Definition:

Carbon neutrality, also known as CO2 neutrality or greenhouse gas neutrality, is a state in which the greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, organization, company or country are fully offset so that net emissions are zero.

This means that no additional greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere than are removed from the atmosphere through measures such as emission reductions or offsetting emissions.

Main characteristics of climate neutrality:

1. Net zero emissions: Climate neutrality aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by minimizing emissions and neutralizing remaining emissions by removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
2. Environmental protection measures: To achieve climate neutrality, measures must be taken to reduce emissions in various sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture and industry.
3. Compensation: The remaining emissions that cannot be completely avoided are offset by compensation measures, such as reforestation, CO2 sequestration technologies or investments in projects to reduce emissions elsewhere.

Ways to achieve climate neutrality:

1. Reducing emissions: organizations and countries can actively reduce their own emissions by switching to renewable energy, introducing energy efficiency measures, optimizing transport and practicing sustainable land use.
2. Renewable energy: Increasing the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind energy and hydropower can help minimize emissions from fossil fuels.
3. Reforestation and forest protection: Planting trees and protecting forests are important measures to remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
4. Emissions trading: Some organizations and countries use emissions trading programs to reduce their emissions and purchase emissions trading rights to balance their overall carbon footprint.

Importance of climate neutrality:

Carbon neutrality is crucial in the fight against climate change. Limiting global warming to the target of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels requires the widespread achievement of climate neutrality by the middle of the 21st century. Organizations and countries that strive for climate neutrality contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and are role models for others to take similar action.

Efforts to achieve climate neutrality are a key element in international agreements such as the Paris Agreement and in numerous national and regional climate protection plans. They help to minimize the impact of climate change and lead the global community towards a sustainable and climate resilient future.