At the General Debate of the 75^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, China, the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide, made a bold statement about its plans for tackling carbon emissions: aiming to have CO2 emissions peak before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060.

In our day to day life, everything we do produces carbon. From driving to powering our home-operations of business, green house gases, burning fossil fuel and so on. We need to resolve these cases. Therefore, to maintain carbon neutrality we need to consider many things. We can use electric cars, solar panels for houses, stop wasting natural resources. When it comes about business we have to consider it perfectly. Such as; Offset emissions through a wide choice of high quality projects around the world, develop their marketing and communications strategy around their environmental credentials, set their carbon neutrality and carbon management strategies, implementing cost effective carbon reduction programs, calculate & track their carbon foot print. We can use renewable energy and nuclear power to reduce carbon emission.

What's Carbon Neutrality?

Carbon neutrality refers to a general equation: CO2 emitted = CO2 absorbed. Hence, no new carbon dioxide is released in the atmosphere. The main reason for greenhouse emissions is burning fossil fuels then used to produce temporary and ineffective energy. In fact, ICT states that all non-renewable energy is the primary reason for global warming, being the source of more than 80% of the world's electricity. Furthermore, producing the main energy sources (Coal, Nuclear, Natural Gas) costs less than the production of renewable energy (Hydro Power, Solar Panels, Wind) when measured, considering the efficiency on the long run. Back to the main topic, because powering digital companies is releasing CO2, those need to switch to efficient renewable energy.

So, Carbon neutrality is the balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon emissions from the atmosphere in carbon sinks.

Opportunities and Challenges

Since China relies on fossil fuels for around 85% of power production with coal at 60%, the energy sector has the biggest role to play to achieve its goal. It’s estimated that China needs to minimize fossil fuels consumption from the 85% of total energy mix to 25% to reach carbon neutrality. However, grid operators have few incentives to buy renewables, highlighting the urgency of power market reform.

Personally, How do you think the challenges and opportunities regarding China’s carbon neutrality pledge?