View source for Chemistry:Carbon neutrality

{{Short description|Absorbing as much greenhouse gas as is being emitted}}
'''Carbon neutrality''' is a state of net zero carbon dioxide emissions. This can be achieved by reducing emissions, most of which come from the burning of fossil fuels, and by [[Earth:Carbon dioxide removal|removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 March 2019|title=What is carbon neutrality and how can it be achieved by 2050? {{!}} News {{!}} European Parliament|url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society/20190926STO62270/what-is-carbon-neutrality-and-how-can-it-be-achieved-by-2050|access-date=14 May 2020|website=www.europarl.europa.eu|language=en|archive-date=5 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505095043/https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society/20190926STO62270/what-is-carbon-neutrality-and-how-can-it-be-achieved-by-2050|url-status=live}}</ref> The term is used in the context of carbon dioxide-releasing processes associated with transport, energy production, agriculture, and industry.

Although the term "carbon neutral" is used, a [[Earth:Carbon footprint|carbon footprint]] also includes other [[Chemistry:Greenhouse gas|greenhouse gas]]es, measured in terms of their [[Physics:Carbon dioxide equivalent|carbon dioxide equivalence]]. The term '''climate-neutral''' reflects the broader inclusiveness of other greenhouse gases in [[Earth:Climate change|climate change]], even if CO<sub>2</sub> is the most abundant.

The term '''net zero''' is increasingly used to describe a broader and more comprehensive commitment to decarbonization and climate action, moving beyond carbon neutrality by including more activities under the scope of indirect emissions, and often including a science-based target on emissions reduction, as opposed to relying solely on offsetting. Some climate scientists have stated that "the idea of net zero has licensed a recklessly cavalier 'burn now, pay later' approach which has seen carbon emissions continue to soar."<ref name="Conversation1" />


== Method ==
Carbon-neutral status can be achieved in two ways,<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 March 2019|title=What is carbon neutrality and how can it be achieved by 2050? {{!}} News {{!}} European Parliament|url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society/20190926STO62270/what-is-carbon-neutrality-and-how-can-it-be-achieved-by-2050|access-date=14 April 2021|website=www.europarl.europa.eu|language=en|archive-date=8 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408102502/https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society/20190926STO62270/what-is-carbon-neutrality-and-how-can-it-be-achieved-by-2050|url-status=live}}</ref> although a combination of the two is most likely required:

=== Ending emissions ===
Ending carbon emissions can be done by moving towards energy sources and industry processes that produce no greenhouse gases, thereby transitioning to a zero-carbon economy.<ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1021/acsenergylett.1c00845|title=Offshore Geological Storage of Hydrogen: Is This Our Best Option to Achieve Net-Zero?|year=2021|last1=Hassanpouryouzband|first1=Aliakbar|last2 = Joonaki|first2 = Edris|last3 = Edlmann|first3 = Katriona|last4 = Haszeldine|first4 = R. Stuart|journal=ACS Energy Lett.|volume=6|issue=6|pages=2181–2186|s2cid=236299486|url=https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/en/publications/4de280c0-20f2-40be-bdeb-31ef68929826 }}</ref> Shifting towards the use of [[Engineering:Renewable energy|renewable energy]] such as wind, [[Earth:Geothermal power|geothermal]], and solar power,<ref name=":1">{{cite journal |last1=Adams |first1=Samuel |last2=Nsiah |first2=Christian |title=Reducing carbon dioxide emissions; Does renewable energy matter? |journal=Science of the Total Environment |date=November 2019 |volume=693 |pages=133288 |doi=10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.094 |pmid=31357035 |bibcode=2019ScTEn.693m3288A |s2cid=198982966 }}</ref> [[Biology:Zero-energy building|zero-energy]] systems like [[Earth:Passive daytime radiative cooling|passive daytime radiative cooling]],<ref name=":33">{{Cite journal |last1=Liang |first1=Jun |last2=Wu |first2=Jiawei |last3=Guo |first3=Jun |last4=Li |first4=Huagen |last5=Zhou |first5=Xianjun |last6=Liang |first6=Sheng |last7=Qiu |first7=Cheng-Wei |last8=Tao |first8=Guangming |date=September 2022 |title=Radiative cooling for passive thermal management towards sustainable carbon neutrality |journal=National Science Review |volume=10 |issue=1 |pages=nwac208 |doi=10.1093/nsr/nwac208 |pmid=36684522 |pmc=9843130 |doi-access=free }}</ref> as well as [[Physics:Nuclear power|nuclear power]],<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Nian |first1=Victor |last2=Mignacca |first2=Benito |last3=Locatelli |first3=Giorgio |date=August 2022 |title=Policies toward net-zero: Benchmarking the economic competitiveness of nuclear against wind and solar energy |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306261922006328 |journal=Applied Energy |language=en |volume=320 |pages=119275 |doi=10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.119275 |s2cid=249223353 |issn=0306-2619}}</ref> reduces greenhouse gas emissions.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|date=26 January 2018|title=What is the role of nuclear power in the energy mix and in reducing greenhouse gas emissions?|url=https://www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminstitute/explainers/role-nuclear-power-energy-mix-reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions/|access-date=21 October 2020|website=Grantham Research Institute on climate change and the environment|language=en-GB|archive-date=27 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027160847/https://www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminstitute/explainers/role-nuclear-power-energy-mix-reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions/|url-status=live}}</ref> Although both renewable and non-renewable energy production produce carbon emissions in some form, renewable sources produce negligible to almost zero carbon emissions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy &#124; EM SC 240N: Energy and Sustainability in Contemporary Culture|url=https://www.e-education.psu.edu/emsc240/node/506|website=www.e-education.psu.edu|access-date=17 December 2019|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727082857/https://www.e-education.psu.edu/emsc240/node/506|url-status=live}}</ref> Transitioning to a low-carbon economy would also mean making changes to current industrial and agricultural processes to reduce carbon emissions, for example, diet changes to livestock such as [[Biology:Cattle|cattle]] can potentially reduce methane production by 40%.<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Joshua|date=2019|title=The race is on to cultivate a seaweed that slashes greenhouse emission from cows, other livestock|url=https://phys.org/news/2019-05-cultivate-seaweed-slashes-greenhouse-emission.html|access-date=17 December 2019|archive-date=17 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217113518/https://phys.org/news/2019-05-cultivate-seaweed-slashes-greenhouse-emission.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Carbon projects and [[Earth:Emissions trading|emissions trading]] are often used to reduce carbon emissions, and carbon dioxide can even sometimes be prevented from entering the atmosphere entirely (such as by [[Physics:Carbon dioxide scrubber|carbon scrubbing]]).

One way to implement carbon-neutral products is by making these products cheaper and more cost effective than carbon positive fuels.<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 February 2020|title=Last Energy raises $3 million to fight climate change with nuclear energy|url=https://venturebeat.com/2020/02/25/last-energy-raises-3-million-to-fight-climate-change-with-nuclear-energy/|access-date=11 January 2021|website=VentureBeat|language=en-US|archive-date=12 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112122823/https://venturebeat.com/2020/02/25/last-energy-raises-3-million-to-fight-climate-change-with-nuclear-energy/|url-status=live}}</ref> Various companies have pledged to become carbon neutral or negative by 2050, some of which include: Microsoft,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Microsoft Pledges To Remove From The Atmosphere All The Carbon It Has Ever Emitted|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/01/16/796758230/microsoft-pledges-to-remove-from-the-atmosphere-all-the-carbon-its-ever-emitted|access-date=11 January 2021|website=NPR.org|date=16 January 2020|language=en|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128190224/https://www.npr.org/2020/01/16/796758230/microsoft-pledges-to-remove-from-the-atmosphere-all-the-carbon-its-ever-emitted|url-status=live|last1=Domonoske|first1=Camila}}</ref> [[Company:Delta Air Lines|Delta Air Lines]],<ref name="NPR_1">{{Cite web|title=Delta And BP Pledge To Go Carbon-Neutral. How? That's The Question|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/02/15/806282735/delta-and-bp-pledge-to-go-carbon-neutral-how-thats-the-question|access-date=11 January 2021|website=NPR.org|language=en|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120190238/https://www.npr.org/2020/02/15/806282735/delta-and-bp-pledge-to-go-carbon-neutral-how-thats-the-question|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Company:BP|BP]],{{r | NPR_1 }} IKEA,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Frangoul|first=Anmar|date=28 November 2019|title=Ikea to invest $220 million to make it a 'climate positive business'|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/28/ikea-to-invest-220-million-to-make-it-a-climate-positive-business.html|access-date=11 January 2021|website=CNBC|language=en|archive-date=16 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216134833/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/28/ikea-to-invest-220-million-to-make-it-a-climate-positive-business.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and BlackRock,<ref>{{Cite web|title=World's Largest Asset Manager Puts Climate At The Center Of Its Investment Strategy|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/01/14/796252481/worlds-largest-asset-manager-puts-climate-at-the-center-of-its-investment-strate|access-date=11 January 2021|website=NPR.org|date=14 January 2020|language=en|archive-date=3 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103010017/https://www.npr.org/2020/01/14/796252481/worlds-largest-asset-manager-puts-climate-at-the-center-of-its-investment-strate|url-status=live|last1=Wamsley|first1=Laurel}}</ref> although these distant pledges are typically not matched by real action and are often [[Social:Greenwashing|greenwashing]] – for instance with [[Company:BP|BP]] spending more on fossil fuels in 2022 than renewables despite its net zero pledge.<ref>A Lawson, 'BP criticised over plan to spend billions more on fossil fuels than green energy' (27 December 2022) [https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/dec/27/bp-plan-spend-billions-fossil-fuels-green-energy-oil-gas-renewables Guardian]</ref>

=== Carbon offsetting ===
Balancing remaining carbon dioxide emissions with carbon offsets is the process of reducing or avoiding greenhouse gas emissions or removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to make up for emissions elsewhere.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/29/weekinreview/29revkin.html?ex=1335499200&en=d9e2407e4f1a20f0&ei=5124 Carbon-Neutral Is Hip, but Is It Green?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625031730/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/29/weekinreview/29revkin.html?ex=1335499200&en=d9e2407e4f1a20f0&ei=5124 |date=25 June 2017 }}, ''{{wipe|The New York Times}}'', published 2007-04-29, accessed 3 August 2007</ref> If the total greenhouse gases emitted is equal to the total amount avoided or removed, then the two effects cancel each other out and the net emissions are 'neutral'.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Levin |first1=Kelly |last2=Fransen |first2=Taryn |last3=Schumer |first3=Clea |last4=Davis |first4=Chantal |last5=Boehm |first5=Sophie |title=What Does "Net-Zero Emissions" Mean? 8 Common Questions, Answered |url=https://www.wri.org/insights/net-zero-ghg-emissions-questions-answered |access-date=30 September 2022 |language=en |date=17 September 2019}}</ref>

==Process==
Carbon neutrality is usually achieved by combining the following steps, although these may vary depending whether the strategy is being implemented by individuals, companies, organizations, cities, regions, or countries:

===Commitment===
{{multiple image | total_width=450
| image1=2000- Retired coal-fired power capacity - Global Energy Monitor.svg |caption1= The annual amount of coal plant capacity being retired increased into the mid-2010s.<ref name=GlobalEnergyMonitor_RetiredCoal_2023/> However, the rate of retirement has since stalled,<ref name=GlobalEnergyMonitor_RetiredCoal_2023>{{cite web |title=Retired Coal-fired Power Capacity by Country / Global Coal Plant Tracker |url=https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1t3gO35bzcVI8ekq9318jBUq6nd7UADcut4gY3vjHZMM/edit#gid=1751753356 |publisher=Global Energy Monitor |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409194508/https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1t3gO35bzcVI8ekq9318jBUq6nd7UADcut4gY3vjHZMM/edit#gid=1751753356 |archive-date=9 April 2023 |date=2023 |url-status=live }} — Global Energy Monitor's [https://globalenergymonitor.org/projects/global-coal-plant-tracker/summary-tables/ Summary of Tables] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20230408201908/https://globalenergymonitor.org/projects/global-coal-plant-tracker/summary-tables/ archive])</ref> and global coal phase-out is not yet compatible with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.<ref name=GlobalEnergyMonitor20230405>{{cite web |author1=Shared attribution: Global Energy Monitor, CREA, E3G, Reclaim Finance, Sierra Club, SFOC, Kiko Network, CAN Europe, Bangladesh Groups, ACJCE, Chile Sustentable |title=Boom and Bust Coal / Tracking the Global Coal Plant Pipeline |url=https://globalenergymonitor.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Boom-Bust-Coal-2023.pdf |page=3 |publisher=Global Energy Monitor |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407125552/https://globalenergymonitor.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Boom-Bust-Coal-2023.pdf |archive-date=7 April 2023 |date=5 April 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| image2= 2000- New coal-fired power capacity - Global Energy Monitor.svg |caption2= In parallel with retirement of some coal plant capacity, other coal plants are still being added, though the annual amount of added capacity has been declining since the 2010s.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Coal-fired Power Capacity by Country / Global Coal Plant Tracker |url=https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j35F0WrRJ9dbIJhtRkm8fvPw0Vsf-JV6G95u7gT-DDw/edit#gid=647531100 |publisher=Global Energy Monitor |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319120539/https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j35F0WrRJ9dbIJhtRkm8fvPw0Vsf-JV6G95u7gT-DDw/edit#gid=647531100 |archive-date=19 March 2023 |date=2023 |url-status=live}} — Global Energy Monitor's [https://globalenergymonitor.org/projects/global-coal-plant-tracker/summary-tables/ Summary of Tables] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20230408201908/https://globalenergymonitor.org/projects/global-coal-plant-tracker/summary-tables/ archive])</ref>
}}
In the case of individuals, decision-making is likely to be straightforward, but for more complex institutions it usually requires political leadership and popular agreement that the effort is worth making.

