What is "Net Zero"?

EcoVision
Nov 1, 2025
2 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

⚖️ 1. What Is Net Zero?

Net Zero means balancing the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted into the atmosphere with the amount removed.

In other words:

The total emissions a country, firm, or individual releases ≈ the total removed through natural or technological means.

How to Reach Net Zero

Reduce emissions as much as possible (renewable energy, efficiency, electrification, etc.).
Remove or offset residual emissions using:
- Reforestation and soil carbon sequestration
- Carbon capture and storage (CCS)
- Direct air capture or verified carbon credits

Goal of Net Zero:

Keep global warming below 1.5 °C above pre‑industrial levels, as agreed under the Paris Agreement (2015).

🧭 2. Why It Matters

Limits extreme climate effects (sea‑level rise, heat waves, ecosystem collapse).
Drives innovation in clean energy, EVs, green steel, and hydrogen.
Creates accountability and a transition framework for governments and businesses.

🌎 3. Net Zero Targets of Major Countries (as of 2025)

Country / Bloc	Net Zero Target Year	Interim Targets / Notes
🏴 European Union (27 countries)	2050	Legally binding under the European Climate Law; 55% emission cut by 2030 (vs 1990).
🇬🇧 United Kingdom	2050	First G7 nation with a legally binding net‑zero law (2019). 68% reduction by 2030.
🇺🇸 United States	2050	Pledged under the Paris Agreement; 50–52% below 2005 levels by 2030.
🇨🇳 China	2060	Carbon peaking before 2030; rapid renewable and EV rollout.
🇮🇳 India	2070	Net Zero by 2070; 50% electricity from renewables by 2030.
🇯🇵 Japan	2050	46% reduction by 2030 (vs 2013); invests in hydrogen and green tech.
🇨🇦 Canada	2050	Legally binding goal; 40–45% cut by 2030.
🇦🇺 Australia	2050	Committed under UNFCCC; 43% reduction by 2030.
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia	2060	Focuses on carbon capture and renewable projects (e.g., NEOM).
🇧🇷 Brazil	2050	Committed under Paris Agreement; aims for zero illegal deforestation by 2030.
🇷🇺 Russia	2060	Pledged in 2021; details limited.
🇰🇷 South Korea	2050	Legal commitment; targeting 40% cut by 2030 (vs 2018).
🌍 Africa (continental initiatives)	2050 – 2070 (goals vary)	Majority of nations included Net Zero in updated NDCs; focus on renewable adaptation.

📉 4. Global Progress Snapshot

🌡️ Current policies still lead to ~2.5–2.7 °C warming — more ambition needed.
🌞 Renewables account for ~30% of global power (2025).
📈 Over 140 countries have formal net‑zero pledges covering ~90% of global GDP.
🏢 Corporates: More than 6,000 companies have science‑based (e.g. SBTi) or net‑zero targets

🌱 5. Key Challenges

Ensuring equity: developing countries need financial and technological support. (global north versus global south)
Avoiding overreliance on carbon offsets instead of real reductions.
Scaling up clean energy infrastructure fast enough to meet 2050 timelines.
Achieving transparency and verification in carbon accounting.

In One Sentence:

Net Zero means cutting emissions deeply and balancing what’s left — a promise now made by almost every major economy, but one that demands urgent action this decade.