What does net zero emissions mean?

We all know that reducing food waste and diverting it from landfill is important, but how important is it in the overall net zero emissions targets? Let’s take a step back and understand what net zero emissions means, what are the main sources of emissions and how we can make a difference.

What does net zero emissions mean?

Net zero emissions refers to an overall balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and greenhouse gas emissions taken out of the atmosphere. We reach net zero when the amount we add is no more than the amount taken away.

Will net zero emissions slow climate change?

According to the United Nations, to prevent ‘the impacts of climate change and preserve a liveable planet, global temperature increase needs to be limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels’. In order to keep global warming at no more than 1.5°C, emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.

What happens if we do nothing? The Nature Conservancy has reported that if we take no action, the planet is likely to see global temperatures rise to 2-4 degrees. This type of warming could lead to melting of the ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, causing sea level rise that would flood most major global coastal cities.

Is it possible to reach net zero emissions by 2050?

In order to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, it relies heavily on the transformation of how we produce, transport and consume energy. Why? Because the energy sector produces around three‐quarters of greenhouse gas emissions globally. Replacing polluting coal, gas and oil-fired power with energy from renewable sources, such as wind or solar, would dramatically reduce carbon emissions.

The global food system relies heavily on energy. Food needs to be farmed, harvested or caught, transported, processed, packaged, distributed and cooked and then disposed of. According to the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR), it measures that the global food system contributes one-third (around 34%) of greenhouse gas emissions which includes energy, industry, and transportation involved with the food system.

What energy sources does Australia use?

Currently, most of Australia’s energy relies on non-renewable fossil fuels. Coal and gas account for 79% of electricity generation in Australia. The two non-renewable sources include:

Burning black and brown coal at large power stations.
Natural gas is used by power stations for electricity generation, factories for manufacturing and homes for heating and cooking.

What is the Paris Agreement?

To tackle climate change and its negative impacts, world leaders at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris on 12 December 2015 reached an agreement that’s a legally binding international treaty. The United Nation reports, 192 countries plus the European Union have agreed to the following:

Reduce global greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit the global temperature increase in this century to 2 degrees Celsius while pursuing efforts to limit the increase even further to 1.5 degrees
Review commitments every five years
Provide financing to developing countries to mitigate climate change

What is Australia doing to achieve net zero emissions?

Australia’s has pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, according to Australia’s Long Term Reduction Plan. Affordable low emission technologies and accelerating deployment at scale are key to Australia achieving net zero emissions. Australia’s roadmap prioritises the following:

Clean hydrogen - As a fuel it produces no carbon emissions, only water and Australia has an abundance of natural resources to make hydrogen. It can be used to replace natural gas for homes, industry and cooking and to generate electricity for mining sites and remote communities.
Low cost solar (clean and cheap electricity)
Low emissions aluminium, steel & cement
Energy storage for firming
Carbon capture and storage – Is an emerging technology that aims to capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes including resource power plants, cement and steel industries.
Soil carbon - Farmers can increase the carbon stored in soil by changing land management practices. These practices increase the living and decomposing organic matter in soil. Increasing the amount of carbon in soil can help protect against drought and erosion, improve water quality and agriculture productivity.

What can we be doing to help achieve zero net emissions?

Conserve energy by reducing standby power. Standby power refers to the energy draw down by appliances even when they’re not in use. By turning appliances off at the wall, you could be reducing your electricity and saving money on your energy bills.
Use cold water – Run appliances using full loads and cold water and install low flow shower heads where possible.
LED Bulbs – Replace your incandescent light bulbs with LEDS and there are rebates available!
Heating & Cooling – Review insulation in your home to help lower heating and cooling costs.
Upgrade to efficient appliances with EnergyStar ratings – These include fridges, dishwashers, washing machines and driers.
Invest in solar panels
Reduce food waste and compost food scraps – Shop our range of indoor compost bins.
Reduce driving - Walk or bike ride instead of driving where possible and if you’re on the hunt for a new car, consider an electric or hybrid car.
Reduce and optimise flying – Book air travel on routes that emit less carbon than typical flights.
Carbon offsets – Offsets gives you a way to reduce your footprint to zero or even become Climate Positive by offsetting more than your footprint.