Commitment from countries and the organizations within is critical to the forward movement of Carbon Neutrality. The Net Zero Challenge Report states that "commitments made by governments so far are far from sufficient."<ref>{{cite news |title=Which countries and companies have a net-zero carbon emissions target, and what's their progress like? | work=World Economic Forum (weforum.org)}}</ref> One way to obtain more commitment would be to set carbon-neutral goals but allow flexibility for the organizations and governments to decide how to achieve these goals.<ref>{{cite news |title=Carbon Neutrality: 7 Strategies for Success |work= Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (c2es.org)}}</ref>

===Counting and analyzing===
Counting and analyzing the emissions that need to be eliminated, and how it can be done, is an important step in the process of achieving carbon neutrality, as it establishes the priorities for where action needs to be taken and progress can begin being monitored. This can be achieved through a greenhouse gas inventory that aims to answer questions such as:

* Which operations, activities and units should be targeted?
* Which sources should be included (see section Direct and indirect emissions)?
* Who is responsible for which emissions?
* Which gases should be included?

For individuals, carbon calculators simplify compiling an inventory. Typically they measure [[Physics:Electricity consumption|electricity consumption]] in kWh, the amount and type of fuel used to heat water and warm the house, and how many kilometers an individual drives, flies and rides in different vehicles. Individuals may also set the limits of the system they are concerned with, for example, whether they want to balance out their personal greenhouse gas emissions, their household emissions, or their company's.

There are plenty of carbon calculators available online, which vary significantly in the parameters they measure. Some, for example, factor in only cars, aircraft and household energy use. Others cover household waste or leisure interests as well. In some circumstances, going beyond carbon neutral and becoming carbon negative (usually after a certain length of time taken to reach carbon breakeven) is an objective.

Cities and countries are challenging for carbon counting and analyzing. This is because the production of goods and services within their territory can be linked either to domestic consumption or exports. On the other hand, citizens also consume imported goods and services. To avoid double counting in the calculation of emissions, it should be specified where the emissions should be counted: at the point of production or consumption. This can be complicated given the long production chains in a globalized economy.<ref>Yamano, N. and Guilhoto, J.: [https://www.oecd.org/industry/co2-emissions-embodied-in-international-trade-and-domestic-final-demand-8f2963b8-en.htm CO2 emissions embodied in international trade and domestic final demand]. OECD, Paris, 23 November 2020.</ref> In addition, embodied energy and the consequences of large-scale resource extraction needed for [[Engineering:Renewable energy|renewable energy]] systems and EV batteries are likely to present their own complications – local point-of-use emissions are likely to be greatly reduced, but life cycle emissions may still remain significant.<ref name="doi.org">{{cite journal | doi=10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.130912 | title=Carbon-neutral cities: Critical review of theory and practice | year=2022 | last1=Huovila | first1=Aapo | last2=Siikavirta | first2=Hanne | last3=Antuña Rozado | first3=Carmen | last4=Rökman | first4=Jyri | last5=Tuominen | first5=Pekka | last6=Paiho | first6=Satu | last7=Hedman | first7=Åsa | last8=Ylén | first8=Peter | journal=Journal of Cleaner Production | volume=341 | page=130912 | s2cid=246818806 | doi-access=free }}</ref>

===Reduction===
One of the strongest arguments for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is that it will often save money. Examples of possible actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are:

* Limiting energy usage and emissions from transportation (walking, using bicycles or public transport, avoiding flying, using low-energy vehicles, carpooling), as well as from buildings, equipment, animals and processes.
* Obtaining electricity and other forms of energy from zero or low carbon energy sources.
* [[Physics:Electrification|Electrification]]: using [[Physics:Electrical energy|electrical energy]], ideally from non-emitting sources, rather than [[Physics:Combustion|combustion]]. For example, in transportation (e.g., [[Engineering:Electric vehicle|electric vehicle]]s and [[Engineering:Electric locomotive|electric trains]]) and heating (e.g. [[Physics:Heat pump|heat pump]]s and electric heating).<ref>{{Cite web|title=How electrification can supercharge the energy transition|url=https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/04/electrification-energy-transition-decarbonization-climate-change/|access-date=14 September 2020|website=World Economic Forum|language=en|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901205239/https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/04/electrification-energy-transition-decarbonization-climate-change/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Wind power, nuclear power, [[Physics:Hydropower|hydropower]], [[Engineering:Solar power|solar power]], and [[Earth:Geothermal energy|geothermal]] are the energy sources with the lowest life-cycle emissions, which includes deployment and operations.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" />{{Main|Life-cycle greenhouse-gas emissions of energy sources}}

===Offsetting===
Carbon offsetting is the practice of removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere equivalent to the emissions generated by other activities. This is often done by paying "projects that either emit fewer emissions at source, such as cleaner energy production, or remove them from the atmosphere, such as forestry schemes."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Forster |first=Piers |title=Climate change: carbon offsetting isn't working – here's how to fix it |url=http://theconversation.com/climate-change-carbon-offsetting-isnt-working-heres-how-to-fix-it-192131 |access-date=2 December 2022 |website=The Conversation |language=en}}</ref> This aims to neutralize a certain volume of greenhouse gas emissions by funding activities which are expected to cause an equivalent reduction elsewhere, for example, with paid-for ecosystem services, such as [[Earth:Blue carbon|blue carbon]]. Offsetting schemes can also have significant [[Earth:Co-benefits of climate change mitigation|co-benefits]] such as improving quality of life and reducing poverty.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CDM: CDM Development Benefits |url=https://cdm.unfccc.int/about/ccb/index.html |access-date=2 December 2022 |website=cdm.unfccc.int}}</ref>

Carbon offsetting has been critiqued on several fronts. One of the main concerns has been the potential for offsets to delay needed action on active emissions reductions.<ref name=":7">{{Cite book |last=Climate Change Committee |url=https://www.theccc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Voluntary-carbon-markets-and-offsetting-Final.pdf |title=Voluntary Carbon Markets and Offsetting |publisher=UK Government |year=2022 |pages=38 |type=Government Report}}</ref> In 2007, for example, in a report from the [[Organization:Transnational Institute|Transnational Institute]], Kevin Smith likens carbon offsets to medieval indulgences where people pay "offset companies to absolve them of their carbon sins."<ref>{{Cite book |last=Smith |first=Kevin |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/778008109 |title=The carbon neutral myth : offset indulgences for your climate sins |date=2007 |publisher=Transnational Institute |others=Oscar Reyes, Timothy Byakola, Carbon Trade Watch |isbn=978-90-71007-18-7 |location=Amsterdam |oclc=778008109}}</ref> This, he contends, permits a "business as usual" attitude that stifles the required major changes. Offsets have also been widely criticised for playing a part in [[Social:Greenwashing|greenwashing]], an argument which has even mobilised in a 2021 watchdog ruling against [[Company:Shell plc|Shell]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 August 2021 |title=Dutch Ad Watchdog Tells Shell to Pull 'Carbon Neutral' Campaign |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-27/dutch-ad-watchdog-tells-shell-to-pull-carbon-neutral-campaign |access-date=2 December 2022}}</ref>

Another critique of offsetting has been that loose regulation of claims by carbon offsetting schemes that, combined with the difficulties in calculating greenhouse gas sequestration and emissions reductions, can result in schemes that do not in reality adequately offset emissions.<ref name=":7" /> Moves have been made to create better regulation. The United Nations, for instance, has operated a certification process for carbon offsets since 2001 called the Clean Development Mechanism.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |title=CDM: About CDM |url=https://cdm.unfccc.int/about/index.html |access-date=2 December 2022 |website=cdm.unfccc.int}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=United Nations online platform for voluntary cancellation of certified emission reductions (CERs) |url=https://offset.climateneutralnow.org/ |access-date=2 December 2022 |website=offset.climateneutralnow.org}}</ref> This aims to stimulate "sustainable development and emission reductions, while giving industrialized countries some flexibility in how they meet their emission reduction limitation targets."<ref name="auto2" /> However, the UK Government's Climate Change Committee has also noted that "Although standards both globally and in the UK are being improved, the risk remains that the emissions reduction or removal reported may have happened anyway or may not persist into the future."<ref name=":7" />

Criticisms have also been levelled at the use of non-native and monocultural forest plantations as carbon offsets for its "limited—and at times negative—effects on native biodiversity" and other [[Biology:Ecosystem service|ecosystem service]]s.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Hua |first1=Fangyuan |last2=Bruijnzeel |first2=L. Adrian |last3=Meli |first3=Paula |last4=Martin |first4=Philip A. |last5=Zhang |first5=Jun |last6=Nakagawa |first6=Shinichi |last7=Miao |first7=Xinran |last8=Wang |first8=Weiyi |last9=McEvoy |first9=Christopher |last10=Peña-Arancibia |first10=Jorge Luis |last11=Brancalion |first11=Pedro H. S. |last12=Smith |first12=Pete |last13=Edwards |first13=David P. |last14=Balmford |first14=Andrew |date=20 May 2022 |title=The biodiversity and ecosystem service contributions and trade-offs of forest restoration approaches |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.abl4649 |journal=Science |volume=376 |issue=6595 |pages=839–844 |doi=10.1126/science.abl4649 |pmid=35298279 |bibcode=2022Sci...376..839H |s2cid=247521598 |issn=0036-8075}}</ref>

===Evaluation and repeating===
This phase includes evaluation of the results and compilation of a list of suggested improvements, with results documented and reported, so that experience gained of what does (and does not) work is shared with those who can put it to good use. Science and technology move on, regulations become tighter, the standards people demand go up. So the second cycle will go further than the first, and the process will continue, each successive phase building on and improving on what went before.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}

Being carbon neutral is increasingly seen as good [[Philosophy:Corporate social responsibility|corporate]] or state social responsibility and a growing list of corporations and states are announcing dates for when they intend to become fully neutral. Events such as the G8 Summit<ref>{{cite web|last=Geoghegan|first=Tom|date=7 June 2005|title=The G8 summit promises to be a "carbon-neutral" event|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4614713.stm|access-date=2 November 2013|work=BBC News|archive-date=4 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104130309/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4614713.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> and organizations like the [[Organization:World Bank|World Bank]]<ref>{{cite web|author=GreenBiz Admin|date=4 June 2006|title=GreenBiz News &#124;World Bank Group Goes Carbon-Neutral|url=http://www.greenbiz.com/news/news_third.cfm?NewsID=31240|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329142043/http://www.greenbiz.com/news/news_third.cfm?NewsID=31240|archive-date=29 March 2008|access-date=2 November 2013|publisher=Greenbiz.com}}</ref> are also using offset schemes to become carbon neutral. Artists like The Rolling Stones<ref>{{cite web|author=ClimateBiz Staff|date=4 September 2003|title=GreenBiz News &#124;Rolling Stones Pledge Carbon-Neutral U.K. Tour|url=http://www.greenbiz.com/news/news_third.cfm?NewsID=25589|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060508230810/http://www.greenbiz.com/news/news_third.cfm?NewsID=25589|archive-date=8 May 2006|access-date=2 November 2013|publisher=Greenbiz.com}}</ref> and Pink Floyd<ref>{{cite web|title=Pink Floyd breathe life into new forests|url=http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=76033|access-date=2 November 2013|publisher=prnewswire.co.uk|archive-date=4 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704093229/http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=76033|url-status=live}}</ref> have made albums or tours carbon neutral.

==Direct and indirect emissions==
To be considered carbon neutral, an organization must reduce its [[Earth:Carbon footprint|carbon footprint]] to zero. Determining what to include in the carbon footprint depends upon the organization and the standards they are following.

