The last two decades have seen research on climate change explode. One of the main catalysts behind this has been the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect refers to heat getting trapped in the atmosphere due to the growing presence of gases like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane etc.
Carbon footprint is the total amount of such gases released into the atmosphere by human activity. While there are several ways in which you can reduce the global carbon footprint, organizations are attempting to reduce their carbon footprint by achieving carbon neutrality. This blog will help you learn about carbon neutrality and why organizations are racing each other to achieve it.
What is Carbon Neutrality?
Carbon neutrality is the idea of achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions. Simply put, carbon neutrality balances carbon emissions by absorbing that same amount of carbon dioxide elsewhere. This means all carbon footprint due to human activity is completely nullified.
The term is more expansive when referring to corporations, organizations and business practices and includes every greenhouse gas instead of only carbon dioxide. When complete carbon neutrality is achieved, there are effectively zero greenhouse gas emissions.
To realize carbon neutrality, carbon emissions into the atmosphere must first be measured and then an equal or greater amount must be removed from the atmosphere. The key objective here is to reach an optimal point of balance between the production and absorption of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. This is mainly done by regular removal of CO2 and purchasing carbon offsets.
Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050
Many companies are pledging to go carbon neutral by or before 2050. Why are they expending time and effort to achieve carbon neutrality? How do they benefit from participating in this race towards carbon neutrality?
- Reducing one’s carbon footprint is profitable. By figuring out ways of reducing carbon emissions, companies usually end up rethinking and optimizing their activities, both financially and ecologically. This encourages innovation and reduces business costs.
- Carbon taxes: Several countries already levy carbon taxes, and some are bound to start levying them soon. These taxes are levied on the carbon footprint generated due to various business activities like production, buildings, travel etc. Companies can avoid these by reducing their carbon footprint. Some governments also incentivize carbon neutrality to get a better world ranking for their nation.
- Stakeholders: Investors are always on the lookout for companies with green footprints. They are attracted to businesses that are vigilant of climate risks. A company which is open to innovating demonstrates accountability and promises sustainable growth, which is highly lucrative for potential stakeholders.
- A Unique Identity: With this so many companies providing the same service, it is important to differentiate from others. Many companies use the concept of carbon neutrality to distinguish their brand from similar organizations. Plus, a business that promises to invest in its customer’s future always stands apart.
Go For Brands You Can Rely On
Countries and organizations all around the globe are aiming to go carbon neutral by 2050. And while 2050 may seem quite far away, several carbon footprint consulting firms and decarbonization companies have already started designing innovative ways of minimizing present global emissions.
As a result, several businesses are already taking conscious decisions to reduce their carbon footprint and build their reputation as game-changers. Start your journey of carbon neutrality by consulting with researchers and expert professionals in the field and choosing sustainability-driven companies to work with. Collaborating with brands that are equal parts sustainable, efficient, and reliable is the first step towards building a carbon-neutral future.