The Net Zero Challenge is all about reducing our carbon emissions in order to achieve 'net zero' - but what does this term actually mean?
To put it simply, 'net zero' is balancing the amount of greenhouse gases we are putting into our atmosphere with the amount we are taking out. We reach net zero when the amount we add is no more than the amount we take away.
There is no global net zero target or commitment, but the United Nations are calling for us to reach net zero by 2050 whilst many other countries around the world have set their own net zero timescales. The UK and USA have pledged to reach net zero by 2050, whilst China have stated they are aiming for the same by 2060.
This short video from National Grid UK is a great introduction to the concept of net zero:
Increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere have led to global temperature rises, with 19 of the 20 warmest years occurring since 2001.
The United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommend keeping global temperature rises to below 1.5 degrees Celsius in order to limit the most serious risks of climate change, such as rising sea levels, habitat loss, water shortages and forest fires.
Since 1990, global carbon emissions have risen from 22.7 billion tonnes per year to 36.4 billion tonnes per year - an increase of over 60%.
We all need to make changes to the way that we work and live in order to achieve these targets. What these changes are depend on our lifestyles, but could include:
Not sure where to start? That's where the Net Zero Challenge comes in!