Achieving net zero emissions requires balancing the carbon dioxide emissions from human activities with efforts to remove those emissions, such as creating carbon sinks that absorb carbon dioxide, thereby halting the further increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Transitioning to net zero requires a complete transformation of our energy, transportation, production, and consumption systems. This is essential to avoid the worst consequences of climate change.
To keep global warming below 1.5°C, governments worldwide need to ensure that all greenhouse gas emissions peak by 2025 and reach net zero in the second half of this century. The IPCC has recommended a 45% reduction in global CO2 emissions by 2030 (compared to 2010 levels) and achieving net zero by the mid-century.