over $24.8 trillion, which represents about a quarter of the entire global economy.
• Companies face significant internal and external challenges in their journey to reach Net–Zero Carbon more quickly. External difficulties; In some cases, it is associated with uncertain and unstable policy coverage, insufficient customer demand for low–carbon products and services, diverse investor preferences, higher cost of new technologies, and the risks that come with them. Internal challenges are primarily listed as the inability to align the company strategy with climate targets, demonstrate this new value creation, and mobilize time and human resources for climate–focused work.