There is a global race to remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. The consequences of human-induced emissions are severe and push us closer to an irreversible climate crisis.
In 2020, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) calculated the remaining world’s carbon budget to be approximately 500 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide.
However, by the beginning of 2023, this amount had decreased to about 250 billion metric tonnes, indicating a rise in emissions and the urgent need for action.
Governments, scientists, and industry leaders worldwide agree that immediate action is necessary to prevent further global warming. The consensus is that we must limit the global average temperature increase to 1.5°C. This requires cutting our carbon dioxide emissions in half by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.
Steve Smith, Executive Director of Oxford Net Zero, said: Net-zero is not only a clear target, it is what the planet needs to halt temperatures.
Net zero means a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) we generate and the amount removed from the atmosphere by reducing emissions and removing them from the air.
In simpler terms, net zero is about making sure that the amount of greenhouse gases we release is the same as the amount taken out of the atmosphere, and this can happen through various methods, like absorption by forests or bodies of water.
We can significantly reduce harmful emissions contributing to global warming by achieving net zero.
In Africa, we emit less carbon dioxide than other countries, but we are disproportionately affected by the consequences of climate change. We must take measures to achieve net-zero emissions since the fight against climate change is a global effort.
A recent report reveals that South Africa and some other countries made tangible progress towards implementing their net-zero goals. While some African nations have already achieved net-zero emissions or have incorporated it into their legislation, approximately 12 African countries are yet to take any action towards achieving net-zero emissions, according to Net Zero Tracker.
Net zero is crucial as it directly affects human well-being and the environment. Since greenhouse gases have long-lasting effects on the atmosphere, having a universal term like net zero helps to refer to a solution. Many governments use net-zero principles to develop laws and regulations that specifically aim to protect the planet.
Some individuals may believe that their involvement ends with their contributions or their government’s commitments, but the concept of net-zero impacts everyone. Regardless of which countries emit greenhouse gases, these emissions mix in the atmosphere and have equal global effects that spare no one.
Given that even a slight change in global temperatures can have devastating consequences, countries must engage in reducing their CO2 emissions. A mere one-degree increase can lead to severe heatwaves, droughts, and floods, resulting in significant ecological losses and the displacement of entire communities. Often, these impacts disproportionately affect countries that contribute the least to global emissions but are most vulnerable to a changing climate.
The efforts made by some African countries in implementing net-zero targets and policies have a profound impact on crucial aspects such as food security, weather improvements, preservation of ocean health, and overall enhancement of quality of life.
Climate change affects everyone, so collective actions to establish net-zero policies are essential for the world. However, individuals can also take various steps to contribute to the well-being of our climate, such as reducing their environmental footprint, conserving energy, recycling, and opting for more sustainable alternatives in terms of clothing, packaging, food, and more.
While individuals can take these actions, countries can provide support and infrastructure to facilitate these efforts.