Generally, direct emissions sources must be reduced and offset completely, while indirect emissions from purchased electricity can be reduced with renewable energy purchases.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}

Direct emissions include all pollution from manufacturing, company owned vehicles and reimbursed travel, livestock and any other source that is directly controlled by the owner. Indirect emissions include all emissions that result from the use or purchase of a product. For instance, the direct emissions of an airline are all the jet fuel that is burned, while the indirect emissions include manufacture and disposal of airplanes, all the electricity used to operate the airline's office, and the daily emissions from employee travel to and from work. In another example, the power company has a direct emission of greenhouse gas, while the office that purchases it considers it an indirect emission.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}

Cities and countries represent a challenge with regard to emissions counting as production of goods and services within their territory can be related either to domestic consumption or exports. Conversely the citizens also consume imported goods and services. To avoid double counting in any emissions calculation it should be made clear where the emissions are to be counted: at the site of production or consumption. This may be complicated given long production chains in a globalized economy. Moreover, the embodied energy and consequences of large-scale raw material extraction required for renewable energy systems and electric vehicle batteries is likely to represent its own complications – local emissions at the site of utilization are likely to be very small but life-cycle emissions can still be significant.<ref name="doi.org" />

[[Chemistry:Carbon|Carbon]] is used as both a source of electricity and a feedstock in energy-intensive industries, making decarbonization impossible. If {{CO2|link=yes}} emissions and sources are to be captured and stopped from entering the atmosphere, an alternate chemical solution must be formulated that achieves the desired output while not releasing {{CO2}} as a by-product.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How it works: Innovation to decarbonise energy-intensive industries|url=https://www.eib.org/en/stories/decarbonisation-technologies|access-date=17 May 2021|website=European Investment Bank|language=en|archive-date=24 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424232530/https://www.eib.org/en/stories/decarbonisation-technologies|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |doi=10.1016/B978-0-08-102886-5.00031-1 |chapter=Carbon Capture and Storage |title=Future Energy |year=2020 |last1=Bandilla |first1=Karl W. |pages=669–692 |isbn=9780081028865 |s2cid=213619956 }}</ref>

==Simplification of standards and definitions==
Carbon neutral fuels are those that neither contribute to nor reduce the amount of carbon into the atmosphere. Before an agency can certify an organization or individual as carbon neutral, it is important to specify whether indirect emissions are included in the Carbon Footprint calculation.<ref>{{cite web|title=Carbon footprints will decrease in the Future |publisher=Standard Carbon|url=http://standardcarbon.com/resources/?p=25%5D|access-date=2 April 2018|website=standardcarbon.com |url-status=dead}}</ref> Most Voluntary Carbon neutral certifiers in the US, require both direct and indirect sources to be reduced and offset. As an example, for an organization to be certified carbon neutral, it must offset all direct and indirect emissions from travel by 1&nbsp;lb CO<sub>2</sub>e per passenger mile, and all non-electricity direct emissions 100%.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://standardcarbon.com/ecatalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015102343/http://standardcarbon.com/ecatalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=10 |url-status=dead |title=Carbon Neutral Travel |archive-date=15 October 2007}}</ref> Indirect electrical purchases must be equalized either with offsets, or renewable energy purchases. This standard differs slightly from the widely used World Resources Institute and may be easier to calculate and apply.{{Citation needed|date=October 2021}}

Much of the confusion in carbon neutral standards can be attributed to the number of voluntary carbon standards which are available. For organizations looking at which carbon offsets to purchase, knowing which standards are robust, credible and permanent is vital in choosing the right carbon offsets and projects to get involved in. Some of the main standards in the voluntary market include [[Organization:Verified Carbon Standard|Verified Carbon Standard]], [[Earth:Gold Standard (carbon offset standard)|Gold Standard]] and The American Carbon Registry. In addition companies can purchase Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) which result from mitigated carbon emissions from United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change approved projects for voluntary purposes. The concept of shared resources also reduces the volume of carbon a particular organization has to offset, with all upstream and downstream emissions the responsibility of other organizations or individuals. If all organizations and individuals were involved then this would not result in any double accounting.

Regarding terminology in UK, in December 2011 the Advertising Standards Authority (in an ASA decision which was upheld by its Independent Reviewer, Sir Hayden Phillips) controversially ruled that no manufactured product can be marketed as "zero-carbon", because carbon was inevitably emitted during its manufacture. This decision was made in relation to a solar panel system whose [[Earth:Embedded emissions|embodied carbon]] was repaid during 1.2 years of use and it appears to mean that no buildings or manufactured products can legitimately be described as zero carbon in its jurisdiction.<ref>{{cite web |title="Zero Carbon Homes" in national ASA ban. UK Builders, Estate Agents, MP's, Architects: take note. |url=http://www.solartwin.com/zero-carbon-homes-face-imminent-asa-ban |access-date=2 November 2013 |publisher=Solartwin.com |archive-date=29 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329034500/http://www.solartwin.com/zero-carbon-homes-face-imminent-asa-ban |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Certification==
Although there is currently no international certification scheme for carbon or climate neutrality, some countries have established national certification schemes. Examples include Norwegian Eco-Lighthouse Program and the Australian government's Climate Active certification. In the private sector, organizations such as ClimatePartner can, for a fee, allow companies from many sectors to offset their carbon emissions using techniques like [[Biology:Reforestation|reforestation]]. These companies can then claim climate neutral status and even use the title online. However, there is no international clarity around these certifications and their validity.

Certifications are also available from the [[Company:Commodity Exchange Bratislava|CEB]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.en.ver.kbb.sk/|title=VER registry|website=www.en.ver.kbb.sk|access-date=3 April 2013|archive-date=29 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130429214616/http://www.en.ver.kbb.sk/|url-status=live}}</ref> BSI (PAS 2060) and The CarbonNeutral Company (CarbonNeutral).<ref>{{cite web|title=Environmental Standards: Carbon Neutral|url=http://us.carbonneutral.com/environmental-standards/carbonneutral/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718031527/http://us.carbonneutral.com/environmental-standards/carbonneutral/|archive-date=18 July 2012|access-date=16 May 2012|publisher=carbonneutral.com}}</ref>

==Criticism==
Tracing the history of certain illusions in climate policy from 1988 to 2021, climate scientists James Dyke, Robert Watson, and Wolfgang Knorr "[arrive] at the painful realisation that the idea of net zero has licensed a recklessly cavalier 'burn now, pay later' approach which has seen carbon emissions continue to soar...
Current net zero policies will not keep warming to within 1.5&nbsp;°C because they were never intended to. They were and still are driven by a need to protect business as usual, not the climate. If we want to keep people safe then large and sustained cuts to carbon emissions need to happen now. ...The time for wishful thinking is over."<ref name="Conversation1">{{cite web |last1=Dyke |first1=James |last2=Watson |first2=Robert |last3=Wolfgang |first3=Knorr |title=Climate scientists: concept of net zero is a dangerous trap |url=https://theconversation.com/climate-scientists-concept-of-net-zero-is-a-dangerous-trap-157368 |website=The Conversation |publisher=The Conversation |access-date=2 November 2021 |date=22 April 2021 |archive-date=2 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102061949/https://theconversation.com/climate-scientists-concept-of-net-zero-is-a-dangerous-trap-157368 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2021, Tzeporah Berman, chair of the [[Organization:Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative|Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative]], argued that the Treaty would be a more genuine and realistic way to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement than the "Net zero" approach which, she claimed, is "delusional and based on bad science."<ref name="Guard2">{{cite news |last1=Berman |first1=Tzeporah |last2=Nathan |first2=Taft |title=Global oil companies have committed to 'net zero' emissions. It's a sham |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/mar/03/global-oil-companies-have-committed-to-net-zero-emissions-its-a-sham |access-date=10 July 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=3 March 2021 |archive-date=6 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706032850/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/mar/03/global-oil-companies-have-committed-to-net-zero-emissions-its-a-sham |url-status=live }}</ref>

Eric Reguly, of ''The Globe and Mail'' states that, "The net-zero pledges are both welcome and dubious.
Most are back-end loaded, meaning the majority of the cuts are to come well after 2030... Most of these targets also assume...steady technological advances and outright breakthroughs...Fossil fuel exports will not figure into the national accounting for the net-zero goal."<ref name="Globe1">{{cite news |last1=Reguly |first1=Eric |title=The net-zero pledges are dubious. Burning fossil fuels for economic growth remains the priority |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-the-net-zero-pledges-are-dubious-burning-fossil-fuels-for-economic/ |access-date=2 November 2021 |publisher=The Globe and Mail |date=29 October 2021 |archive-date=2 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102081752/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-the-net-zero-pledges-are-dubious-burning-fossil-fuels-for-economic/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In his 16-page report, ''Dangerous Distractions,'' economist Marc Lee states that, {{" '}}Net zero' has the potential to be a dangerous distraction that reduces the political pressure to achieve actual emission reductions..."<ref name="CCPA2" /><ref name="CCPA1">{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Marc |title=Net zero emissions: muddying the waters or real solutions? |url=https://www.policyalternatives.ca/newsroom/news-releases/net-zero-emissions-muddying-waters-or-real-solutions |access-date=2 November 2021 |publisher=Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives |date=17 June 2021 |archive-date=2 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102214021/https://www.policyalternatives.ca/newsroom/news-releases/net-zero-emissions-muddying-waters-or-real-solutions |url-status=live }}</ref> "A net zero target means less incentive to get to 'real zero' emissions from fossil fuels, an escape hatch that perpetuates business as usual and delays more meaningful climate action...Rather than gambling on carbon removal technologies of the future, Canada should plan for a managed [[Earth:Fossil fuel phase-out|wind down of fossil fuel production]] and invest public resources in bona fide solutions like [[Engineering:Renewable energy|renewables]] and a just transition from fossil fuels."<ref name="CCPA1" /><ref name="CCPA2">{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Marc |title=Dangerous Distractions: Canada's carbon emissions and the pathway to net zero |url=https://www.policyalternatives.ca/net-zero |access-date=2 November 2021 |publisher=Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives |date=17 June 2021 |archive-date=20 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120191312/https://www.policyalternatives.ca/net-zero |url-status=live }}</ref>

== History ==
[[File:They did it! (23692333176).jpg|thumb|Plenary session of the [[Earth:2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP21]] adopting the Paris Agreement in 2015]]

In 2006, the ''New Oxford American Dictionary'' made the term ''carbon-neutral'' word of the year.<ref>{{cite web |date=13 November 2006 |title=Carbon Neutral: Oxford Word of the Year |url=http://blog.oup.com/2006/11/carbon_neutral_/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831005834/http://blog.oup.com/2006/11/carbon_neutral_/ |archive-date=31 August 2011 |access-date=2 November 2013 |publisher=Blog.oup.com}}</ref>

In December 2020, five years after the Paris Agreement, the Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres warned that the commitments made by countries in [[Place:Paris|Paris]] were not sufficient and were not respected. He has urged all other countries to [[Earth:Climate emergency declaration|declare climate emergencies]] until carbon neutrality is reached.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Fiona Harvey |date=12 December 2020 |title=UN secretary general urges all countries to declare climate emergencies |language=en-GB |work={{wipe|The Guardian}} |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/12/un-secretary-general-all-countries-declare-climate-emergencies-antonio-guterres-climate-ambition-summit |url-status=live |access-date=12 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212212604/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/12/un-secretary-general-all-countries-declare-climate-emergencies-antonio-guterres-climate-ambition-summit |archive-date=12 December 2020}}</ref>

In May 2021, the [[Organization:International Energy Agency|International Energy Agency (IEA)]] published Net Zero by 2050, a comprehensive study to demonstrate what changes would need to be done in order for the world to reach net zero carbon emissions by the year 2050. It compared the current state of affairs with projections matching the changes the report suggested in order to demonstrate a possible path towards the carbon neutrality goal.<ref>IEA (2021), Net Zero by 2050, IEA, Paris <nowiki>https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero-by-2050</nowiki>, License: CC BY 4.0</ref>

==Examples of pledges==
Being carbon neutral is increasingly seen as good corporate or state social responsibility, and a growing list of corporations, cities and states are announcing dates for when they intend to become fully neutral. Many countries have also announced dates by which they want to be carbon neutral, with many of them targeting the year 2050. However, setting an earlier date (i.e. 2025,<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 April 2019 |title=Can we reach zero carbon by 2025? |url=https://www.cat.org.uk/can-we-reach-zero-carbon-by-2025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925161320/https://www.cat.org.uk/can-we-reach-zero-carbon-by-2025/ |archive-date=25 September 2019 |access-date=19 January 2020 |website=Centre for Alternative Technology}}</ref> 2030,<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 April 2019 |title=Extinction Rebellion: What do they want and is it realistic? |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-47947775 |url-status=live |access-date=21 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014131740/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-47947775 |archive-date=14 October 2019}}</ref> or 2045<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reducing greenhouse gases: our position &#124; Policy and insight |url=https://policy.friendsoftheearth.uk/policy-positions/reducing-greenhouse-gases-our-position-0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209150539/https://policy.friendsoftheearth.uk/policy-positions/reducing-greenhouse-gases-our-position-0 |archive-date=9 December 2019 |access-date=19 January 2020 |website=policy.friendsoftheearth.uk}}</ref>) may be considered to send out a stronger signal internationally,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Net Zero - The UK's contribution to stopping global warming |url=https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/net-zero-the-uks-contribution-to-stopping-global-warming/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200119092156/https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/net-zero-the-uks-contribution-to-stopping-global-warming/ |archive-date=19 January 2020 |access-date=19 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Aled |title=Net zero emissions by 2050 or 2025? Depends how you think politics works |url=http://theconversation.com/net-zero-emissions-by-2050-or-2025-depends-how-you-think-politics-works-116335 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229095322/https://theconversation.com/net-zero-emissions-by-2050-or-2025-depends-how-you-think-politics-works-116335 |archive-date=29 December 2019 |access-date=19 January 2020 |website=The Conversation}}</ref> and is recommended by the [[Organization:Climate Crisis Advisory Group|Climate Crisis Advisory Group]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 June 2021 |title=Head of Independent Sage to launch international climate change group |url=http://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jun/20/head-of-independent-sage-to-launch-international-climate-change-group |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620050818/https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jun/20/head-of-independent-sage-to-launch-international-climate-change-group |archive-date=20 June 2021 |access-date=20 June 2021 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref> Also, delaying significant action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is increasingly being considered to not be a [[Earth:Economics of climate change|financially sound]] idea.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dyke |first=James |title=Inaction on climate change risks leaving future generations $530 trillion in debt |url=http://theconversation.com/inaction-on-climate-change-risks-leaving-future-generations-530-trillion-in-debt-81134 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506142143/https://theconversation.com/inaction-on-climate-change-risks-leaving-future-generations-530-trillion-in-debt-81134 |archive-date=6 May 2021 |access-date=11 March 2021 |website=The Conversation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Hansen |first1=James |last2=Sato |first2=Makiko |last3=Kharecha |first3=Pushker |last4=von Schuckmann |first4=Karina |last5=Beerling |first5=David J. |last6=Cao |first6=Junji |last7=Marcott |first7=Shaun |last8=Masson-Delmotte |first8=Valerie |last9=Prather |first9=Michael J. |last10=Rohling |first10=Eelco J. |last11=Shakun |first11=Jeremy |last12=Smith |first12=Pete |last13=Lacis |first13=Andrew |last14=Russell |first14=Gary |last15=Ruedy |first15=Reto |date=18 July 2017 |title=Young people's burden: requirement of negative {{CO2}} emissions |url=https://esd.copernicus.org/articles/8/577/2017/ |url-status=live |journal=Earth System Dynamics |volume=8 |issue=3 |pages=577–616 |arxiv=1609.05878 |bibcode=2017ESD.....8..577H |doi=10.5194/esd-8-577-2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220090841/https://esd.copernicus.org/articles/8/577/2017/ |archive-date=20 February 2021 |access-date=11 March 2021 |via=esd.copernicus.org |doi-access=free}}</ref>

