The 1st - 7th of July marks the UK’s Net Zero Week, an event that shines a spotlight on our collective efforts to address one of the greatest challenges facing our planet - climate change.
From heating our homes to shipping and transport, the burning of fossil fuels is gradually increasing global temperatures. We are already seeing the effects of climate change across the world from major flooding in Pakistan to ongoing droughts in the UK [1,2].
In light of these pressing concerns, it has become increasingly crucial to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The scientific consensus is clear: in order to achieve this, we must strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible by 2050. Failure to do so will result in catastrophic sea level rise, extreme weather events, and widespread crop failures, leading to mass migration and significant loss of life.
Reaching climate neutrality requires the implementation of a wide range of strategies, including the adoption of clean energy sources, the utilisation of alternative fuels, the widespread use of electrified powertrains, and the deployment of proven harmful emissions abatement technologies like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
What Does 'Net Zero' Mean?
The term 'net zero' refers to a commitment made by governments to ensure a reduction of 100% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels by the year 2050. If successfully achieved, it would mean that the amount of greenhouse gases emitted would be equal to or less than the amount removed by the environment.
What has the UK pledged to do?
To help reach net zero by 2050, the UK has made a series of ambitious pledges including:
- generating all electricity from clean sources by 2035, including wind, solar and nuclear projects
- banning new petrol and diesel cars from 2030
- installing 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028 to replace gas boilers
- using carbon capture to remove between 20 and 30 million tons of CO2 a year by 2030
To achieve these ambitious goals, big investments in the technologies and infrastructure for a sustainable and low-carbon future will be required.
Embracing the Net Zero Challenge
The road to sustainability and achieving carbon neutrality requires global cooperation, innovative technologies, and concerted efforts from companies, governments, and individuals alike. With advancements in alternative energy sources and a focus on energy efficiency, we are on the right path towards a greener and more sustainable future.
HORIBA is committed to playing its part in this transition by providing cutting-edge analysis and measurement solutions that contribute to building a smarter and cleaner energy system. We believe that our global products and service solutions can contribute to the realisation of a carbon-neutral society, accelerating the scale-up and implementation of carbon capture techniques, hydrogen fuel, and the electrification of the automotive industry.
Together, let us embrace the challenge of net zero and create a world where sustainability is not just a goal, but a way of life.
Read more on our measurement & analysis solutions supporting the drive to Net Zero
For more information, please visit: https://netzeroweek.com/
References
1. Climate change in Pakistan and devastating floods: latest news. 2022. British Red Cross. Available at: www.redcross.org.uk/stories/disasters-and-emergencies/world/climate-change-and-pakistan-flooding-affecting-millions.
2. JACKSON, J. 2022. England’s drought-hit summer 2022 joint hottest on record. Available at: phys.org/news/2022-09-england-drought-hit-summer-joint-hottest.html.