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Global net-zero emissions are achieved when human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are completely eliminated, with no need for removals.
Answer: False
Global net-zero emissions are achieved when human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are balanced by human-caused greenhouse gas removals, not by complete elimination without removals.
Once global net zero is achieved, the planet's average temperature is expected to stabilize, preventing further increases due to human-induced greenhouse gases.
Answer: True
The scientific consensus indicates that achieving global net zero would lead to a stabilization of the planet's average temperature, halting further warming from anthropogenic greenhouse gases.
The terms 'net-zero emissions' and 'carbon neutrality' are always used interchangeably and have identical meanings in all contexts.
Answer: False
While often used interchangeably, 'net-zero emissions' and 'carbon neutrality' can have distinct meanings in specific contexts, particularly regarding the required depth of emission reductions before offsetting.
The concept of net-zero emissions gained popularity after the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C was published in October 2018.
Answer: True
The IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C, published in October 2018, significantly popularized the term 'net zero' by explicitly linking it to halting anthropogenic global warming.
Achieving net-zero CO2 emissions would lead to atmospheric CO2 concentrations continuing to rise, causing global temperatures to increase over many centuries.
Answer: False
Achieving net-zero CO2 emissions would lead to a decline in atmospheric CO2 concentrations and a stabilization of global average surface temperatures, not a continued rise.
It is quicker to achieve net-zero emissions for all greenhouse gases simultaneously rather than for CO2 alone, due to the accumulation properties of short-lived gases.
Answer: False
It is generally quicker to achieve net-zero emissions for CO2 alone because non-CO2 emissions are often more challenging to phase out, and short-lived gases do not accumulate in the climate system in the same way CO2 does.
ISO and BSI 'carbon neutrality' standards generally have a lower tolerance for residual emissions compared to 'net zero' standards.
Answer: False
ISO and BSI 'carbon neutrality' standards typically have a higher tolerance for residual emissions, often permitting more offsetting, whereas 'net zero' standards demand deeper emission reductions.
To keep global warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius, net-zero CO2 emissions would need to be achieved before 2040.
Answer: True
According to global CO2 pathways, achieving net-zero CO2 emissions before 2040 is critical to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
What is the fundamental definition of global net-zero emissions?
Answer: Achieving a balance where human-caused greenhouse gas emissions equal human-caused greenhouse gas removals.
Global net-zero emissions are fundamentally defined as the state where anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are precisely balanced by anthropogenic removals, leading to no net increase in atmospheric concentrations.
What is the expected long-term climate outcome once global net zero is achieved?
Answer: The planet's average temperature would stabilize, preventing additional increases.
Scientific models predict that achieving global net zero would lead to a stabilization of the Earth's average temperature, effectively halting further anthropogenic warming.
How do 'net-zero emissions' and 'carbon neutrality' generally differ in specific contexts, according to the source?
Answer: Net zero standards typically demand emission reductions of over 90% before offsetting, whereas carbon neutral certification might permit more carbon offsetting.
While often conflated, a key distinction is that robust net-zero standards prioritize deep emission cuts, reserving offsetting for a minimal residual, while carbon neutrality may allow for greater reliance on offsets.
When did the scientific concept of net-zero emissions first emerge?
Answer: In the late 2000s, from research on the atmosphere, oceans, and carbon cycle.
The scientific foundation for net-zero emissions was established through research in the late 2000s, which elucidated the relationship between CO2 emissions and global warming cessation.
What role did the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C (SR15) play in the context of net zero?
Answer: It explicitly stated that reaching net zero CO2 emissions would halt anthropogenic global warming, popularizing the term.
The IPCC SR15 was instrumental in popularizing the term 'net zero' by clearly articulating its critical role in halting human-induced global warming.
What is the difference between achieving net-zero CO2 emissions and stabilizing atmospheric CO2 concentrations?
Answer: Net-zero CO2 leads to atmospheric CO2 decline and constant temperatures, while stabilizing concentrations still permits ongoing emissions causing temperatures to rise.
Achieving net-zero CO2 emissions implies a reduction in atmospheric CO2 and temperature stabilization, whereas merely stabilizing concentrations allows for continued emissions and a delayed, but persistent, temperature increase.
Why is it generally quicker to achieve net-zero emissions for CO2 alone compared to all greenhouse gases?
Answer: Non-CO2 emissions, like methane, are often more challenging to phase out, and short-lived gases do not accumulate like CO2.