===Companies and organizations===

The original Climate Neutral Network was an Oregon-based non-profit organization founded by Sue Hall and incorporated in 1999 to persuade companies that being climate neutral was potentially cost saving as well as environmentally sustainable. It developed both the Climate Neutral Certification and Climate Cool brand name with key stakeholders such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency, The Nature Conservancy, the Rocky Mountain Institute, [[Organization:Conservation International|Conservation International]], and the World Resources Institute and succeeded in enrolling the 2002 Winter Olympics to compensate for its associated greenhouse gas emissions.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ellison |first=Katherine |date=8 July 2002 |title=Burn Oil, Then Help A School Out; It All Evens Out |url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2002/07/08/325856/index.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103101249/http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2002/07/08/325856/index.htm |archive-date=3 November 2013 |access-date=2 November 2013 |publisher=Money.cnn.com}}</ref>

Few companies have actually attained Climate Neutral Certification, applying to a rigorous review process and establishing that they have achieved absolute net zero or better impact on the world's climate. Another reason that companies have difficulty in attaining the Climate Neutral Certification is due the lack clear guidelines on what it means to make a carbon neutral development.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Zuo |first1=Jian |last2=Read |first2=Ben |last3=Pullen |first3=Stephen |last4=Shi |first4=Qian |date=1 April 2012 |title=Achieving carbon neutrality in commercial building developments – Perceptions of the construction industry |url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0197397511000841 |url-status=live |journal=Habitat International |language=en |volume=36 |issue=2 |pages=278–286 |doi=10.1016/j.habitatint.2011.10.010 |issn=0197-3975 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120191313/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197397511000841 |archive-date=20 November 2021 |access-date=16 October 2020}}</ref> Shaklee Corporation became the first Climate Neutral certified company in April 2000. The company employs a variety of investments, and offset activities, including tree-planting, use of solar energy, methane capture in abandoned mines and its manufacturing processes.<ref>{{cite web |date=17 May 2002 |title=SShaklee Heats Up Environmental Commitment By Going Climate Cool |url=https://www.greenbiz.com/news/2002/05/16/shaklee-heats-environmental-commitment-going-climate-cool |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924102415/https://www.greenbiz.com/news/2002/05/16/shaklee-heats-environmental-commitment-going-climate-cool |archive-date=24 September 2016 |access-date=19 September 2016 |publisher=Greenbiz.com}}</ref> Climate Neutral Business Network states that it certified Dave Matthews Band's concert tour as Climate Neutral. The Christian Science Monitor criticized the use of NativeEnergy, a for-profit company that sells offset credits to businesses and celebrities like Dave Matthews.<ref>{{cite web |date=20 April 2010 |title=Is Dave Matthews' carbon offsets provider really carbon neutral? |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2010/0420/Is-Dave-Matthews-carbon-offsets-provider-really-carbon-neutral/(page)/2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209055315/http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2010/0420/Is-Dave-Matthews-carbon-offsets-provider-really-carbon-neutral/(page)/2 |archive-date=9 February 2012 |access-date=9 February 2012 |publisher=CSMonitor.com}}</ref>

Salt Spring Coffee became carbon neutral by lowering emissions through reducing long-range trucking and using bio-diesel fuel in delivery trucks,<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Charlie |date=9 September 2004 |title=Biodiesel Revolution Gathering Momentum |work=The Georgia Straight |url=https://www.straight.com/article/biodiesel-revolution-gathering-momentum?# |url-status=live |access-date=27 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090426014432/http://www.straight.com/article/biodiesel-revolution-gathering-momentum |archive-date=26 April 2009}}</ref> upgrading to energy efficient equipment and purchasing carbon offsets. The company claims to the first carbon neutral coffee sold in Canada.<ref name="mainstream2">{{cite news |date=15 April 2008 |title=Green goes mainstream |work=The Vancouver Sun |url=http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/business/story.html?id=95d70530-0a29-4a24-b4d5-140a725d07ee&k=198 |url-status=dead |access-date=28 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513031436/http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/business/story.html?id=95d70530-0a29-4a24-b4d5-140a725d07ee&k=198 |archive-date=13 May 2013}}</ref> Salt Spring Coffee was recognized by the David Suzuki Foundation in their 2010 report ''Doing Business in a New Climate''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Doing Business in a New Climate: A Guide to Measuring, Reducing and Offsetting Greenhouse Gas Emissions &#124; Publications &#124; David Suzuki Foundation |url=http://www.davidsuzuki.org/publications/resources/2010/doing-business-in-a-new-climate/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729043324/http://www.davidsuzuki.org/publications/resources/2010/doing-business-in-a-new-climate/ |archive-date=29 July 2012 |access-date=24 July 2012 |publisher=Davidsuzuki.org}}</ref>

Some corporate examples of self-proclaimed carbon neutral and climate neutral initiatives include [[Company:Dell|Dell]],<ref>{{cite web |date=26 September 2007 |title=Dell to go 'carbon neutral' by late 2008 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/26/AR2007092601805.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115113258/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/26/AR2007092601805.html |archive-date=15 January 2014 |access-date=2 November 2013 |work=Washingtonpost.com}}</ref> [[Company:Google|Google]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Waters |first=Darren |date=19 June 2007 |title=Technology &#124;Google's drive for clean future |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6768605.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104130242/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6768605.stm |archive-date=4 November 2013 |access-date=2 November 2013 |work=BBC News}}</ref> [[Company:HSBC|HSBC]],<ref>{{cite web |date=6 December 2004 |title=Business &#124;HSBC bank to go carbon neutral |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4071503.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104130305/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4071503.stm |archive-date=4 November 2013 |access-date=2 November 2013 |work=BBC News}}</ref> [[Company:ING Group|ING Group]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Climate Change and ING |url=http://ceoroundtable.chinadaily.com.cn/cdrt/cdrt32/article4.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507092157/http://ceoroundtable.chinadaily.com.cn/cdrt/cdrt32/article4.html |archive-date=7 May 2013 |access-date=2 November 2013 |publisher=Ceoroundtable.chinadaily.com.cn}}</ref> PepsiCo, Sky Group,<ref>{{cite web |title=Case Studies: Sky CarbonNeutral |url=http://www.carbonneutral.com/our-clients/case-studies/sky/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102233626/http://www.carbonneutral.com/our-clients/case-studies/sky/ |archive-date=2 November 2013 |access-date=2 November 2013 |publisher=Carbonneutral.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Horovitz |first=Bruce |date=30 April 2007 |title=PepsiCo takes top spot in global warming battle |url=https://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/environment/2007-04-30-greenest-usat_N.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821152047/http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/environment/2007-04-30-greenest-usat_N.htm |archive-date=21 August 2011 |access-date=2 November 2013 |publisher=Usatoday.com}}</ref> Tesco,<ref>{{cite web |date=18 January 2007 |title=Business &#124;Tesco boss unveils green pledges |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6276351.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104130240/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6276351.stm |archive-date=4 November 2013 |access-date=2 November 2013 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Tesco wants to be carbon neutral by 2050. How will the retailer do it? |url=http://www.silicon.com/management/cio-insights/2010/04/28/tesco-wants-to-be-carbon-neutral-by-2050-how-will-the-retailer-do-it-39745752/?s_cid=110 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403041335/http://www.silicon.com/management/cio-insights/2010/04/28/tesco-wants-to-be-carbon-neutral-by-2050-how-will-the-retailer-do-it-39745752/?s_cid=110 |archive-date=3 April 2012 |access-date=2 November 2013 |publisher=silicon.com}}</ref> [[Company:Toronto-Dominion Bank|Toronto-Dominion Bank]],<ref>{{cite web |date=7 January 2011 |title=TD Greenhouse Gas Emissiona |url=http://www.td.com/corporate-responsibility/crr-2010/environment/operational-footprint/greenhouse-gas-emissions-index.jsp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104043524/http://www.td.com/corporate-responsibility/crr-2010/environment/operational-footprint/greenhouse-gas-emissions-index.jsp |archive-date=4 November 2013 |access-date=2 November 2013 |publisher=Td.com}}</ref> Asos<ref>{{cite web |title=News and media from The CarbonNeutral Company and clients - Natural Capital Partners |url=http://www.carbonneutral.com/about-us/media-centre/asos-becomes-the-first-fashion-retailer-to-become-carbonneutral |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413004617/http://www.carbonneutral.com/about-us/media-centre/asos-becomes-the-first-fashion-retailer-to-become-carbonneutral |archive-date=13 April 2016 |access-date=2 April 2018 |website=carbonneutral.com}}</ref> and [[Company:Bank of Montreal|Bank of Montreal]].<ref>{{cite web |date=25 August 2010 |title=BMO Meets Carbon Neutral Commitment |url=http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/08/25/bmo-meets-carbon-neutral-commitment/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104023000/http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/08/25/bmo-meets-carbon-neutral-commitment/ |archive-date=4 November 2013 |access-date=2 November 2013 |publisher=Environmentalleader.com}}</ref>

Under the leadership of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the {{wipe|United Nations}} pledged to work towards climate neutrality in December 2007. The [[Organization:United Nations Environment Programme|United Nations Environment Programme]] (UNEP) announced it was becoming climate neutral in 2008 and established a Climate Neutral Network to promote the idea in February 2008.

Events such as the G8 Summit and organizations like the [[Organization:World Bank|World Bank]] are also using offset schemes to become carbon neutral. Artists like The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd have made albums or tours carbon neutral, while [[Organization:Live Earth|Live Earth]] says that its seven concerts held on 7 July 2007 were the largest carbon neutral public event in history.

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games were the first carbon neutral Games in history.<ref>{{cite web |title=Offsetting the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games |url=http://www.offsetters.ca/about-us/olympic-games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103101146/http://www.offsetters.ca/about-us/olympic-games/ |archive-date=3 November 2013 |access-date=2 November 2013 |publisher=Offsetters.ca}}</ref>

Buildings, in 2019, made up 21% of global greenhouse gas emissions.<ref>Cabeza, L. F., Q. Bai, P. Bertoldi, J.M. Kihila, A.F.P. Lucena, É. Mata, S. Mirasgedis, A. Novikova, Y. Saheb, 2022: [https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg3/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGIII_Chapter09.pdf Chapter 9: Buildings]. In IPCC, 2022: [https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg3/ Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change. Contribution of Working Group III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] [P.R. Shukla, J. Skea, R. Slade, A. Al Khourdajie, R. van Diemen, D. McCollum, M. Pathak, S. Some, P. Vyas, R. Fradera, M. Belkacemi, A. Hasija, G. Lisboa, S. Luz, J. Malley, (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA. doi: 10.1017/9781009157926.011</ref>{{rp|7}} The American Institute of Architects 2030 Commitment is a voluntary program for AIA member firms and other entities in the built environment that asks these organizations to pledge to design all their buildings to be carbon neutral by 2030.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 May 2009 |title=AIA Introduces 2030 Commitment Program to Reach Goal of Carbon Neutrality by 2030 |url=https://www.dexigner.com/news/17758 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103091224/http://www.dexigner.com/news/17758 |archive-date=3 November 2013 |access-date=2 November 2013 |publisher=Dexigner.com}}</ref>

In 2010, architectural firm HOK worked with energy and daylighting consultant The Weidt Group to design a {{convert|170735|sqft|m2|adj=on}} net zero carbon emissions Class A office building prototype in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 November 2010 |title=A Net Zero Office Today |url=https://www.metropolismag.com/uncategorized/a-net-zero-office-today/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205002811/http://www.metropolismag.com/pov/20101119/a-net-zero-office-today |archive-date=5 December 2010}}</ref>

