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Glossary:Net zero
Pertaining to emissions, achieving a state where either no greenhouse gases are emitted, or remaining emissions are offset through other actions or technologies that can capture or remove carbon from the atmosphere.[1]
Achieving a state where either (1) no greenhouse gases are emitted, or (2) remaining emissions are offset through other actions or technologies that remove carbon from the atmosphere. Reliance on fossil fuels means humans have been releasing far more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere over the past century than are being removed from it through natural or technological means. This imbalance in emissions is causing global warming. That’s why, as part of international climate negotiations, countries have agreed to dramatically reduce their emissions such that the amount being released by mid-century matches the level of gases being pulled out. Net zero is the shorthand term for this balance.[2]