Agriculture plays a positive and important role in mitigating climate change: crops, hedges and trees capture carbon from the atmosphere, and properly managed soil provides carbon storage. However, agriculture contributes more than 10 %  of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the EU, mainly through the release of methane and nitrous oxide. The EU is committed to becoming climate neutral by 2050, which means that significant efforts are needed across all sectors to reduce emissions. This includes agriculture, which is also one of the sectors most affected by climate change. As a contribution to identifying possible policy approaches to reducing emissions in this sector, the European Commission has today published a new independent study on “ Pricing agricultural emissions and rewarding climate action in the agri-food value chain."

In a carbon neutral building, energy efficiency is paramount. Architects and engineers use principles such as passive solar design, natural ventilation and high-efficiency insulation. In addition to energy-efficient design, carbon-neutral buildings also use renewable energy technologies to generate electricity. This can include solar panels, wind turbines and in some cases geothermal systems. The electricity generated by these systems can be used to power the building's lighting, heating and cooling systems, as well as any appliances or equipment in the building.

DUBAI: The World Governments Summit (WGS) has launched a report titled 'Net Zero: The Countdown has begun', which examines the challenges of global warming and outlines 5 key high-impact actions to stimulate decarbonisation efforts in conjunction with the UAE. preparations for holding the conference of the UN contracting parties on climate change (COP28). Launched in collaboration with "Arthur D. Little", the report recalls the scale of the climate emergency and the collective action to date to reduce global CO2 emissions. With the 1.5 degree Celsius target increasingly out of reach, the report warns that the world has less than 400 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent left to burn by 2050. The report also highlights that 70 countries, which account for 90 % of world GDP and 76 % of total emissions , committed to net zero and that the world can expect COP28 to deliver real results, not just good intentions. (Mohamed Yousef AlSharhan)

The term "net zero" remains poorly defined among the public. so what is it? Why is this necessary and how can it not solve all our climate problems? Net zero' has become a buzzword in climate science and policy. Nations, states, and cities must achieve net zero carbon emissions within decades to meet the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. Companies have set net-zero-aligned goals to address the growing interest in environmentally friendly products. Even individuals, especially those with carbon-intensive lifestyles, have set themselves net-zero paths. However, despite its growing popularity, the term net zero remains poorly defined among the public and is often used as a misnomer by actors with bad faith who want to look good for the planet at face value. (Aissa Dearing)

Renew Europe welcomes today's approval of the report on the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) by the Industry, Research and Energy Committee. It lays a solid foundation for the deployment of a truly European cleantech industry that is able to compete globally and contributes to the strengthening of our open strategic autonomy. Faced with anti-competitive practices and massive subsidies from China and the United States (IRA), the EU emphasizes that subsidization is not a panacea and is committed to working to level the playing field to keep the industry on European soil while achieving its energy and climate ambitions.

MEP Christophe Grudler , (Movement Démocrate, France) , Restore Europe's Shadow at NZIA, declared:

"If we want our climate transition to be successful, we need to drastically expand our production of clean technologies in the EU. The Net Zero Industry Act will help us achieve this by making permitting easier and supporting our innovative industries. Our goal is to strengthen our industrial sovereignty by producing more solar panels, wind turbines, electrolysers, SMRs or batteries in Europe."

The world of carbon offsets and carbon offset programs can be quite complex and intimidating. So if you're looking for the best carbon offset programs for 2023 but don't know your options, this article will guide you. You'll learn important terms, what carbon offset program you should choose, and why investing in this space is important.

What is a carbon offset?

First things first. We need to define what carbon offset means.

Essentially, this is a credit purchased by an individual or entity to offset their carbon emissions or footprint. One carbon offset generally represents one tonne of CO2 reduced or removed. And so carbon compensation means financial support for a project that can reduce emissions. Carbon offsets they are produced by companies that remove CO2 from the atmosphere. These offsets are then sold to companies that emit (or have emitted) CO2 into the atmosphere. (Carboncredits.com, Jennifer L)

With this global commitment to CCS, it is time to shift our focus to real solutions on the ground. We have compiled a list Top 10 Carbon Capture Projects in 2023 . These projects are at the forefront of carbon capture technology, embodying the spirit of innovation and sustainability needed to effectively combat climate change.

Here you will find a detailed report that profiles each of these projects in terms of size, partners, efficiency, types of technologies and their suppliers, the company's industry and the final destination of the captured carbon.

1. The goal of the Go4Zero project is to become the first carbon neutral cement plant in Belgium.
2. The goal of the Wabash CO2 Sequestration Project is capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from an ammonia plant in West Terre Haute, Indiana, USA.
3. The Oil Sands CCUS Pathways to Net Zero (ALB) (14 facilities) . An initiative by six of Canada's largest oil sands producers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their operations by approximately 22 million TPA by 2030 in Alberta, Canada.
4. CalCC Lhoist Air Liquide Lime Plant Rety Project is seeking to decarbonise the Lhoist lime plant in Réty, France. Lime is one of the "difficult to reduce" industries, because during its production, CO2 is produced primarily by the decomposition of limestone.
5. Project Anthemis , Belgium.
6. The Rocky Mountain Carbon Project , The Rocky Mountain Carbon Project in Alberta, Canada, is the world's largest BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage) initiative to capture biogenic CO2 emissions from a forest-based renewable materials facility.
7. Calpine Baytown Energy Center (TX) Carbon Capture Project , Texas, USA
8. Rohm chemical factory decarbonization project , Germany.
9. South Texas Direct Air Capture Hub (DAC 1) is set to become the world's largest direct air capture (DAC) facility in the Texas Permian Basin, USA Updated since inception in 2019.
10. Removr large plant DCA Project , Iceland. The first operational DAC plant that relies on zeolites was commissioned in 2022 in Norway, with plans to scale the technology up to 2,000 TPA CO2 by 2025 through the Removr project.