Goodvalley<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.goodvalley.com/en/ | title=Home }}</ref> became a carbon neutral company as the first pork meat producer. It was possible by lowering greenhouse gases emission at every stage of production. In addition to reducing its primary carbon footprint, the company achieves carbon neutrality by producing green energy from its agricultural [[Physics:Biogas|biogas]] plants. The sum of {{CO2}} emissions and reductions are calculated by NIRAS and since 2018, the calculation has labelled Goodvalley Group Corporate Carbon Neutral. The certification is done according to [[ISO 14064|ISO-14064]] and verified by TÜV Rheinland.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ID No. 0000039131: Goodvalley A/S - Certipedia |url=https://www.certipedia.com/quality_marks/0000039131?locale=en&certificate_number=C01-2021-03-21251639 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109100451/https://www.certipedia.com/quality_marks/0000039131?locale=en&certificate_number=C01-2021-03-21251639 |archive-date=9 November 2021 |access-date=17 November 2021 |website=www.certipedia.com}}</ref>

Since 2019, an increasing number of business organisations have committed to attaining carbon neutrality by, or before, 2050,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Green |first=Matthew |date=22 September 2019 |title=Big companies commit to slash emissions ahead of U.N. climate summit |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-un-business-idUSKBN1W7028 |url-status=live |access-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202202631/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-un-business-idUSKBN1W7028 |archive-date=2 December 2020}}</ref> such as [[Company:Microsoft|Microsoft]] (2030), [[Company:Amazon|Amazon]] (2040), and L'Oreal (2050).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nguyen |first=Terry |date=5 March 2020 |title=More companies want to be "carbon neutral." What does that mean? |url=https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2020/3/5/21155020/companies-carbon-neutral-climate-positive |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315163428/https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2020/3/5/21155020/companies-carbon-neutral-climate-positive |archive-date=15 March 2021 |access-date=31 March 2021 |website=Vox |language=en}}</ref>

In 2020, [[Company:BlackRock|BlackRock]], the world's largest investment firm, announced that it would begin making decisions with climate change and sustainability in mind, and begin exiting assets that it believed represented a "high sustainablilty-related risk".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sorkin |first=Andrew Ross |date=14 January 2020 |title=BlackRock C.E.O. Larry Fink: Climate Crisis Will Reshape Finance |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/14/business/dealbook/larry-fink-blackrock-climate-change.html |url-status=live |access-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330104533/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/14/business/dealbook/larry-fink-blackrock-climate-change.html |archive-date=30 March 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Activists have accused the company of [[Social:Greenwashing|greenwashing]], as it still has a considerable amount of money invested in coal companies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BlackRock accused of 'greenwashing' $85bn coal investments |url=https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/blackrock-larry-fink-climate-letter-greenwashing-reclaim-finance-urgewald-070023916.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205235921/https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/blackrock-larry-fink-climate-letter-greenwashing-reclaim-finance-urgewald-070023916.html |archive-date=5 February 2021 |access-date=31 March 2021 |website=uk.finance.yahoo.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> In CEO Larry Fink's 2021 annual letter, however, he further pushed for businesses to begin laying out explicit plans on how they will be carbon neutral by 2050.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hansen |first=Sarah |title=BlackRock's Larry Fink Wants Companies To Eliminate Greenhouse Gas Emissions By 2050 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahhansen/2021/01/26/blackrocks-larry-fink-wants-companies-to-eliminate-greenhouse-gas-emissions-by-2050/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227052125/https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahhansen/2021/01/26/blackrocks-larry-fink-wants-companies-to-eliminate-greenhouse-gas-emissions-by-2050/ |archive-date=27 February 2021 |access-date=31 March 2021 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>

===Countries and nations===
[[File:Countries by intended year of climate neutrality.png|850px|center|thumb|'''Countries and nations by intended year of climate neutrality'''{{legend|#042E9B|Carbon neutral or negative}}{{legend|#00a3e9|2030}}{{legend|#61c09a|2035}}{{legend|#22B14C|2040}}{{legend|#79D343|2045}}{{legend|#B5E61D|2050}}{{legend|#FDC421|2053}}{{legend|orange|2060}}{{legend|#FF0000|2070}}{{legend|#A8ACAB|Unknown or undeclared}}]]

Eight countries that have achieved or surpassed carbon neutrality are Bhutan, Comoros, Gabon, Guyana, {{wipe|Madagascar}}, Niue, Panama, Suriname. Those countries generally protect their ecosystems and have relatively little industry sector. Gabon has been described as a model for environmental conservation while Suriname has begun to use its forests for carbon credits.<ref name=WEF>{{cite web |title=These 8 countries have already achieved net-zero emissions |url=https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/12/these-countries-achieved-net-zero-emissions/ |website=World Economic Forum |publisher=Energy Monitor |access-date=19 April 2023}}</ref>

* {{flag|Bhutan}} (carbon-negative)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Youn |first=Soo |date=17 October 2017 |title=Visit the World's Only Carbon-Negative Country |work=National Geographic |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/asia/bhutan/carbon-negative-country-sustainability/ |url-status=live |access-date=9 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122014418/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/asia/bhutan/carbon-negative-country-sustainability/ |archive-date=22 January 2021}}</ref>
* {{flag|Suriname}} (carbon negative since 2014, at least)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=Robert |date=11 December 2018 |title=Heard Of This Small But Hugely Carbon Negative Country? Suriname In Amazonian Rain Forest |work=Science 2.0 |url=https://www.science20.com/robert_walker/heard_of_this_small_but_hugely_carbon_negative_country_suriname_in_amazonian_rain_forest_from_todays_talanoa_story |url-status=live |access-date=21 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130204026/https://www.science20.com/robert_walker/heard_of_this_small_but_hugely_carbon_negative_country_suriname_in_amazonian_rain_forest_from_todays_talanoa_story |archive-date=30 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=31 January 2020 |title=Suriname's climate promise, for a sustainable future |work=UN News |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/01/1056422 |url-status=live |access-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110002634/https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/01/1056422 |archive-date=10 November 2020}}</ref>
* {{flag|Panama}} probably carbon negative as of 2021, certification expected to arrive.<ref name="Reuters">{{cite news |last1=Goering |first1=Laurie |date=3 November 2021 |title=Forget net-zero: meet the small-nation, carbon-negative club |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/cop/forget-net-zero-meet-small-nation-carbon-negative-club-2021-11-03/ |access-date=2 January 2022}}</ref>
* {{flag|Comoros}}<ref name=WEF/>
* {{flag|Gabon}}<ref name=WEF/>
* {{flag|Niue}}<ref name=WEF/>
* {{flag|Madagascar}}<ref name=WEF/>
* {{flag|Guyana}}<ref name=WEF/>
The 3 carbon negative countries formed a small coalition at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference and asked for help so that other countries will join it.<ref name="Reuters" />