The differing atmospheric lifetimes and abatement challenges of various greenhouse gases make achieving net-zero for CO2 alone a more immediate prospect than for all greenhouse gases combined.
How do ISO and BSI 'carbon neutrality' standards generally compare to 'net zero' standards regarding residual emissions?
Answer: Carbon neutrality standards have a higher tolerance for residual emissions.
A key difference between carbon neutrality and net zero standards lies in the permissible level of residual emissions, with net zero typically demanding more stringent reductions before offsetting.
According to the information describing the 'Global CO2 Pathways Using Remaining Carbon Budgets.svg' image, by what year would net-zero CO2 emissions need to be achieved to keep global warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius?
Answer: Before 2040
To adhere to the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming limit, the scientific consensus indicates that net-zero CO2 emissions must be achieved well before mid-century, specifically before 2040.
As of November 2023, approximately 145 countries had announced or were considering net-zero targets, collectively covering nearly 90% of global emissions.
Answer: True
As of November 2023, a significant majority of global emissions were covered by countries that had announced or were considering net-zero targets, reflecting widespread international commitment.
The majority of net-zero claims made by countries and organizations are considered highly credible due to robust binding regulations.
Answer: False
Most net-zero claims in the early 2020s were considered to have low credibility, largely due to a lack of binding regulation and a heavy reliance on carbon credits rather than direct emission reductions.
All countries with domestic net-zero legislation currently have national regulations that legally mandate companies within them to achieve net zero.
Answer: False
While 27 countries have enacted domestic net-zero legislation, national regulations legally mandating companies to achieve net zero are not yet widespread, though some countries are developing such laws.
The United Nations High-Level Expert Group recommends that non-state actors should finance new fossil fuel development to support economic growth alongside net-zero commitments.
Answer: False
The United Nations High-Level Expert Group explicitly recommends that non-state actors should *not* finance new fossil fuel development, but rather support strong climate policy and avoid activities contributing to deforestation.
Organizations are advised to set long-term net-zero targets for 2050 or earlier, supported by interim targets set every one to five years.
Answer: True
Establishing both ambitious long-term targets and regular interim targets is a recommended strategy for ensuring consistent progress towards net-zero goals.
World Population Review lists Bhutan, Comoros, and Gabon as having net-zero or net-negative carbon emissions primarily due to their high levels of forestation.
Answer: True
World Population Review identifies several countries, including Bhutan, Comoros, and Gabon, as having net-zero or net-negative carbon emissions, largely attributed to their extensive forest cover.
As of November 2023, what percentage of global emissions were covered by countries that had announced or were considering net-zero targets?
Answer: Approximately 90%
By November 2023, a substantial portion of global emissions were encompassed by national net-zero commitments, indicating a broad, albeit varied, international engagement with the concept.
What is a primary reason for the low credibility of most net-zero claims in the early 2020s?
Answer: A lack of binding regulation and the ongoing need for innovation and investment in decarbonization technologies.
The low credibility of many net-zero claims is largely attributed to the absence of robust, legally binding frameworks and the persistent need for significant technological advancements and financial commitments in decarbonization.
Which of the following is a recommendation from the United Nations High-Level Expert Group for non-state actors pursuing net-zero commitments?
Answer: To support strong climate policy.
The UN High-Level Expert Group emphasizes that non-state actors should actively support robust climate policies and refrain from activities that undermine climate goals, such as financing new fossil fuel development.
What percentage of the largest 2,000 publicly traded companies by annual revenue currently have net-zero targets?
Answer: 65%
A substantial majority of the world's largest publicly traded companies have now committed to net-zero targets, reflecting a growing corporate response to climate change.
What is the recommended interim target for emissions reduction by 2030, according to organizations like the UN, UNFCCC, ISO, and SBTi?
Answer: Halving emissions from baseline levels.
Leading climate organizations advocate for ambitious interim targets, specifically halving emissions by 2030, as a critical step towards achieving long-term net-zero goals.
According to World Population Review, which of the following countries is listed as having net-zero or net-negative carbon emissions primarily due to high forestation?
Answer: Bhutan
Bhutan is frequently cited as a country with net-zero or net-negative carbon emissions, largely attributed to its extensive forest cover and commitment to environmental conservation.
Scope 1 emissions cover all direct greenhouse gas emissions that occur within a company's corporate boundary, such as from company vehicles.
