The challenges of carbon neutrality

Organizations' commitment to carbon neutrality is essential today, but it's important to understand what it's all about: the concept raises some fundamental questions. Carbon neutrality" or "net zero emissions" is defined by the IPCC as a situation of equilibrium between anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases and their absorption over a defined period. However, its interpretation remains vague and can be misguided. In Europe, denunciations of greenwashing are multiplying in the media, with major companies such as Easyjet, Nestlé and Gucci claiming to be "carbon neutral" coming under ^fire1.

Avoid surface solutions

Carbon neutrality does not refer to a total absence of emissions, but to a trajectory consisting of reducing emissions as much as possible and then offsetting residual emissions. However, simply offsetting emissions by planting trees or investing in renewable energies is an undesirable mathematical approach that does not contribute to reducing anthropogenic GHG emissions. Offsetting also has physical limits, linked to the actual carbon storage capacity of trees and the sustainable management of forests.  

From individual contribution to collective neutrality

In France, major institutions such as the Net Zero Initiative and ADEME are taking a "contribution" approach. They argue that carbon neutrality can only be achieved on a global or national scale, since it is a collective objective. As such, no single company or product can be proclaimed carbon-neutral. ADEME urges organizations to "get away from the purely arithmetical approach to neutrality" and to "communicate transparently, proportionately and distinctly on the different levers of contribution to collective carbon neutrality "². It is suggested to speak of"individualcontributionto collective neutrality", rather than claiming to achieve absolute neutrality status. More broadly, the European Union is currently working on an initiative to regulate environmental claims.

Towards a genuine transition  

Finally, carbon neutrality is a collective goal to which every organization can contribute by committing to "Measure, Reduce, Offset". It is also important that this approach is supported by responsible and transparent communication on the concrete actions taken, to prevent any misinterpretation.  

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Notes

1. https://www.novethic.fr/actualite/environnement/climat/isr-rse/easyjet-gucci-nestle-ces-entreprises-qui-abandonnent-la-compensation-carbone-pour-atteindre-la-neutralite-151620.html -
2. https://www.climate-chance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bs2022_fr_dossier-special_compensation.pdf