Markets & Policy
Net zero
The condition in which anthropogenic emissions are balanced by removals over a stated period, not merely offset by credits.
Net zero means the residual emissions that remain after deep reduction are matched by durable removals. It is a physical end state, reached through reductions first and neutralisation second.
The common misinterpretation is treating purchased avoidance credits as delivering net zero while emissions continue. Standards increasingly require disclosure of the residual balance and the durability of what neutralises it.
Frequently asked questions
Can net zero be achieved with offsets alone?
No. Neutralisation applies only to residuals that cannot be eliminated.
What counts as durable?
Storage whose reversal risk and monitoring horizon are commensurate with the atmospheric lifetime of the emissions.