Net zero emission is a concept that means the balance of the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere with an equal amount being removed. This concept is also known as “carbon neutrality” or “climate neutrality” because the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere is the major cause of global warming and climate change.

The concept of net zero emission is currently more emphasized to tackle the issue of climate change. 193 countries and the European Union have committed to reducing their carbon emission to half by 2030 and to zero by 2050. Here we gathered information about what will happen if we reach net zero emissions, what will be its benefits, and what will be its environmental, social, and economic impacts.

What Will Happen If We Reach Net Zero Emissions?

If we reach net zero emissions, it will be a landmark in the combat against climate change. Net zero emission means that the global emission of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere gets balanced with an equal amount of carbon dioxide removed and stored in carbon sinks.

This goal can be either achieved through natural processes or man-made technologies, like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Reaching this goal would significantly reduce global warming and will make humans secure from its worst effects. It can lead to improved air quality, better health outcomes, increased biodiversity, reduced events of environmental disasters, and sustainable economic growth for people.

What Are The Benefits Of Net Zero Emissions?

Net zero emissions refers to the balance of the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere with an equal amount removed from the atmosphere. If this goal is achieved, it would have a lot of benefits.

The main benefits of net zero emissions include: 

• • Reduced air pollution and improved air quality.
  • Improved health of humans. 
  • Reduced energy cost in buildings.
  • Enhanced energy security. 
  • Increased biodiversity. 
  • More jobs in the field of clean energy industries.
  • Increased opportunities to invest in renewable energy technologies, such as solar or wind energy. 
  • Increased global competitiveness by permitting businesses to access new markets with low-carbon products and services. 

Environmental Impacts Of Net Zero Emissions

If the goal of net zero emission is achieved, it would have the following main environmental impacts:

Reduced emission of greenhouse gasses and stable climate

The emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere is the major cause of global warming and climate change. With net zero emission, the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere would decrease. The climate would become stable gradually, which can lead to reduction in events related to extreme climate conditions (such as floods, hurricanes, heat waves, wildfires, droughts, tornadoes, tsunamis, etc).

In 2018, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stated that the target of the Paris Agreement of limiting global warming to 1.5℃ can only be achieved if the world reaches net zero by 2050. The same deadline of 2050 was also included in the Glasgow Climate Pact, which was agreed at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26).

All parties signed the pact and acknowledged that “limiting global warming to 1.5°C requires rapid, deep and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions, including reducing global carbon dioxide emissions … to net zero around mid-century”

Reduced air pollution

Reduced air pollution would be another positive impact of net zero emissions. Excessive carbon dioxide and other pollutants are continuously degrading air quality. With net zero emission, the quality of air we breathe would be improved and it would have a better impact on the health of not only humans but all other creatures.

Improved public health outcomes

With net zero emissions, the overall health of the public would be improved because of clean air. The ratio of diseases associated with air pollution like stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, asthma, etc would be significantly decreased.

Besides that, prosperity and more employment opportunities can reduce poverty levels and crime events in society and can improve the mental health of the public.

Health and Air Quality associated with net zero emission

With net zero emission, the air quality would be gradually improved. To achieve the task of net zero emission, it is vital to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and switch to renewable resources like solar and wind power.

As a result, the emission of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere will be reduced. So the quality of air would be improved and it would have a positive impact on the health of the public. The ratio of most air-pollution-related diseases will be reduced. Besides humans, the health of all biodiversity found on earth will be better with improved air quality.

Economic and Social Benefits of net zero emission

The following are some of the economic and social benefits of net zero emissions:

Economic Growth and Job Creation

Transitioning to net zero emissions is an important goal for worldwide economic and social development. It can stimulate economic growth and create new job opportunities.

Investments in the fields like renewable energy, clean and environmentally friendly technologies, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure can encourage innovations in these fields. It can then cause the development of new industries, leading to new employment opportunities and economic development.

Energy Cost Savings

Transitioning to renewable energy sources can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and can lead to cost savings. In recent years, it has been observed that renewable energy technologies like solar and wind significantly minimize costs as compared to traditional energy sources.

Enhancing Energy Security

Less dependence on fossil fuels, transition to renewable energy sources, and energy efficiency measures can enhance energy security. Countries that do not depend mostly on energy imports have a more diverse energy mix and are not affected much by price fluctuations, supply disruption, and geopolitical tensions.

Technological Innovations

The goal of net zero emission can foster technological innovation and research in clean technology. It can lead to advancements in energy storage, carbon capture and storage, grid management, and other fields.

Such advancements can have spillover effects, which means they can encourage innovations and provide a driving force for economic growth in other sectors too.

Climate Resilience

Achieving net zero emissions and tackling climate change are vital to building climate resilience. We can mitigate the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like floods, heat waves, and hurricanes with reduced emissions of greenhouse gasses.

It can help to protect infrastructure and communities and can also reduce climate-related damages and costs needed for their recovery.

Improved Public Health

With net zero emissions, the overall health of the public will be improved. Clean and good quality air can reduce diseases, especially those associated with air pollution. While more job opportunities, prosperity, and reduced levels of poverty can also reduce mental stress in society.