Answer: True
Scope 1 emissions are defined as direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by a company, including those from company vehicles and fuel combustion.
Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from a company's value chain, including suppliers and product users.
Answer: False
Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat, cooling, or steam. Indirect emissions from a company's value chain (suppliers, product users) are categorized as Scope 3.
Scope 3 emissions were estimated to represent 75% of all emissions reported to the Carbon Disclosure Project, though this percentage varies by sector.
Answer: True
Scope 3 emissions, encompassing a company's value chain, indeed represent a substantial portion of reported emissions, highlighting their importance in comprehensive accounting.
Oil companies' net-zero claims are often criticized because they typically include Scope 3 emissions, which represent a small fraction of their total impact.
Answer: False
Oil companies' net-zero claims are criticized precisely because they typically *exclude* Scope 3 emissions, which constitute the vast majority (70-90%) of their total impact from customers burning their products.
Financial organizations are required to include emissions within their investment portfolios to achieve comprehensive accounting for net-zero targets.
Answer: True
Comprehensive accounting for financial organizations' net-zero targets necessitates the inclusion of emissions associated with their investment portfolios, reflecting their broader climate impact.
According to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, what do Scope 1 emissions cover?
Answer: All direct greenhouse gas emissions that occur within a company's corporate boundary.
Scope 1 emissions are defined as direct emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the reporting entity, such as on-site fuel combustion or company-owned vehicles.
What types of emissions are included in Scope 2 according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol?
Answer: Indirect emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, heat, cooling, or steam.
Scope 2 emissions account for the indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with the generation of purchased energy consumed by an organization.
Why are some oil companies' net-zero claims often criticized regarding their scope?
Answer: They typically exclude Scope 3 emissions, which represent a significant portion of their total impact from customers burning their oil.
A major criticism of some oil companies' net-zero claims is their failure to include Scope 3 emissions, which are the most substantial part of their carbon footprint, arising from the use of their sold products.
What is a key accounting principle of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol?
Answer: Completeness, ensuring all relevant emissions are included.
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol emphasizes completeness as a core accounting principle, requiring organizations to include all relevant emissions sources within their defined boundaries for accurate reporting.
Reaching net-zero emissions primarily involves implementing carbon dioxide removal methods, with emission reductions playing a secondary role.
Answer: False
Achieving net-zero emissions primarily requires significant reductions in emissions, with carbon dioxide removal methods used to compensate for only a small, remaining fraction of irreducible emissions.
Robust net-zero standards require that only carbon dioxide emissions, and not other greenhouse gases, should be included in an actor's targets.
Answer: False
Robust net-zero standards mandate that all greenhouse gases, not just carbon dioxide, must be included in an actor's targets to ensure a comprehensive approach to climate mitigation.
An actor can achieve net-zero emissions solely by implementing measures to reduce the emissions of other parties, without needing to reduce their own direct emissions.
Answer: False
Robust net-zero standards require actors to maximize reductions in their own direct emissions first, with measures to reduce emissions of other parties or carbon removal used only for residual emissions.
Residual emissions are those that are not practical to reduce further due to technological limitations and must be balanced by carbon removal or offsets.
Answer: True
Residual emissions are defined as the irreducible emissions remaining after all feasible reductions have been made, which then require balancing through carbon removal or offsets to achieve net zero.
Historically, increasing energy efficiency has been the most effective way to reduce emissions, supported by policies like fuel efficiency standards.
Answer: True
Historically, improvements in energy efficiency, bolstered by various policies, have proven to be a highly effective method for reducing emissions.
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) suggests that residual emissions across most sectors should be reduced to below 50% of an organization's baseline emissions by 2050.
Answer: False
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) recommends that residual emissions across most sectors should be reduced to below 10% of an organization's baseline emissions by 2050, a much more stringent target than 50%.
'Like for like' removals in strong net-zero standards mean that carbon removal projects must store greenhouse gases for a period equivalent to the atmospheric lifetime of the gases they offset.
Answer: True
The principle of 'like for like' removals ensures that the permanence of carbon removal aligns with the atmospheric persistence of the greenhouse gases being offset.
Which of the following is a primary action required to reach net-zero emissions, according to the source?
Answer: Significant reductions in emissions, such as transitioning from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources.
The primary strategy for achieving net-zero emissions involves deep and rapid emission reductions across all sectors, with carbon removal playing a supplementary role for residual emissions.