{{As of|2021|October}}, numerous countries/nations have pledged carbon neutrality, including:<ref name="cncMembers2">{{cite web |title=Members of the Carbon Neutrality Coalition |url=https://www.carbon-neutrality.global/members/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121023918/https://carbon-neutrality.global/members/ |archive-date=21 January 2021 |access-date=15 December 2018}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Darby |first=Megan |date=14 June 2019 |title=Which countries have a net zero carbon goal? |work=Climate Home News |url=https://www.climatechangenews.com/2019/06/14/countries-net-zero-climate-goal/ |url-status=live |access-date=16 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409210517/https://www.climatechangenews.com/2019/06/14/countries-net-zero-climate-goal/ |archive-date=9 April 2021}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! rowspan="2" |Country/nation
! colspan="2" |Target
! rowspan="2" |Source(s)
|-
!Year
!Status
|-
|{{Flag|Andorra}}
|2050
|Submission to UNFCCC
|<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=26 May 2020 |title=NDC Update: Rwanda is First LDC in 2020, Andorra Commits to Carbon Neutrality by 2050 {{!}} News {{!}} SDG Knowledge Hub {{!}} IISD |url=https://sdg.iisd.org:443/news/ndc-update-rwanda-is-first-ldc-in-2020-andorra-commits-to-carbon-neutrality-by-2050/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131050830/https://sdg.iisd.org/news/ndc-update-rwanda-is-first-ldc-in-2020-andorra-commits-to-carbon-neutrality-by-2050/ |archive-date=31 January 2021 |access-date=24 January 2021 |website=SDG Knowledge Hub {{!}} Daily SDG News {{!}} IISD |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Argentina}}
|2050
|Submission to UNFCCC
|<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last1=Lombrana |first1=Laura Millan |last2=Shankleman |first2=Jess |last3=Ross |first3=Tim |date=12 December 2020 |title=Xi Disappoints and Activists Slam Baby Steps: Climate Update |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-12/global-leaders-meet-to-discuss-cutting-emissions-climate-update |url-status=live |access-date=29 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413031534/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-12/global-leaders-meet-to-discuss-cutting-emissions-climate-update |archive-date=13 April 2021}}</ref>
|-
|{{flag|Australia}}
|2050
|Law
|<ref>{{cite web |date=13 September 2022 |title=Climate Change Bill 2022 |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r6885 |access-date=13 September 2022 |website=Parliament of Australia}}</ref>
|-
|{{flag|Austria}}
|2040
|Coalition agreement
|<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Huggler |first=Justin |date=2 January 2020 |title=New coalition to crack down on headscarves and make Austria carbon neutral by 2040 |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/01/02/new-coalition-crack-headscarves-make-austria-carbon-neutral/ |url-status=live |access-date=14 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122012408/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/01/02/new-coalition-crack-headscarves-make-austria-carbon-neutral/ |archive-date=22 January 2021 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Welle (www.dw.com) |first=Deutsche |title=Austria's new government sets goal to be carbon neutral by 2040 {{!}} DW {{!}} 2 January 2020 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/austrias-new-government-sets-goal-to-be-carbon-neutral-by-2040/a-51870072 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122183829/https://www.dw.com/en/austrias-new-government-sets-goal-to-be-carbon-neutral-by-2040/a-51870072 |archive-date=22 January 2021 |access-date=14 September 2020 |website=DW.COM |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Freimuller |first=Martin |date=11 February 2020 |title=Austria's new government sets goal to be carbon neutral by 2040 |work=Deutsche Welle |url=https://www.dw.com/en/austrias-new-government-sets-goal-to-be-carbon-neutral-by-2040/a-51870072/ |url-status=live |access-date=11 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122183829/https://www.dw.com/en/austrias-new-government-sets-goal-to-be-carbon-neutral-by-2040/a-51870072 |archive-date=22 January 2021}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Bahrain}}
|2060
|Statement of intent 
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 October 2021 |title=Bahrain aims to reach net zero carbon emissions in 2060 - BNA |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/cop/bahrain-aims-reach-net-zero-carbon-emissions-2060-bna-2021-10-24/ |url-status=live |access-date=24 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024131755/https://www.reuters.com/business/cop/bahrain-aims-reach-net-zero-carbon-emissions-2060-bna-2021-10-24/ |archive-date=24 October 2021}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Bangladesh}}
|2050
|Under discussion
|<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Net Zero Tracker |url=https://eciu.net/netzerotracker |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413133203/https://eciu.net/netzerotracker |archive-date=13 April 2021 |access-date=24 October 2021 |website=Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Belgium}}
|2050
|Policy position
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=2050 |url=https://climat.be/2050-en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123210532/https://climat.be/2050-en |archive-date=23 January 2021 |access-date=14 September 2020 |website=Klimaat {{!}} Climat |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Brazil}}
|2050
|Submission to UNFCCC
|<ref>{{cite web |last1=França |first1=Carlos Alberto Franco |title=Brazil First NDC (Updated submission-letter) |url=https://www4.unfccc.int/sites/ndcstaging/PublishedDocuments/Brazil%20First/2021%20-%20Carta%20MRE.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101105718/https://www4.unfccc.int/sites/ndcstaging/PublishedDocuments/Brazil%20First/2021%20-%20Carta%20MRE.pdf |archive-date=1 November 2021 |access-date=4 November 2021 |website=NDC Registry (interim) |publisher=Brazilian Government}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Canada}}
|2050
|Law
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|China}}
|2060
|Policy position
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=China Pledges Carbon Neutrality by 2060 and Tighter Climate Goal |url=https://news.bloomberglaw.com/environment-and-energy/china-pledges-carbon-neutrality-by-2060-and-tighter-climate-goal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122045809/https://news.bloomberglaw.com/environment-and-energy/china-pledges-carbon-neutrality-by-2060-and-tighter-climate-goal |archive-date=22 January 2021 |access-date=22 September 2020 |website=news.bloomberglaw.com |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Chile}}
|2050
|Under discussion
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|Colombia}}
|2050
|Statement of intent
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Colombia |url=https://www.carbon-neutrality.global/member/colombia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121014152/https://carbon-neutrality.global/member/colombia/ |archive-date=21 January 2021 |access-date=14 September 2020 |website=Carbon Neutrality Coalition |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Colombia |url=https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/colombia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024120423/https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/colombia/ |archive-date=24 October 2021 |access-date=24 October 2021 |website=climateactiontracker.org |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Costa Rica}}
|2050
|Policy position
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|Croatia}}
|2050
|Statement of intent
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Spasić |first=Vladimir |date=29 January 2021 |title=Croatia aims to be climate neutral by 2050 |work=Balkan Green Energy News |url=https://balkangreenenergynews.com/croatia-aims-to-be-climate-neutral-by-2050/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129175346/https://balkangreenenergynews.com/croatia-aims-to-be-climate-neutral-by-2050/ |archive-date=29 January 2021}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Denmark}}
|2050
|Law
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|Ethiopia}}
|2025 or 2030
|Policy position
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Second National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) |url=https://www.efccc.gov.et/images/PDF/Climatechange/Ethiopian%20second%20national%20comunication.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205075520/https://www.efccc.gov.et/images/PDF/Climatechange/Ethiopian%20second%20national%20comunication.pdf |archive-date=5 December 2020 |access-date=14 September 2020 |website=Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission |publisher=Government of Ethiopia |page=142}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Woldegebriel |first=E.G. |date=24 March 2015 |title=Can Ethiopia reach carbon neutrality by 2025? |url=https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/03/can-ethiopia-reach-carbon-neutrality-by-2025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122014929/https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/03/can-ethiopia-reach-carbon-neutrality-by-2025/ |archive-date=22 January 2021 |access-date=14 September 2020 |website=World Economic Forum |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|European Union}}
|2050
|Political agreement
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 November 2016 |title=2050 long-term strategy |url=https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/strategies/2050_en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422132502/https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/strategies/2050_en |archive-date=22 April 2021 |access-date=14 September 2020 |website=Climate Action - European Commission |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Committing to climate-neutrality by 2050: Commission proposes European Climate Law and consults on the European Climate Pact |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/home/en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825095835/https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/home/en |archive-date=25 August 2020 |access-date=14 September 2020 |website=European Commission |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Fiji}}
|2050
|Pledged towards the Paris agreement
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|Finland}}
|2035
|Coalition agreement
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|France}}
|2050
|Law
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|Hungary}}
|2050
|Law
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|Iceland}}
|2040
|Policy position
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|India}}
|2070
|Pledge 
|<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ellis-Petersen |first1=Hannah |date=November 2021 |title=Narendra Modi pledges India will reach net zero emissions by 2070 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/01/narendra-modi-pledges-india-will-reach-net-zero-emissions-by-2070 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101233818/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/01/narendra-modi-pledges-india-will-reach-net-zero-emissions-by-2070 |archive-date=1 November 2021 |access-date=2 November 2021 |website=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian News & Media Limited}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Indonesia}}
|2060
|Policy position
|<ref name=":6" />
|-
|{{Flag|Germany}}
|2045
|Law
|<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=12 May 2021 |title=German Cabinet approves landmark climate bill |url=https://www.dw.com/en/german-cabinet-approves-landmark-climate-bill/a-57506938 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520153534/https://www.dw.com/en/german-cabinet-approves-landmark-climate-bill/a-57506938 |archive-date=20 May 2021 |access-date=22 May 2021 |website=DW.COM |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Grenada}}
|2050
|Submission to UNFCCC
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|Greece}}
|2050
|Under discussion 
|<ref name=":6" />
|-
|{{Flag|Ireland}}
|2050
|Coalition agreement
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|Israel}}
|2050
|Policy position
|<ref>{{cite news |last1=Surkes |first1=Sue |date=29 October 2021 |title=Israel joins growing number of countries pledging to be carbon neutral by 2050 |work=Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-joins-growing-number-of-countries-pledging-to-be-carbon-neutral-by-2050/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031161123/https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-joins-growing-number-of-countries-pledging-to-be-carbon-neutral-by-2050/ |archive-date=31 October 2021}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Japan}}
|2050
|Law
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 June 2021 |title=Editorial: Japan's legal commitment to carbon-neutral 2050 must be catalyst for change |language=en |work=Mainichi Daily News |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210601/p2a/00m/0op/014000c |url-status=live |access-date=24 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026201342/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210601/p2a/00m/0op/014000c |archive-date=26 October 2021}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Kazakhstan}}
|2060
|Submission to UNFCCC
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Satubaldina |first=Assel |date=15 December 2020 |title=Tokayev Announces Kazakhstan's Pledge to Reach Carbon Neutrality by 2060 |work=The Astana Times |url=https://astanatimes.com/2020/12/tokayev-announces-kazakhstans-pledge-to-reach-carbon-neutrality-by-2060/ |url-status=live |access-date=29 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121135205/https://astanatimes.com/2020/12/tokayev-announces-kazakhstans-pledge-to-reach-carbon-neutrality-by-2060/ |archive-date=21 January 2021}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Luxembourg}}
|2050
|Law
|<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Luxembourg |url=https://www.carbon-neutrality.global/member/luxembourg/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120134314/https://carbon-neutrality.global/member/luxembourg/ |archive-date=20 January 2021 |access-date=14 September 2020 |website=Carbon Neutrality Coalition |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":6" />
|-
|{{Flag|Maldives}}
|2030
|Submission to UNFCCC
|<ref name=":5" />
|-
|{{Flag|Marshall Islands}}
|2050
|Pledged towards the Paris agreement
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|Mexico}}
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mexico |url=https://www.carbon-neutrality.global/member/mexico/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120120723/https://carbon-neutrality.global/member/mexico/ |archive-date=20 January 2021 |access-date=14 September 2020 |website=Carbon Neutrality Coalition |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Nauru}}
|2050
|Policy position
|<ref name=":6" />
|-
|{{Flag|Nepal}}
|2050
|Pledged towards the Paris agreement
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|Netherlands}}
|2050
|Pledge 
|
<ref>{{cite web |date=24 September 2010 |title=Voortgang klimaatdoelen |url=https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/klimaatverandering/voortgang-klimaatdoelen |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=rijksoverheid.nl}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|New Zealand}}
|2050
|Law
|<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wamsley |first1=Laurel |date=7 November 2019 |title=New Zealand Commits To Being Carbon Neutral By 2050 — With A Big Loophole |url=https://www.npr.org/2019/11/07/777259573/new-zealand-commits-to-being-carbon-neutral-by-2050-with-a-big-loophole |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224024530/https://www.npr.org/2019/11/07/777259573/new-zealand-commits-to-being-carbon-neutral-by-2050-with-a-big-loophole |archive-date=24 February 2021 |access-date=7 December 2020 |website=npr}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Niue}}
|2050
|Under discussion 
|<ref name=":6" />
|-
| rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Norway}}
|2050 (actual)
| rowspan="2" |Policy position
| rowspan="2" |<ref name=":2" />
|-
|2030 (offsets)
|-
|{{Flag|Pakistan}}
|2050
|Under discussion 
|<ref name=":6" />
|-
|{{Flag|Panama}}
|2050
|Submission to UNFCCC
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|Paraguay}}
|2050
|Policy position
|<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Sustainable Development in Paraguay |url=https://csd.columbia.edu/research-projects/sustainable-development-paraguay |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226124721/https://csd.columbia.edu/research-projects/sustainable-development-paraguay |archive-date=26 February 2021 |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=Center for Sustainable Development - Columbia University}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Peru}}
|2050
|Policy position
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pledges And Targets {{!}} Climate Action Tracker |url=https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/peru/pledges-and-targets/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818064739/https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/peru/pledges-and-targets/ |archive-date=18 August 2021 |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=climateactiontracker.org}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Portugal}}
|2050
|Policy position
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|Russia}}
|2060
|Pledge
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=AFP |date=13 October 2021 |title=Russia Aiming for Carbon Neutrality by 2060, Putin Says |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/10/13/russia-aiming-for-carbon-neutrality-by-2060-putin-says-a75284 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024134550/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/10/13/russia-aiming-for-carbon-neutrality-by-2060-putin-says-a75284 |archive-date=24 October 2021 |access-date=24 October 2021 |website=The Moscow Times |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Saudi Arabia}}
|2060
|Pledge
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 October 2021 |title=Saudi Arabia commits to net zero emissions by 2060 |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-58955584 |url-status=live |access-date=24 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024003701/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-58955584 |archive-date=24 October 2021}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Scotland}}
|2045
|Law
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Climate change - gov.scot |url=https://www.gov.scot/policies/climate-change/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311205417/http://www.gov.scot/policies/climate-change/ |archive-date=11 March 2021 |access-date=14 September 2020 |website=The Scottish Government}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Singapore}}
|2060
|Submission to UNFCCC
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|Slovakia}}
|2050
|Policy position
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|Slovenia}}
|2050
|Policy position
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Novak |first=Marja |date=14 January 2020 |title=Slovenia latest nation to seek carbon neutrality by 2050 |language=en |work=Reuters |editor-last=Cawthorne |editor-first=Andrew |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-slovenia-idUSKBN1ZD1X8 |url-status=live |access-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115235616/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-slovenia-idUSKBN1ZD1X8 |archive-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|South Africa}}
|2050
|Policy position
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|South Korea}}
|2050
|Law
|<ref name=":2" /><ref name="yna202108">{{Cite news |date=31 August 2021 |title=탄소중립기본법 통과 |language=ko-KR |work=연합뉴스 |url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20210831132051001?section=politics/all&site=major_news03 |url-status=live |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831145317/https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20210831132051001?section=politics%2Fall&site=major_news03 |archive-date=31 August 2021}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Sri Lanka}}
|2060
|Policy position
|<ref name=":6" />
|-
|{{Flag|Spain}}
|2050
|Law
|<ref name=":2" /><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |date=13 May 2021 |title=Spain at last adopts promised law on becoming carbon neutral |url=https://apnews.com/article/spain-europe-laws-climate-change-government-and-politics-de7ca6c08949428ab45102600628f716 |access-date=3 May 2022 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Sweden}}
|2045
|Law
|<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 June 2017 |title=Sweden Plans to Be Carbon Neutral by 2045 |url=https://unfccc.int/news/sweden-plans-to-be-carbon-neutral-by-2045 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426110929/https://unfccc.int/news/sweden-plans-to-be-carbon-neutral-by-2045 |archive-date=26 April 2021 |access-date=14 September 2020 |website=UNFCCC}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Switzerland}}
|2050
|Policy position
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|Timor-Leste}}
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Timor-Leste |url=https://www.carbon-neutrality.global/member/timor-leste/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121014345/https://carbon-neutrality.global/member/timor-leste/ |archive-date=21 January 2021 |access-date=13 November 2020 |website=Carbon Neutrality Coalition |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Turkey
}}
|2053
|Policy position
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Turkey to follow up climate deal ratification with action: Official |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-to-follow-up-climate-deal-ratification-with-action-official/2380717 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003124106/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-to-follow-up-climate-deal-ratification-with-action-official/2380717 |archive-date=3 October 2021 |access-date=3 October 2021 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Ukraine}}
|2060
|Statement of intent
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Marusyak |first=Bohdan |date=13 December 2020 |title=President Volodymyr Zelensky Announces Ukraine's Climate Ambitions |work=Promote Ukraine |url=https://www.promoteukraine.org/president-volodymyr-zelensky-announces-ukraines-climate-ambitions/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106150659/https://www.promoteukraine.org/president-volodymyr-zelensky-announces-ukraines-climate-ambitions/ |archive-date=6 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 March 2021 |title=Stuck in the middle: Ukraine aims for net zero but struggles to access finance |url=https://www.climatechangenews.com/2021/03/25/stuck-middle-ukraine-aims-net-zero-struggles-access-finance/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024134552/https://www.climatechangenews.com/2021/03/25/stuck-middle-ukraine-aims-net-zero-struggles-access-finance/ |archive-date=24 October 2021 |access-date=24 October 2021 |website=Climate Home News |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|United Arab Emirates }}
|2050
|Statement of intent
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=UAE, a major carbon emitter, aims to go net-zero by 2050 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2021/10/7/uae-a-major-carbon-emitter-aims-to-go-net-zero-by-2050 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024134550/https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2021/10/7/uae-a-major-carbon-emitter-aims-to-go-net-zero-by-2050 |archive-date=24 October 2021 |access-date=24 October 2021 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|United States}}
|2050
|Statement of intent
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|United Kingdom}}
|2050
|Law
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|Uruguay}}
|2030
|Pledged towards the Paris agreement
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|{{Flag|Uzbekistan}}
|2050
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kawase |first=Kenji |date=31 January 2021 |title=Uzbekistan joins global carbon neutrality race to 2050 |work=Nikkei Asia |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Environment/Uzbekistan-joins-global-carbon-neutrality-race-to-2050 |url-status=live |access-date=2 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501195645/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Environment/Uzbekistan-joins-global-carbon-neutrality-race-to-2050 |archive-date=1 May 2021}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flag|Vatican City}}
|2050
|Submission to UNFCCC
|<ref name=":4" />
|-
|{{Flag|Vietnam}}
|2050
|Pledge
|<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vu |first1=Minh |date=2 November 2021 |title=Vietnam pledges net zero emissions by 2050 at COP26 |work=Hanoi Times |publisher=Hanoi Times |url=http://hanoitimes.vn/vietnam-pledges-net-zero-emissions-by-2050-at-cop26-319148.html |url-status=live |access-date=16 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116062917/http://hanoitimes.vn/vietnam-pledges-net-zero-emissions-by-2050-at-cop26-319148.html |archive-date=16 November 2021}}</ref>
|}

