5 Ways to Achieve Net Zero Emissions and Reduce Impact on Climate Change

Introduction

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and achieving net zero emissions is crucial in mitigating its impact. Net zero emissions refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed or offset. It is a state where the emissions produced are completely neutralized, resulting in no additional contribution to global warming.

For many decades, humanity has thrived on the power of fossil fuels—oil, coal, and gas—driving remarkable progress and development. Yet, this advancement comes at an astonishing cost that has far-reaching implications for our planet and our existence.

When burnt, fossil fuels release carbon dioxide, enveloping the Earth like a blanket. This accumulation of carbon dioxide triggers a chain reaction: the planet warms, seas surge, and extreme weather events multiply. The consequences ripple across the globe—wildfires, floods, scorching heatwaves, and crippling droughts intensify, impacting communities worldwide. If left unaddressed, these impacts will worsen and magnify, prompting mass migrations and risking the disappearance of entire nations, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.

However, change is possible. Scientific findings propose a viable route to avert the worst consequences of climate change: limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius as bound by the Paris Agreement. Achieving this demands a shift toward a cleaner economy by mid-century, necessitating the Net Zero Emissions 2050 goal.

This blog post will explore five effective ways to achieve net zero emissions and reduce our impact on climate change. These strategies involve a combination of renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transportation, carbon capture and storage, and nature-based solutions.

1. Transition to Renewable Energy

One of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions is burning fossil fuels for electricity generation. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, biofuels, hydro, and geothermal power is pivotal. Investing in these sources reduces reliance on fossil fuels, thereby cutting down carbon emissions. Enhancing technology and infrastructure to harness renewable energy at a large scale is crucial. In 2022, 22.5% of energy consumed in the EU was generated from renewable sources (EEA), and the share of renewables is expected to continue growing over the next few years.

Governments, businesses, and individuals can support this transition by implementing policies and incentives that promote the adoption of renewable energy. This includes providing subsidies, tax breaks, and grants for renewable energy projects. The growth in renewable energy sources will help in reducing emissions and accelerating the achievement of net zero emissions by 2050.

2. Improve Energy Efficiency

Another effective way to achieve net zero emissions is by improving energy efficiency in buildings, industries, and transportation. Energy efficiency measures aim to reduce the amount of energy consumed for a given activity, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Building codes and regulations can be updated to ensure that new constructions meet high energy efficiency standards. Retrofitting existing buildings with energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting, insulation, and smart energy management systems can also significantly reduce energy consumption.

In industries, implementing energy-efficient processes and equipment can help reduce emissions. This can be achieved through the adoption of advanced technologies, optimizing production processes, and implementing energy management systems.

Furthermore, promoting energy-efficient transportation options such as electric vehicles, public transportation, and cycling can significantly reduce emissions from the transportation sector.

3. Embrace Sustainable Transportation

The transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve net zero emissions, it is crucial to embrace sustainable transportation options that reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

One way to achieve this is by promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs). EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and can be powered by renewable energy sources, making them a cleaner alternative to conventional vehicles. Governments can provide incentives such as tax credits and subsidies to encourage the adoption of EVs and expand the charging infrastructure.

Investing in public transportation systems, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure can also encourage people to choose sustainable modes of transportation. This reduces the number of vehicles on the road and subsequently lowers emissions.

4. Implement Carbon Capture and Storage

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies are crucial in achieving net zero emissions. CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants and industrial facilities and storing them underground or utilizing them for other purposes.

CCS can be applied to both new and existing power plants and industrial facilities. It helps to reduce emissions from these sources by capturing CO2 before it is released into the atmosphere. The captured CO2 can then be permanently stored underground in geological formations or used for enhanced oil recovery and other industrial processes.

The UK government's commitment to capture and store millions of tonnes of CO2 annually by 2035 stands testament to its significance. Recently, the UK planning inspectorate accepted Harbour energy and bp applications for the Viking CCS onshore CO2 transportation pipeline. The Viking CCS will store around 10 million tonnes per annum of CO2 emissions. Another important CCS project is the Acorn CCS by Storegga in partnership with Harbour Energy, Shell and other North Sea Midstream Partners.

Investing in research and development of CCS technologies and creating a favourable policy environment to incentivize its implementation is essential for achieving net zero emissions.

5. Implement Nature-Based Solutions

.Nature-based solutions are an important component of achieving net zero emissions. These solutions involve the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of ecosystems to enhance carbon sequestration and reduce emissions.

One example of a nature-based solution is reforestation and afforestation. Estimates show that deforestation accounts for approximately 10% of total global emissions. Planting trees and restoring forests can help absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and store it in biomass and soil. Protecting existing forests from deforestation is also crucial, as deforestation contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Other nature-based solutions include sustainable agriculture practices, such as regenerative farming and agroforestry, which enhance soil carbon sequestration. Coastal ecosystem restoration, such as mangrove and seagrass restoration, can also play a vital role in capturing and storing carbon.

Conclusion

As the global population increases, the demand for energy surges in tandem. Harbour Energy emphasizes the dual objectives of catering to this escalating energy demand affordably while concurrently addressing the pressing need to curtail carbon emissions. This isn't a choice between two opposing goals; rather, it's an ‘and’ project, where both providing affordable energy to the growing populace and mitigating the impact of carbon emissions are equally essential as highlighted by bp.

A combination of the strategies described above, along with supportive policies, technological innovations, and global cooperation, is essential to effectively achieve net-zero emissions and combat climate change. By adopting these strategies at a global scale, we can make significant progress towards a sustainable and resilient future.