Many countries are making big commitments to significantly cut their carbon emissions within the coming decades with an aim to reach “net zero”. Scientists have warned for years that if we don’t do something, we’ll reach the point of no return. So, in order to stop global temperatures from rising above the maximum safe level of 1.5 degrees Celsius as a result of climate change, the UN reports that we must collectively achieve climate neutrality by 2050.  

Businesses can be key players in reaching this goal. Inogen Alliance shares what you need to know to get started with your business right now and why it’s important: 

What Is Climate Neutrality? 

Climate neutrality is the concept of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by balancing the emissions human sources release into the Earth’s atmosphere with the amount the planet naturally absorbs in emission “sinks,” like forests and oceans, via a process called sequestration. 

Achieving climate neutrality is necessary to prevent the worsening impacts of climate change and it has become a crucial goal for the global community. 

"Climate neutrality must be accompanied by climate adaption and biodiversity strategies. It is the most challenging and important task for enterprises under the broader goal of sustainability. The path every company should take includes measuring the emissions, reducing them and as a last step offsetting the non-reducible emissions," Senior Consultant Johannes Tinter of Inogen Alliance Associate denkstatt explains. Antea Group is a founding member of Inogen Alliance, a global network of EHS&S consulting companies. 

What is the difference between climate neutrality and carbon neutrality? 

The difference between climate neutrality and carbon neutrality is that carbon neutrality refers specifically to balancing out carbon dioxide emissions with natural carbon sequestration, whereas climate neutrality refers to balancing out all greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, including carbon, but also other greenhouse gasses such as methane and nitrous oxide. 

The United Nations’ Paris Agreement charts the international community’s plan for limiting the impact of climate change. Its goal is to be climate neutral—not just carbon neutral—by 2050. 

For more on terminology, denkstatt explains climate neutral, carbon neutral, GHG neutral, and net zero in this two page download and article. 

How to Work Toward Climate Neutrality Right Now 

A strong climate neutrality position helps substantiate and communicate your company’s efforts in the battle against climate change. There are three steps that virtually any company, big or small, can take to start contributing to climate neutrality right now: 

  • Step 1: Measure your emissions 
  • Step 2: Set Science Based Targets 
  • Step 3: Reduce your direct emissions 
  • Step 4: Offset residual emissions through verified programs 
  • Step 5: Report progress through recognized reporting frameworks 

To read more about each of these steps and learn why your business should pursue climate neutrality, click over to read the full article on Inogen Alliance’s website here.  

For more help with your business’s climate neutrality goals, reach out to Antea Group’s climate advisory services to get started.  

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