====Canada====
On 24 September 2019, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged to make Canada carbon neutral by 2050 if re-elected.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Connolly |first=Amanada |date=24 September 2019 |title=Liberals pledge Canada will have net-zero emissions by 2050 — but details are scarce |work=Global News |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/5943543/canada-net-zero-emissions-2050/ |url-status=live |access-date=22 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008014105/https://globalnews.ca/news/5943543/canada-net-zero-emissions-2050/ |archive-date=8 October 2019}}</ref> On 21 October 2019, Trudeau was re-elected, and in December 2019, the Canadian government formally announced its goal for Canada to be carbon neutral by 2050.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=20 December 2019 |title=Government of Canada releases emissions projections, showing progress towards climate target |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2019/12/government-of-canada-releases-emissions-projections-showing-progress-towards-climate-target.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125151005/https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2019/12/government-of-canada-releases-emissions-projections-showing-progress-towards-climate-target.html |archive-date=25 January 2021 |access-date=15 September 2020 |website=Environment and Climate Change Canada}}</ref> In its speech from the throne, which was delivered on 23 September 2020, the federal government pledged to legislate its goal of making Canada carbon neutral by 2050.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cruickshank |first=Ainslie |date=23 September 2020 |title=Climate action will be 'cornerstone' of Canada's economic recovery plan: throne speech |work=The Narwhal |url=https://thenarwhal.ca/throne-speech-canada-climate-action/ |url-status=live |access-date=24 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925123658/https://thenarwhal.ca/throne-speech-canada-climate-action/ |archive-date=25 September 2020}}</ref>

The city of Edmonton, Alberta, is currently developing a carbon neutral community called Blatchford, on the grounds of its former City Centre Airport.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Amato |first=Sean |date=16 September 2020 |title='It's finally happening': Blatchford homes selling, 11 years after bitter civic fight over airport land |url=https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/it-s-finally-happening-blatchford-homes-selling-11-years-after-bitter-civic-fight-over-airport-land-1.5107368 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922133319/https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/it-s-finally-happening-blatchford-homes-selling-11-years-after-bitter-civic-fight-over-airport-land-1.5107368 |archive-date=22 September 2020 |access-date=24 September 2020 |website=Edmonton |language=en}}</ref>

==== China ====
By 2020, China has announced its goal of achieving carbon neutrality and has decided to complete this strategic plan by 2060.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Hu |first1=Junfeng |last2=Wu |first2=Jiang |last3=Zhao |first3=Chuan |last4=Wang |first4=Peng |date=15 November 2021 |editor-last=Sarangi |editor-first=Prakash Kumar |title=Challenges for China to achieve carbon neutrality and carbon peak goals: Beijing case study |journal=PLOS ONE |language=en |volume=16 |issue=11 |pages=e0258691 |bibcode=2021PLoSO..1658691H |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0258691 |issn=1932-6203 |pmc=8592409 |pmid=34780491 |doi-access=free}}</ref> It suggested that economic growth does not necessarily have to slow down to attain the goal. Since the Communist Party’s 18th National Congress, China has completed 960 million mu (about 64 million hectares) afforestation. The forest cover increases by 2.68%–23.04%<ref>Li RYM et al (2023) A Study on Public Perceptions of Carbon Neutrality in China: has the Idea of ESG Been Encompassed? Front. Environ. Sci. 10:949959. doi: 10.3389/fenvs.2022.949959.</ref>

====Costa Rica====
Costa Rica aims to be fully carbon neutral by at least 2050.<ref name="2050 zero emission state">{{cite news |last1=Ximendaz |first1=Glorianna |title=Costa Rica's environmental minister wants to build a green economy. She just needs time. |language=en |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/interactive/2021/costa-rica-andrea-meza-climate-change/ |access-date=19 September 2022 |quote=which aims to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=25 February 2019 |title=Costa Rica unveils plan to achieve zero emissions by 2050 in climate change fight |work={{wipe|The Guardian}} |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/25/costa-rica-plan-decarbonize-2050-climate-change-fight |url-status=live |access-date=19 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419053853/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/25/costa-rica-plan-decarbonize-2050-climate-change-fight |archive-date=19 April 2019}}</ref> In 2004, 46.7% of Costa Rica's [[Physics:Primary energy|primary energy]] came from renewable sources,<ref>Share of Total Primary Energy Supply in 2004, ''[[Organization:International Energy Agency|International Energy Agency]]'', published 2006, accessed 6 August 2007</ref> while 94% of its [[Physics:Electricity|electricity]] was generated from hydroelectric power, wind farms and [[Earth:Geothermal energy|geothermal energy]] in 2006.<ref>[http://www.e2.org/jsp/controller?docId=13225#costarica President Aims for Carbon Neutrality] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106014611/http://www.e2.org/jsp/controller?docId=13225#costarica|date=6 January 2016}}, ''Environmental Entrepreneurs'', published 2007-06-28, accessed 6 August 2007</ref> A 3.5% tax on gasoline in the country is used for payments to compensate landowners for growing trees and protecting forests and its government is making further plans for reducing emissions from transport, farming and industry. In 2019, Costa Rica was one of the first countries that crafted a national decarbonization plan.<ref name="2050 zero emission state" />

====European Union====
{{Further|Earth:European Green Deal}}

The EU has intermediate targets and in 2019 the bloc, with the exception of Poland, agreed to set a 2050 target for carbon neutrality.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 December 2019 |title=EU carbon neutrality: Leaders agree 2050 target without Poland |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50778001 |url-status=live |access-date=25 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413014525/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50778001 |archive-date=13 April 2021}}</ref>

The European Union has become the first area to embrace climate neutrality by 2050 through the [[Earth:European Green Deal|European Green Deal]], being committed to forming Green Alliances with partner nations and regions across the world.<ref name=":02">{{Cite book |last=Bank |first=European Investment |url=https://www.eib.org/en/publications/the-eib-group-climate-bank-roadmap |title=The EIB Group Climate Bank Roadmap 2021-2025 |date=14 December 2020 |publisher=European Investment Bank |isbn=978-92-861-4908-5 |language=EN |access-date=13 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018151146/https://www.eib.org/en/publications/the-eib-group-climate-bank-roadmap |archive-date=18 October 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Press corner |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/home/en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825095835/https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/home/en |archive-date=25 August 2020 |access-date=12 October 2021 |website=European Commission - European Commission |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Jaeger |first1=Carlo |last2=Mielke |first2=Jahel |last3=Schütze |first3=Franziska |last4=Teitge |first4=Jonas |last5=Wolf |first5=Sarah |date=2021 |title=The European Green Deal – More Than Climate Neutrality |url=https://www.intereconomics.eu/contents/year/2021/number/2/article/the-european-green-deal-more-than-climate-neutrality.html |url-status=live |journal=Intereconomics |language=en |volume=2021 |issue=2 |pages=99–107 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029170811/https://www.intereconomics.eu/contents/year/2021/number/2/article/the-european-green-deal-more-than-climate-neutrality.html |archive-date=29 October 2021 |access-date=13 October 2021}}</ref>

On 29 September 2021, the EU Commission launched [https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files/research_and_innovation/funding/documents/ec_rtd_he-cities-mission-reveal-factsheet.pdf 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030], one of the five EU missions. This EU mission aims to have 100+ carbon-neutral and smart cities by 2030 and also, inspire other cities towards the EU target of carbon neutrality by 2050.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Press corner |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/home/en |access-date=3 May 2022 |website=European Commission - European Commission |language=en}}</ref>

On 28 April 2022, the EU Commission announced a list of 112 cities, which were selected from more than 370 cities, who have pledged to be part of the EU mission's goal of 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 April 2022 |title=100 EU cities commit to going climate neutral by 2030 |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/100-eu-cities-commit-climate-neutral-by-2030/ |access-date=3 May 2022 |website=POLITICO |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="auto" />

====France====
On 27 June 2019, the French National Assembly voted into law the first article in a climate and energy package that sets goals for France to cut its greenhouse gas emissions and go carbon-neutral by 2050 in line with the 2015 Paris climate agreement.<ref name="Reuters2">{{cite news |date=27 June 2019 |title=France sets 2050 carbon-neutral target with new law |newspaper={{wipe|Reuters}} |publication-date=27 June 2019 |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-france-energy/france-sets-2050-carbon-neutral-target-with-new-law-idUKKCN1TS30B |url-status=live |access-date=19 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819122045/https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-france-energy/france-sets-2050-carbon-neutral-target-with-new-law-idUKKCN1TS30B |archive-date=19 August 2019}}</ref> This was approved by the French Senate on 18 July 2019.<ref name="RFI2">{{cite news |date=19 July 2019 |title=French senate approves carbon neutrality law by 2050 |newspaper=RFI |publication-date=19 July 2019 |url=http://en.rfi.fr/environment/20190719-French-senate-approves-carbon-neutrality-law-2050 |url-status=live |access-date=19 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819122044/http://en.rfi.fr/environment/20190719-French-senate-approves-carbon-neutrality-law-2050 |archive-date=19 August 2019}}</ref>

==== Japan ====
In October 2020, Japan announced its plans to reach carbon neutrality in real terms by 2050, this passed the National Diet and was codified in law on 26 May 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Japan |url=https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/japan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026221946/https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/japan/ |archive-date=26 October 2021 |access-date=24 October 2021 |website=climateactiontracker.org |language=en}}</ref>

====Maldives====
In March 2009, Mohamed Nasheed, then president of the Maldives, pledged to make his country carbon-neutral within a decade by moving to wind and [[Engineering:Solar power|solar power]].<ref>{{cite news |date=15 March 2009 |title=Carbon-neutral goal for Maldives |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7944760.stm |url-status=live |access-date=29 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100805015704/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7944760.stm |archive-date=5 August 2010}}</ref> After he left the office, successive administrations abandoned the plan.<ref>{{cite news |date=11 January 2021 |title=Going under: Is it too late to save the Maldives from climate change? |url=https://luxurylondon.co.uk/travel/international/is-it-too-late-too-save-the-maldives-from-the-effects-of-climate-change}}</ref>

====New Zealand====
On 7 November 2019, New Zealand passed a bill requiring the country to be net zero for all greenhouse gases by 2050 (with the exception of biogenic methane, with plans to reduce that by 24{{En dash}}47% below 2017 levels by 2050).<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Wamsley |first1=Laurel |date=7 November 2019 |title=New Zealand Commits To Being Carbon Neutral By 2050 — With A Big Loophole |url=https://www.npr.org/2019/11/07/777259573/new-zealand-commits-to-being-carbon-neutral-by-2050-with-a-big-loophole |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224024530/https://www.npr.org/2019/11/07/777259573/new-zealand-commits-to-being-carbon-neutral-by-2050-with-a-big-loophole |archive-date=24 February 2021 |access-date=9 November 2019 |website=NPR.org |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title='Zero Carbon Bill' aims for clarity around New Zealand's climate change goals |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/topics/all-current-topics/zero-carbon-bill-aims-for-clarity-around-new-zealand-s-climate-change-goals/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109081848/https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/topics/all-current-topics/zero-carbon-bill-aims-for-clarity-around-new-zealand-s-climate-change-goals/ |archive-date=9 November 2019 |access-date=9 November 2019 |website=New Zealand Parliament |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tidman |first=Zoe |date=7 November 2019 |title=New Zealand passes 'zero carbon' law in fight against climate change |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/new-zealand-zero-carbon-law-emissions-jacinda-ardern-climate-change-a9189341.html |url-status=live |access-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107202358/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/new-zealand-zero-carbon-law-emissions-jacinda-ardern-climate-change-a9189341.html |archive-date=7 November 2019}}</ref>

====Spain====
In Spain, in 2014, the island of El Hierro became carbon neutral (for its power production).<ref>{{cite web |title=Tiny Spanish Island Nears Its Goal: 100 Percent Renewable Energy |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2014/09/17/349223674/tiny-spanish-island-nears-its-goal-100-percent-renewable-energy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406205046/https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2014/09/17/349223674/tiny-spanish-island-nears-its-goal-100-percent-renewable-energy |archive-date=6 April 2018 |access-date=2 April 2018 |website=npr.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mathiesen |first=Karl |date=20 May 2015 |title=From Kansas to Copenhagen: clean energy beacons around the world |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/may/20/clean-energy-beacons-of-the-world |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403112530/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/may/20/clean-energy-beacons-of-the-world |archive-date=3 April 2018 |access-date=2 April 2018 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> Also, the city of Logroño Montecorvo in La Rioja will be carbon neutral once completed.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 2008 |title=Spain's Carbon-Neutral Ecotopia Gets the Green Light |url=http://inhabitat.com/mvrdv-logrono-motecorvo-eco-city/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403112515/https://inhabitat.com/mvrdv-logrono-motecorvo-eco-city/ |archive-date=3 April 2018 |access-date=2 April 2018 |website=inhabitat.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=14 June 2012 |title=Carbon-Neutral City in La Rioja, Spain - MVRDV+GRAS - Arch2O.com |url=http://www.arch2o.com/carbon-neutral-city-in-la-rioja-spain-mvrdvgras/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402225936/http://www.arch2o.com/carbon-neutral-city-in-la-rioja-spain-mvrdvgras/ |archive-date=2 April 2018 |access-date=2 April 2018 |website=arch2o.com}}</ref>

In May 2021, Spain adopted the Climate Change and Energy Transition Law to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.<ref name="auto1" /> In October 2021, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez released Spain 2050 report which sets 50 milestones towards Spain's goal to achieve carbon neutrality.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spain 2050 strategy: circular and carbon-neutral economy – Policies |url=https://www.iea.org/policies/13648-spain-2050-strategy-circular-and-carbon-neutral-economy |access-date=3 May 2022 |website=IEA |language=en-GB}}</ref>

