Once we stop emitting greenhouse gases from fossil fuels, we still need to deal with all the emissions we’ve already pumped into the atmosphere over the years. Replacing polluting coal, gas and oil-fired power with energy from renewable sources, such as wind or solar, will dramatically reduce carbon emissions. The energy sector is the source of around three-quarters of greenhouse gas emissions today and holds the key to averting the worst effects of climate change. The good news is that many people are already changing their habits: driving fewer miles, buying local produce, making their houses more energy efficient, and if they can afford to, putting solar panels on their rooftops. It calls for nothing less than a complete transformation of how we produce, consume, and move about. Transitioning to a net-zero world is one of the greatest challenges humankind has faced. In reality, since too much carbon is already in the atmosphere, the action needed is the same. While carbon-neutral refers to balancing out the total amount of carbon emissions, net-zero carbon means no carbon was emitted from the get-go, so no carbon needs to be captured or offset. What is the difference between Carbon-neutral and Net Zero?.Currently, the Earth is already about 1.1☌ warmer than it was in the late 1800s, and emissions continue to rise. To keep global warming to no more than 1.5☌ – as called for in the Paris Agreement – emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. The science shows clearly that in order to avert the worst impacts of climate change and preserve a livable planet, global temperature increase needs to be limited to 1.5☌ above pre-industrial levels. Put simply, net zero means cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, with any remaining emissions re-absorbed from the atmosphere, by oceans and forests for instance. I urge everyone to join us in rising to this historic challenge.” – L. There is room and reason for each of us to be part of the solution.

The challenge requires an aggressive and pragmatic plan to achieve a net zero carbon energy system for all of humankind.

“The MIT community agrees that climate change presents grave risks.

Blue planet concrete