The concept of carbon neutrality represents the point at which the amount of carbon emissions emitted is equal to the amount of carbon removed from the atmosphere. It is similar to the concept of “net zero” (see related entry).

Carbon neutrality can be a useful concept when, for instance, it helps plot out the global direction of travel to mid century when humanity needs to have reduced its emissions to close to zero and then compensate for the small percentage of unavoidable emissions with high-quality and permanent carbon removals.

However, the concept of carbon neutrality can also be misused for greenwashing purposes. For example, a company or country or product which reduces its emissions by 10% and offsets the remaining 90% can pretend to be as ambitious as one that reduces its emissions by 90% and offsets 10% by hiding behind a carbon neutral  claim. CMW investigates and spotlights such greenwashing, such as through the annual Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor.

To avoid the abuse of concepts such as carbon neutrality and net zero, CMW has long advocated that climate goals and targets are clearly separated into real emissions reductions, carbon sequestration in nature and permanent carbon removals.

Our CO2ol Down campaign gathered together representatives from civil society, academia and business to advocate for just such a separation which prioritised real emissions cuts over carbon removals.

To learn more about that approach supported by more than 140 stakeholders click here