====Sweden====
Sweden aims to become carbon neutral by 2045.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Sweden passes law to become carbon neutral by 2045 |language=en-US |url=https://inhabitat.com/sweden-passes-law-to-become-carbon-neutral-by-2045/ |url-status=live |access-date=9 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109121921/https://inhabitat.com/sweden-passes-law-to-become-carbon-neutral-by-2045/ |archive-date=9 January 2018}}</ref> The Climate Act which enforces actions towards that goal was established in June 2017 and implemented in the beginning of 2018, making Sweden the first country with a legally-binding carbon neutrality target.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/news/countries-net-zero-emissions/|title=Which countries have a legally-binding net-zero emissions target?}}</ref> The vision is that net greenhouse gas emissions should be zero. The overall objective is that the increase in global temperature should be limited to two degrees, and that the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stabilizes at a maximum of 400 ppm.<ref>{{cite web |date=2013 |title=2050 Ett koldioxidneutralt Sverige |trans-title=2050 A carbon neutral Sweden |url=https://www.naturvardsverket.se/Om-Naturvardsverket/Publikationer/ISBN/8600/978-91-620-8608-4/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202134307/https://www.naturvardsverket.se/Om-Naturvardsverket/Publikationer/ISBN/8600/978-91-620-8608-4/ |archive-date=2 February 2016 |access-date=30 January 2016 |publisher=Natur Vards Verket |language=sv}}</ref>

In April 2022 an agreement between major parties in the Swedish Parliament was reached to include consumption and exports in its carbon neutrality target, which would make Sweden the first country in the world to include emissions from international trade in the pledges to [[Earth:Climate change mitigation|mitigate climate change]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nyheter |first1=S. V. T. |last2=Karlsson |first2=Jesper |date=7 April 2022 |title=Miljömålsberedningen föreslår att Sverige sätter mål för konsumtionsbaserade utsläpp |language=sv |website=SVT Nyheter |url=https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/sa-ska-sverige-minska-utslappen-fran-konsumtionen}}</ref>

====South Korea====
South Korea aims to be carbon neutral by 2050,<ref name="s korea 2050 neutrality details">{{cite news |date=18 October 2021 |title=S. Korea unveils 2 upgraded road maps for 2050 carbon neutrality goal |language=en |work=The Korea Herald |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211018000839 |access-date=29 September 2022 |quote=The presidential committee on carbon neutrality on Monday unveiled two upgraded policy road maps, including scrapping coal-fired power generation, to achieve South Korea's net-zero emissions goal by 2050.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=McCurry |first=Justin |date=28 October 2020 |title=South Korea vows to go carbon neutral by 2050 to fight climate emergency |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/28/south-korea-vows-to-go-carbon-neutral-by-2050-to-fight-climate-emergency |url-status=live |access-date=28 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028072602/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/28/south-korea-vows-to-go-carbon-neutral-by-2050-to-fight-climate-emergency |archive-date=28 October 2020 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> and enacted, on 31 August 2021, the enactment of the Carbon Neutral and Green Growth Basic Act, which stipulates the achievement of greenhouse gas reduction.<ref name="yna202108" /> This bill, also called the 'Climate Crisis Response Act', mandates, by 2030, a 35% greenhouse gas reduction in the country compared to 2018.<ref name="yna202108" />

====Vatican City====
In July 2007, [[Religion:Vatican City|Vatican City]] announced a plan to become the first carbon-neutral state in the world, following the politics of the Pope to eliminate [[Earth:Global warming|global warming]]. The goal would have been reached through a forest donated by a carbon offsetting company, which would have been located in the Bükk National Park, Hungary.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Vatican to go carbon neutral |url=http://www.physorg.com/news103554442.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112190438/http://www.physorg.com/news103554442.html |archive-date=12 January 2009 |access-date=2 November 2013 |publisher=Physorg.com}}</ref> Eventually no trees were planted under the project and the carbon offsets did not materialise.<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2010/0420/Carbon-offsets-How-a-Vatican-forest-failed-to-reduce-global-warming Carbon offsets: How a Vatican forest failed to reduce global warming] The Christian Science Monitor</ref><ref>[http://www.ethicalcorp.com/environment/dangers-lurk-offset-investments: Dangers lurk in offset investments], ''Ethical Corporation'' published 2011-09-19, accessed 25 August 2012</ref>

In November 2008, the city state also installed and put into operation 2,400 solar panels on the roof of the Paul VI Centre audience hall.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pope's first "green audience", Catholic News Service. |url=http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=10416 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208071648/http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=10416 |archive-date=8 December 2008}}</ref>

====United Kingdom====
As recommended by the [[Organization:Committee on Climate Change|Committee on Climate Change]] (CCC) the government has legally committed to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the United Kingdom by 2050<ref name="Guardian20192">{{cite news |date=2 May 2019 |title='This report will change your life': what zero emissions means for UK |work={{wipe|The Guardian}} |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/may/02/this-report-will-change-your-life-what-zero-emissions-means-for-uk |url-status=live |access-date=2 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502070300/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/may/02/this-report-will-change-your-life-what-zero-emissions-means-for-uk |archive-date=2 May 2019}}</ref> and the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) has said it would be affordable. A range of techniques will be required including carbon sinks ([[Earth:Greenhouse gas removal|greenhouse gas removal]]) in order to counterbalance emissions from agriculture and aviation. These carbon sinks might include reforestation, habitat restoration, soil [[Earth:Carbon sequestration|carbon sequestration]], [[Earth:Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage|bioenergy with carbon capture and storage]] and even [[Earth:Direct air capture|direct air capture]].<ref>{{cite web |date=12 September 2018 |title=Net Zero: {{CO2}} removal technology could make UK carbon neutral by 2050 |url=https://www.businessgreen.com/bg/analysis/3062556/net-zero-co2-removal-technology-could-make-uk-carbon-neutral-by-2050 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417144824/https://www.businessgreen.com/bg/analysis/3062556/net-zero-co2-removal-technology-could-make-uk-carbon-neutral-by-2050 |archive-date=17 April 2019 |access-date=17 April 2019}}</ref>

In 2020, the UK government has linked attainment of net zero targets as a potential mechanism for improved air quality as a co-benefit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Department for Environment |first=Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) webmaster@defra gsi gov uk |title=Air Quality Library- Defra, UK |url=https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/reports.php?report_id=1002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711094746/https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/reports.php?report_id=1002 |archive-date=11 July 2020 |access-date=10 July 2020 |website=uk-air.defra.gov.uk}}</ref> The UK government estimated that eliminating fossil fuels for home heating and transportation could lead to a tripling of demand for electricity.<ref name="BBC_RR_new_nuclear">{{cite news |last=Rowlatt |first=Justin |date=11 November 2020 |title=Rolls-Royce plans 16 mini-nuclear plants for UK |newspaper=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-54703204 |url-status=live |access-date=20 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119211443/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-54703204 |archive-date=19 November 2020 |quote=In addition to the six nuclear plants going offline by 2030, there's another challenge. You have to factor in a massive increase in electricity demand over the coming decades. That's because if we're going to reach our net zero target, we need to stop using fossil fuels for transport and home heating. The government has said this could lead to a three-fold increase in electricity use.}}</ref>

=====Scotland=====
Scotland has set a 2045 target.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Keane |first=Kevin |date=11 June 2019 |title=Greenhouse gas emissions target missed |language=en-GB |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-48594832 |url-status=live |access-date=11 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612111748/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-48594832 |archive-date=12 June 2019}}</ref> The islands of Orkney have significant wind and marine energy resources, and renewable energy has recently come into prominence. Although Orkney is connected to the mainland, it generates over 100% of its net power from renewables.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Llewelyn |first1=Robert |title=Orkney Island of the future |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXe1hBvlylw |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150823152417/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXe1hBvlylw |archive-date=23 August 2015 |access-date=20 May 2015 |website=Fully Charged |publisher=Robert Llewelyn |ref=Kryten}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=March 2021}} This comes mainly from wind turbines situated right across Orkney

====Thailand====
Thailand aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.<ref name="thailand 2050">{{cite news |last1=Tanakasempipat |first1=Patpicha |title=Thailand Launches First Carbon Credit Exchange to Curb Emissions |work=[[Company:Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]] |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-21/thailand-launches-first-carbon-credit-exchange-to-curb-emissions?leadSource=uverify%20wall |access-date=21 September 2022 |quote=Thailand pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050}}</ref> As an initiative towards the carbon neutrality goal, Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment launched its first Carbon Credit Exchange in 2022.<ref name="carbon credit exchange Please credit and share this article with others using this link:https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2394946/carbon-credit-plan-meets-flak. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. © Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved.">{{cite news |last1=Rujivanarom |first1=Pratch |title=Carbon credit plan meets flak |language=en |work=Bangkok Post |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2394946/carbon-credit-plan-meets-flak |access-date=21 September 2022}}</ref><ref name="carbon goal thailand">{{cite news |date=30 August 2022 |title=Thailand brings its carbon neutral, net zero dreams forward by several years |language=en |work=The Nation Thailand |url=https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019511 |access-date=21 September 2022}}</ref>

====Taiwan====
Taiwan has a 2050 target to achieve carbon neutrality.<ref name="taiwan 2050 neutrality">{{cite news |date=6 September 2022 |title=Draft bill ignores carbon trading - Taipei Times |work=www.taipeitimes.com |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2022/09/06/2003784814 |access-date=29 September 2022 |quote=Taiwan’s proposed climate change response act (氣候變遷因應法), which would provide key regulations related to reaching the government’s pledge to reduce net carbon emissions to zero by 2050}}</ref> The Department of Forestry and Nature Conservation, Chinese Culture University and Forestry Economics Division, Taiwan Forestry Research Institute presented a study in August 2012 indicating that afforestation can offset the carbon footprint to implementing carbon neutrality. They analyzed the carbon reduction benefits of afforested air quality enhancement zones (AQEZs) established by the government in 1995.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Wang |first1=Yi-Chung |last2=Lin |first2=Jiunn-Cheng |date=1 October 2012 |title=Air quality enhancement zones in Taiwan: A carbon reduction benefit assessment |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389934112001591 |journal=Forest Policy and Economics |language=en |volume=23 |pages=40–45 |doi=10.1016/j.forpol.2012.07.009 |issn=1389-9341}}</ref>

====United States====
The United States has implemented carbon neutrality measures at both federal and state levels: 
*the Presidency has set a goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50% to 52% compared to 2005 levels by 2030, a carbon free power sector by 2035, and to be net zero by 2050.<ref>[https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/04/20/fact-sheet-president-biden-to-catalyze-global-climate-action-through-the-major-economies-forum-on-energy-and-climate/ FACT SHEET: President Biden to Catalyze Global Climate Action through the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate] (April 20, 2023)</ref> 
*by April 2023, 23 states, plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico had set legislative or executive targets for clean power production.<ref>[https://www.cesa.org/projects/100-clean-energy-collaborative/guide/table-of-100-clean-energy-states/ Clean Energy States Alliance, Table of clean electricity goals]</ref> 
*all cars or light vehicles will have zero emissions (i.e. no internal combustion engine with gas or diesel) by 2035 in light duty vehicles, and no longer be bought by federal government by 2027.<ref>Executive Order 14057</ref>
*the [[Engineering:California Air Resources Board|California Air Resources Board]] voted in 2022 to draft new rules banning gas furnaces and water heaters, and requiring zero emission appliances in 2030.<ref>'California plans to phase out new gas heaters by 2030' (23 September 2022) [https://www.npr.org/2022/09/23/1124511549/california-plans-to-phase-out-new-gas-heaters-by-2030 NPR]</ref> By 2022, four states have gas bans in new buildings.<ref>S&P Global (9 June 2022) [https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/states-that-outlaw-gas-bans-account-for-31-of-us-residential-commercial-gas-use-70749584 Market Intelligence]</ref>

==See also==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Physics:2000-watt society|2000-watt society]]
* [[Earth:Carbon emission trading|Carbon emission trading]]
* [[Earth:Carbon fee and dividend|Carbon fee and dividend]]
* [[Earth:Carbon footprint|Carbon footprint]]
* [[Earth:Carbon-neutral fuel|Carbon-neutral fuel]]
* [[Earth:Climate change mitigation|Climate change mitigation]]
* [[Astronomy:Kardashev scale|Kardashev scale]]
* [[Organization:Live Earth|Live Earth]]
* Low-carbon diet
* Low Carbon Innovation Centre
* [[Physics:Nuclear power proposed as renewable energy|Nuclear power proposed as renewable energy]]
* [[Biology:Zero-energy building|Zero-energy building]]

Initiatives:
* Caring for Climate
* [[Organization:Carbon Neutrality Coalition|Carbon Neutrality Coalition]]
* Climate Clock
* Formula One - Net Zero Carbon by 2030;
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://unfccc.int/climate-neutral-now Climate neutral now, a 3-step approach to Climate neutrality] from the UNFCCC
* [http://theconversation.com/the-climate-clock-counting-down-to-1-5-107498 ClimateClock: time left to reaching the 1,5°C threshold]
* [https://www.unenvironment.org/resources/report/kick-habit-un-guide-climate-neutrality Kick the Habit: A UN guide to climate neutrality] A UNEP Publication
* [http://www.zeroghg.com/howto_calculate_carbon_footprint.html How is Carbon Footprint Calculated]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Carbon Neutrality}}
[[Category:Carbon dioxide]]

{{Sourceattribution|Carbon neutrality|1}}