What do robust net-zero standards require regarding the types of greenhouse gases covered?
Answer: They mandate that all greenhouse gases, not just carbon dioxide, should be included in an actor's targets.
For a truly comprehensive approach to climate mitigation, robust net-zero standards necessitate the inclusion of all greenhouse gases in an actor's targets, not just CO2.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three main approaches an actor can use to achieve net-zero emissions?
Answer: Purchasing unlimited carbon credits without making any internal emission reductions.
Robust net-zero strategies emphasize direct emission reductions and carbon removal, with offsetting playing a limited role for residual emissions, not as a substitute for internal reductions.
What are 'residual emissions' in the context of net zero?
Answer: Emissions that are not practical to reduce further due to technological limitations.
Residual emissions are the irreducible portion of an actor's emissions that remain after all technologically and economically feasible reduction measures have been implemented.
According to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), what percentage of an organization's baseline emissions should residual emissions be reduced to by 2050 for most sectors?
Answer: Below 10%
The SBTi sets an ambitious target for residual emissions, emphasizing that deep decarbonization is required across most sectors to achieve net zero.
What does 'like for like' removals mean in strong net-zero standards?
Answer: Carbon removal projects must store greenhouse gases for a period equivalent to the atmospheric lifetime of the greenhouse gases they are offsetting.
The 'like for like' principle ensures that the permanence of carbon removal aligns with the persistence of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, providing a more robust and scientifically sound offset.
'Avoided emissions offsets' actively remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and are permitted by all robust net-zero standards.
Answer: False
'Avoided emissions offsets' reduce emissions relative to a baseline but do not actively remove them from the atmosphere, and they are generally not permitted by robust net-zero standards, which prioritize direct removal or deep reductions.
A significant criticism of carbon offsetting is that it can delay active emissions reductions by allowing entities to pay to offset rather than make fundamental changes.
Answer: True
Critics argue that carbon offsetting can create a disincentive for organizations to implement direct, fundamental emission reductions, instead allowing them to 'buy' their way out of responsibility.
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is a United Nations certification process for carbon offsets established in 2010.
Answer: False
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) was established in 2001, not 2010, as a United Nations certification process for carbon offsets.
Most carbon credits on the voluntary market meet stringent standards for permanent carbon dioxide removals set by organizations like the UN and SBTi.
Answer: False
Most carbon credits on the voluntary market do not meet the stringent standards for permanent carbon dioxide removals required by robust net-zero frameworks, indicating a gap in quality and efficacy.
Leading standards allow products to be certified as net zero, provided the manufacturing organization has a clear path to net zero.
Answer: False
Leading standards generally do not permit products to be certified as 'net zero' to prevent greenwashing, reserving this status for organizations and their entire supply chains that are demonstrably on a clear path to net zero.
A primary reason for the low credibility of many net-zero claims is their heavy reliance on direct emissions reductions rather than carbon credits for offsetting.
Answer: False
The low credibility of many net-zero claims stems from their *heavy reliance on carbon credits for offsetting*, rather than prioritizing direct emissions reductions at the source.
The UN condemns net-zero pledges by fossil fuel companies that increase extraction while relying on carbon credits and capture technology, labeling them as greenwashing.
Answer: True
The UN views such pledges from fossil fuel companies as dangerous examples of greenwashing, as they continue to increase emissions while relying on offsets and unproven technologies.
Which type of carbon offset results from actions that reduce emissions compared to a baseline scenario but do not actively remove emissions from the atmosphere?
Answer: Avoided emissions offsets.
Avoided emissions offsets represent a reduction in emissions that would have occurred, rather than the active removal of existing atmospheric greenhouse gases.
What is a significant criticism leveled against carbon offsetting?
Answer: It may delay active emissions reductions by allowing entities to continue 'business as usual'.
A prominent criticism of carbon offsetting is its potential to create a moral hazard, where entities may prioritize purchasing offsets over implementing direct and fundamental emission reductions.
When was the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) established?
Answer: 2001
The Clean Development Mechanism, a key international carbon offset program, was established in 2001 under the Kyoto Protocol.
What is the current state of most carbon credits on the voluntary market regarding robust net-zero standards?
Answer: Most do not meet the stringent standards for permanent carbon dioxide removals.
A significant challenge in the voluntary carbon market is that many available credits do not align with the rigorous standards for permanent carbon dioxide removals required for credible net-zero claims.
Why do leading standards allow products to be certified as carbon neutral but not net zero?
Answer: Allowing a product to claim net zero status would be misleading and could contribute to greenwashing until the entire supply chain is on a clear path to net zero.
To maintain integrity and prevent greenwashing, leading standards differentiate between product-level carbon neutrality and organizational-level net zero, requiring a holistic approach for the latter.
What is a primary reason for the low credibility of many net-zero claims, as highlighted in the source?
Answer: Their heavy reliance on carbon credits for offsetting.
The over-reliance on carbon credits, often of questionable quality or permanence, rather than fundamental emission reductions, is a key factor undermining the credibility of many net-zero claims.
What is the UN's stance on net-zero pledges made by fossil fuel companies that continue to increase extraction and production while relying on carbon credits and carbon capture technology?
Answer: The UN views these pledges as dangerous examples of greenwashing.
The UN has strongly condemned such pledges, considering them deceptive practices that undermine genuine climate action by allowing continued fossil fuel expansion under the guise of net zero.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that global investment in low-carbon alternatives must reach US$1 trillion annually by 2030 to achieve net-zero by 2050.
Answer: False
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates a significantly higher annual global investment of US$4 trillion by 2030 in low-carbon alternatives to achieve net-zero by 2050.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that a shift to net-zero policies by 2050 would result in global GDP being 7% lower compared to current policies.
Answer: False
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that a shift to net-zero policies by 2050 would result in global GDP being 7% *higher* compared to current policies, due to significant cost savings from mitigating climate change effects.
Public health benefits derived from net-zero policies in high-emission countries often offset the expenses associated with implementing these climate policies.
Answer: True
Evidence suggests that the public health benefits and associated cost savings in high-emission countries pursuing net-zero policies frequently exceed the implementation costs of these climate initiatives.
Climate scientists James Dyke, Bob Watson, and Wolfgang Knorr have praised the concept of net zero for accelerating current emissions cuts.
Answer: False
These climate scientists have criticized the concept of net zero, arguing that it has been detrimental to emissions reductions by allowing actors to postpone current cuts based on unproven future technologies.
The UNFCCC's Race to Zero campaign emphasizes that emissions reductions and removals should safeguard the rights of the most vulnerable people and communities.
Answer: True
Both the ISO Net Zero Guidelines and the UNFCCC's Race to Zero campaign underscore the importance of equity and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable communities in climate action.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), what annual global investment is needed by 2030 in low-carbon alternatives to reach net zero by 2050?
Answer: US$4 trillion
The IEA's projections highlight the immense scale of investment required in low-carbon technologies to transition to a net-zero economy by mid-century.
What is the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) estimate of the impact on global GDP if there is a shift to net-zero policies by 2050, compared to current government policies?
Answer: Global GDP would be 7% higher.
The IMF's analysis suggests that the economic benefits of mitigating climate change through net-zero policies would significantly outweigh the costs, leading to a net positive impact on global GDP.
What is a common counter-argument to claims that net-zero targets are too expensive?
Answer: The costs of inaction on climate change ultimately outweigh the costs of implementing net-zero policies.
A prevalent counter-argument emphasizes that the long-term economic and societal costs of unmitigated climate change far surpass the investments required for a net-zero transition.
What public health outcome is associated with high-emission countries pursuing net-zero policies?
Answer: An increase in public health benefits, with cost savings often offsetting policy expenses.
Net-zero policies in high-emission countries are linked to substantial public health improvements, which often generate economic savings that can offset the costs of climate action.
Climate scientists James Dyke, Bob Watson, and Wolfgang Knorr have criticized the concept of net zero for what reason?
Answer: It has been detrimental to emissions reductions by allowing actors to postpone current cuts based on unproven future technologies.
These scientists argue that the concept of net zero, particularly its reliance on future carbon removal technologies, has inadvertently provided a justification for delaying urgent emission reductions.
What do the ISO Net Zero Guidelines and the UNFCCC's Race to Zero campaign emphasize regarding equity and vulnerable communities?
Answer: They state that net-zero strategies should align with UN Sustainable Development Goals and safeguard the rights of vulnerable people.
Both international guidelines and campaigns stress the imperative of integrating social equity and protecting vulnerable populations into net-zero strategies, aligning with broader sustainable development objectives.