To address the environmental impacts of economic and industrial sectors, a number of strategies are being developed that seek to combine economics, technology and ecology. Among them the concept of " carbon neutrality " and using " green ties ” represent two key approaches. Green bonds are financial instruments used to raise capital for projects with an environmental benefit. These may include projects in the field of renewable energy, clean transport, energy efficiency and adaptation to climate change. According to the Climate Bonds Initiative's 2023 report, the global green bond market has grown rapidly in recent years to more than $1 trillion. In this sense, carbon neutrality and green bonds are not only economic or technological tools, but also symbols of a new way of thinking about our relationship with nature. They represent an attempt to restore our relationship with the world not in terms of exploitation, but in terms of care and responsibility. (Davide Francesco Sada and Enrico Garzotto)

As decarbonisation becomes essential for a sustainable future, the fashion industry is taking steps to reduce carbon emissions, with global brands and organizations leading the way. The textile and clothing industry has developed a bit of a reputation for its environmental footprint. The industry's entire supply chain, from raw material production to manufacturing, transportation and disposal, is closely linked to processes that emit high levels of carbon. This led to an alarming prediction that according to data from earth.org global emissions of the fashion industry will increase by 50 % by 2030. Long criticized for its unsustainable practices and carbon footprint, there is an urgent push to decarbonise across the industry to reverse the trend. (Isatou Ndure)

In recent years, "biodiversity offsets" and "credits" have been promoted as one of the key ways to finance nature conservation and support global biodiversity goals. Simply put, 'biodiversity offsetting' is a system of assigning value to a habitat, plant or animal, meaning that a 'credit' or 'unit' can be bought or sold to 'compensate' for the damage caused, creating a financial incentive to protect natural wealth elsewhere. Biodiversity-rich developing countries are asking developed countries for more public funding and "debt relief" - which is different from climate finance - to help meet their biodiversity goals. (Aruna Chandrasekhar)

The International Energy Agency's (IEA) latest Net Zero Roadmap suggests that tripling renewable capacity to 11,000 GW by 2030 is one way to meet global climate goals. The IEA's 2023 Net Zero Roadmap outlines a global path to achieving the 1.5 ̊C target. It was first published in 2021, since which the energy sector has seen key changes. The updated version also calls for a united effort to help reduce global warming when world leaders meet at the upcoming COP28 in Dubai in November. 

Increasing the capacity of renewable resources

The agency said that increasing renewable energy sources, along with improving energy efficiency, reducing methane emissions and increasing electrification, by 2030 would bring more than 80 % necessary emission reduction.  The plan suggests that by tripling global installed capacity of renewable energy on 11,000 gigawatts by 2030, the largest reduction in emissions will be achieved. (Jennifer L)

Europe could achieve net zero carbon emissions over the next 10 years by incorporating nature into its urban infrastructure. A recent study published by researchers from Sweden, the US and China in the scientific journal Nature Climate Change shows how 54 European cities could reduce carbon emissions by an average of 17.4 percent using nature-based solutions such as parks, street improvements and roof gardens. "Nature-based solutions not only offset part of the city's emissions, but can also contribute to reducing emissions and resource consumption," said Zahra Kalantari, co-author and Associate Professor of Water and Environmental Engineering at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology. in the media report. For example, city parks, greenery and trees encourage more walking, cycling and other environmentally positive habits. Other examples of nature-based solutions that Kalantari and her co-authors explored include urban agriculture, permeable pavements that allow rainwater to be absorbed into the ground, narrower roads with more greenery and trees, and wildlife habitat protection. (Megan DeLaire)

Commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are complex and multifaceted. Major oil corporations are passing through – large companies – really from fossil fuels to greener energy sources, or are they simply engaging in a strategic carbon credit game?  A global research team led by Kyoto University examined for the first time the transition and carbon offset strategies of these major oil companies. The database created for the project was made available to the public to increase the transparency of the study. "To measure each major's intent to transition, we used indicators of their plans to phase out oil and gas supplies and take responsibility for all life-cycle emissions," says Gregory Trencher of Kyoto University's Graduate School of Environmental Studies, referring to current clean energy . investments that only complement – not replace – fossil fuels. (Kyoto University)

The future of aviation may mean constant technological and operational advances, innovative solutions to improve the customer experience, a customizable offering of ticketing and baggage pricing options, and a higher priority for green air travel. With the growing debate among industry stakeholders about the appropriate role of environmental, social and governance (ESG) in business operations, we look at some of the ways some players in the aviation industry are taking steps to improve their ESG strategies to manage risks and emerging legal challenges. (Attorney Analysis by Westlaw Today, part of Thomson Reuters.)

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From carrying out a carbon footprint assessment to setting targets and investing in energy efficient technologies, how to transform your company into a greenhouse gas neutral business.

What is a "net zero?"

Greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere are generally considered to be the main driving force of climate change. They thicken the atmosphere, prevent heat from escaping and thus ultimately warm the planet. Although these gases occur naturally, increased human activity since the Industrial Revolution has greatly increased their levels. And according to the EPA almost 80 % of greenhouse gas emissions consists of carbon dioxide. The term net zero refers to the ability to offset the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by removing an equal (or greater) amount from the atmosphere. A company that removes more of these gases than it produces through environmentally friendly practices is called net zero. (NICHOLAS LEIGHTON).

For many companies that have set ambitious zero-purity strategies, it is now difficult to actually integrate these strategies into their company's operations and implement real change. Ricardo's Dr Daniel Strosnider offers tips on how to integrate and operationalize your net zero strategy. In this chapter of the Company Handbook Environment Analyst  : Accelerating your ESG transition , Ricard's Director of Energy and Sustainability Implementation, Dr Daniel Strosnider, offers recommendations on how to implement a zero culture in your organization and activities.

Successfully incorporating a net zero culture into a company requires the client to take the following practical steps:

1. Look to the future. Changing policy and legislation and rapidly developing technological innovations emphasize the importance of looking to the future.
2. Watch . Especially with large budget, complex programs, the importance of tracking progress against business goals and making course corrections or adjustments cannot be overstated.
3. Listen. Actively crowdsource ideas, insights and feedback from all key internal and external audiences and stakeholders. One's own network of zero community – be it employees, clients, investors, suppliers – will often provide the most useful actionable insights.
4. To cooperate. Embrace diverse teams and share knowledge. Achieving net zero depends on collaboration, connection, continuous learning and sharing of ideas. Different perspectives and diverse thinking bring the best ideas.
5. Encourage positive engagement . Make the transition relevant to each stakeholder using language that is immediately understandable and meaningful to them or their role. Companies should also consider incentivizing zero-purity implementation with relevant strategies for different parts of the business.
6. Constantly improving. Be curious and question, act on evidence and push boundaries. Companies that are realistic and open about their progress can adjust approaches when necessary.

The road to success

Integrating and operationalizing a zero network strategy will require a comprehensive transformation that touches all areas of your business. Achieving net zero is a complex task and a long-term journey that requires decades of commitment and focus.

(This chapter of Environment Analyst's Corporate Guide: Accelerating your ESG transition kindly written by Dr Daniel Strosnider, Director of Energy and Sustainability Implementation, Ricardo ( www.ricardo.com/net-zero ).

Achieving net zero emissions by 2050 requires large and relatively rapid declines in oil and gas consumption, led by the transport and energy sectors, along with the widespread deployment of carbon capture technologies in heavy industry. That's according to analysts at BMI, Fitch Solutions, in a new report recently sent to Rigzone. "While net-zero paths can take myriad forms, there is no path in which demand for oil and gas has not fallen sharply, emissions in the supply chain have not been dramatically reduced, and carbon capture and storage has played no role," the analysts said. stated in the report. One potential path to net zero highlighted in the report sees demand falling by around 75 percent, "led by the transportation, energy, residential and commercial sectors." Industrial demand remains relatively resilient in this regard, but carbon capture technologies are widely deployed downstream, the analysts outlined. (Andreas Exarcheas)

These days, as it is important to support the fight against climate change, more and more different options are being explored. The transition to clean renewable energy is one of the cornerstones of our net zero future, and one of those potential sources is hydrogen energy. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that from now until 2050 it will be hydrogen energy play a small but prominent role. It represents the 6 % cumulative emissions reductions needed to reach our net zero goals by mid-century. (Jennifer L)

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Two things are clear from recent UN summits on climate change and biodiversity: “ solutions based on nature ” they stay here and not everyone is happy with it.  Delegates fought fiercely for the inclusion of these words in the results of the leading intergovernmental processes concerning climate change and management biodiversity . But can research help identify and clarify points of tension in how nature-based solutions (NBS) are used? In our new article about sustainability of nature we tried it.

(Sean Goodwin, Carbon Brief)

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ESG. Net zero. Carbon neutral. During the year, all of these terms were (and will continue to be) widely reported in mainstream media publications, corporate governance and shareholder materials, and regulatory filings and issuances. Although each term refers to something different from the others, at their core these phrases reflect growing public awareness in the US and abroad regarding the presence of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere and the greenhouse gas (GHG) impact of individual and corporate actions. emissions. For example, net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. In today's world, these terms and phrases are used for more than just words. Corporate documents or individual statements that refer to environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment criteria, achieving net zero or promoting net neutrality initiatives often do so with specific, targeted actions in mind to achieve certain goals. This of course raises the threshold question of how an entity or individual can achieve reduced GHG targets or demonstrate net zero operations. (Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP)