It is generally expected that the achievement of net zero global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) with decreasing emissions of other greenhouse gases will stop global warming. CO emissions ₂ they will continue to drive warming until it is fully balanced by active anthropogenic CO removal ₂ . However, for practical reasons, many GHG accounting systems allow some "passive" absorption of CO to be included in the definition of net anthropogenic emissions ₂ , such as increased vegetation growth due to CO fertilization ₂ . By including passive CO absorption ₂ would nominally net zero emissions not stop global warming, undermining the Paris Agreement. Here we discuss measures to address this problem to ensure that the use of residual fossil fuels does not cause further global warming: land management categories should be disaggregated in emissions reports and targets to better separate the role of passive CO sinks ₂ ; if possible, the claimed removal should be in addition to passive income; and targets should recognize the need for Geological Net Zero, which means one ton of CO ₂ permanently renewed on the solid Earth for every tonne still generated from fossil resources. We also argue that a scientific understanding of net zero provides a basis for assigning responsibility for the protection of passive carbon sinks during and after the transition to geological net zero. (Myles R. Allen, David J. Frame, Kirsten Zickfeld , more at nature.com)

The global push for net zero emissions has gained unprecedented momentum in recent years, driven by the urgent need to address climate change and its far-reaching consequences. As nations, industries and organizations around the world commit to ambitious carbon reduction goals, chemistry plays a critical role in achieving these goals.

Net zero country

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, set the stage for global climate action to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. As of 2023, more than 70 countries, including major economies such as the US, China and the EU, have set net zero targets, with many committing to achieve net zero emissions by the middle of this century. (AJIT SHARMA, more at chemistryworld.com)

As the world moves towards sustainability, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming central to reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change. Nations and industries have committed to the transition to electric cars, signaling a giant step towards a greener future. While the benefits of electric vehicles are promising, this shift comes with challenges that need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of a carbon-neutral future.

Electric vehicles offer a range of environmental and economic benefits. Foremost among them is the potential to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional combustion engine vehicles are among the biggest contributors to air pollution, with transport accounting for nearly 30 percent of global CO2 emissions. By replacing fossil fuel powered cars with electric cars, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint, especially when combined with renewable energy sources for charging. (More on  tribune.net.ph)

The Commission has today selected 85 innovative net-zero projects to receive €4.8 billion in grants from the Innovation Fund, which will help bring cutting-edge clean technologies to life across Europe. For the first time, as part of the call for proposals until 2023, projects of various scales (large, medium and small, in addition to pilot projects) and with a focus on the production of clean technologies are awarded. This is the largest amount since the launch of the Innovation Fund in 2020, which the total amount of support increased to EUR 12 billion and the number of projects increased by 70 % .

The selected projects are located in 18 countries: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden and Norway. They cover a wide range of sectors from the following categories: energy intensive industries, renewable energy, energy storage, industrial carbon management, zero mobility (including maritime and aviation) and buildings. (More on ec.europa.eu)

Based on the directive (EU) 2023/2413, which was revised on November 20, 2023, the framework of renewable energy within the European Union was revised, while this updated regulation, (more…)

The research article presents a comprehensive model called CLEVER, which deals with the energy transformation of Europe with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The model points to the importance of the concept of sufficiency in reducing energy consumption and emphasizes that this strategy is key to achieving a sustainable transformation of the energy system in Europe. CLEVER proposes to reduce final energy consumption by 50 % by 2050 compared to 2019, with at least 40 % of this reduction attributed to measures to promote sufficiency. The article also emphasizes the need cooperation between countries at the level of energy exchange and transmission of hydrogen and electricity, in order to reduce dependence on energy imports from third countries and ensure greater energy security and resilience of the entire system. (More on nature.com)

Today, the European Commission issued the first of a series of guidance documents to support EU countries in the transposition and implementation of the revised directive on the energy performance of buildings into national law. Today's guidance (C/2024/7161) clarifies the requirement under Article 17 para. 15 to end any financial incentives for the installation of new stand-alone fossil fuel boilers by 1 January 2025 at the latest. In particular, the document clarifies the terms "standalone fossil fuel boiler" and "hybrid heating system", as well as "installation" and "financial incentives". For example, no grants, soft loans, or fiscal incentives such as reduced tax rates can be provided for the purchase, installation, and commissioning of new stand-alone natural gas, diesel, or coal-fired boilers, regardless of whether the installation is part of a renovation project or not. No public authority at national, regional or local level shall provide economic support and/or support through public resources to purchasers, installers and third parties for the installation of such boilers. (More on energy.ec.europa.eu)

New research has found that efforts to reach net zero are being undermined by a number of carbon accounting schemes. Research led by academics from the University of Bath shows that multiple systems drive up costs and prevent well-meaning companies from effectively accounting for their carbon emissions, while creating loopholes that can be exploited by others.

It also found that systems that count carbon geographically, within industry groupings or based on consumption or products are limited by allowing emissions to be outsourced from accounts, causing inaccuracies.

The document also calls for and proposes a unified approach that would enable the linking of accounts, meaning that new circular economy processes could be properly reported. (Will McManus, University of Bath, more at phys.org)

The carbon cycle is a fundamental process that involves the movement of carbon between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and geosphere. Carbon is an essential element necessary for life on Earth, but its excessive presence in the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) contributes to climate change. The European Union is therefore committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 by focusing on reducing carbon emissions and promoting its removal.

There are three main strategies to achieve a sustainable carbon cycle:

1. Decarbonisation: This includes reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and increasing energy efficiency, the transition to renewable energy sources and the circular economy.

2. Carbon recycling: This is the use of waste, renewable biological resources, and CO2 directly from the atmosphere to produce synthetic fuels and materials that are essential for some industrial sectors.

3. Carbon sequestration: This includes technologies and processes that capture and store CO2 from the atmosphere. Solutions can be based on natural systems, such as agriculture and forestry, or on industrial technologies.

The European Union emphasizes the need for transparent and effective monitoring and certification of carbon removal, which are crucial for the successful implementation of these measures. Supporting research, innovation and pioneering infrastructure projects for CO2 capture and transport is key to developing a sustainable carbon cycle.

Carbon farming is an example of how farmers can be rewarded for ecological practices contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions. In addition to environmental benefits, carbon farming will also bring new economic opportunities for farmers.

A comprehensive approach to solving the carbon cycle contributes not only to the mitigation of the climate crisis, but also to the support of biodiversity, food security and the sustainable development of society. (More on eur-lex.europa.eu)

The pursuit of a carbon-neutral future is accelerating. Through the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, nations pledged to limit climate change by limiting the rise in global temperatures to no more than 2°C above pre-industrial levels. To achieve this, collective global emissions must reach zero by 2050, if not sooner.

Over the past five years, governments, businesses and institutions around the world have been proliferating net zero and other climate-related commitments. While the rapid growth is striking, the commitments and associated roadmaps are not uniform. Historically, EU-based corporations have been more proactive in adopting climate-related goals, largely due to strict regulations and a strong emphasis on sustainability within the European Union. But American corporations are catching up, leading to increasing pressure from investors, consumers and government incentives. Companies in sectors including technology, finance, power generation and fossil fuels are well ahead of companies in biotech, healthcare and retail. Growing global emphasis and healthy skepticism are leading companies to ensure the integrity of net-zero commitments and develop plans to achieve them by 2050. (Jay Cuclis, Michael Watson, Ingrid York, more at lexology.com)

The European Commission has published a new call for projects to support research and innovation within the Climate Neutral and Smart Cities mission: Changing urban spaces and mindsets in order to accelerate the transition to climate neutrality. Mission  EU for climate-neutral and smart cities (Cities Mission) supports 100 cities from 27 EU member states and 12 cities from countries associated or with the potential to be associated with Horizon Europe in their transformation towards climate neutrality. 2030. A total of EUR 98 million is available under this new call for project proposals with a closing date of 11 February 2025. The call covers four themes:

The European Union (EU) has an ambitious plan ahead of it that could fundamentally change the automotive industry. From 2035, the sale of new cars with combustion engines is to be banned in the EU, which means the definitive end of petrol and diesel vehicles. This step is part of the so-called The Green Deal, which is supposed to ensure that Europe becomes the first climate-neutral continent by the middle of the century. While Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, has repeatedly emphasized her commitment to this policy, discussions about alternatives are still ongoing.

One of the possible ways to keep combustion engines in the game even after 2035 is the use of synthetic fuels. These fuels could allow the continued use of existing engines while meeting strict EU environmental standards. Synthetic fuels are produced by chemical processes that often involve the use of renewable energy sources. If it is possible to achieve that the entire production and supply chain of these fuels will be climate neutral, they can be considered an ecological alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

In 2026, the EU plans to reassess the possibility of using synthetic fuels for internal combustion engines, which could change the entire framework of the legislation. This decision could mean that internal combustion engines could remain on the market, albeit in a limited form, as an environmentally acceptable choice. Support for synthetic fuels has strong political and economic motivations, especially in countries with a significant automotive industry. Politicians and leaders of the automotive industry see synthetic fuels as a way to maintain the competitiveness of the European automotive sector on a global scale. As the EU moves towards a complete ban on combustion engines, synthetic fuels represent a potential game-changing alternative. However, the future of synthetic fuels is still uncertain and will depend on technological advances, economic conditions and legal standards within the EU. Thus, the discussion about what form car transport will take in Europe after 2035 continues, with major ecological and economic interests at stake. (Co2AI)

The EU's Green Deal is a hot topic, and rightly so. According to a survey by Deloitte, up to 94 % consumers consider it the responsibility of brands to create products that are environmentally friendly, so it was only a matter of time before environmental initiatives made their way into legislation. The EU Green Deal, adopted in 2020, aims to make Europe the first "climate neutral" continent by 2050. This document includes various strategies, including reducing emissions by 55 % by 2030, with a planned reduction of 90 % by 2040.

The Green Deal is based on five main pillars that guide its implementation: climate action, circular economy, protection of biodiversity, fight against pollution and sustainable food systems. Together, these pillars shape a sustainable and green future for the EU.

In the following text, we will focus on the second pillar - the circular economy, because it is a key area of activity for Smurfit Westrock. We will look at the issues of waste, recycling, sustainable production and efficient use of resources.

Packaging and waste regulation framework

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) belongs to the circular economy and its main objective is to promote sustainability through the use of renewable resources, reuse and recycling, while minimizing the negative impact on the environment.

PPWR covers the entire life cycle of packaging and aims to reduce packaging waste and limit certain types of packaging. For example, from January 1, 2030, specific single-use plastic packaging will be banned. This approach is important because Europeans currently produce almost 190 kg of packaging waste per capita per year. PPWR aims to minimize waste and support the creation of a sustainable environment, which are key aspects of the Green Deal.

The EU Green Deal and its impact on the world of packaging

With packaging waste increasing by 20 % in the last ten years, it is understandable that the EU Green Deal focuses on packaging and the need for greener materials and approaches.

– Climate neutrality of packaging: All packaging must be climate neutral, meaning that carbon emissions must be balanced by removing the same amount from the atmosphere to achieve a net zero carbon footprint.

– Sustainable packaging: When packaging reaches its reuse limit, it must be biodegradable and able to disappear in the environment without negative impacts.

– Extended producer responsibility: the EU places greater responsibility on businesses for the entire life cycle of their packaging, from production to recycling and disposal.

– No pollution and export ban: Legislation prohibits the production of polluting packaging waste and the export of such materials outside the EU.

Consequences of non-compliance

Businesses that fail to comply with packaging regulations are at risk, including product recalls. These steps are not only costly but also damaging to brand reputation and consumer trust.

In addition, brands that do not meet the requirements may be banned from selling products in the EU. Packaging restrictions can lead to lost revenue and a shrinking market.

Nowadays, sustainability is an expectation of consumers, and businesses that do not consider the protection of the planet can experience negative publicity and lose competitiveness.

New trend: biodegradable packaging

There are several steps businesses can take to prepare for packaging changes:

– Integrating recycled materials into packaging to reduce the demand for new raw materials.

– Replacing packaging that does not comply with the Green Deal with more sustainable alternatives.

– Using biodegradable packaging that decomposes without leaving traces in case of pollution.

– Choosing recyclable packaging that is easy for consumers to recycle.

Advantages of ecological packaging

The EU Green Deal was designed to protect the environment. By reducing packaging waste and supporting ecological materials, it is possible to protect natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that affect climate change. The transition to ecological packaging also supports innovation.

Brands that invest in sustainable packaging solutions can gain a competitive advantage and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Up to 75 % consumers prefer brands with green products and 49 % are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging and delivery (Deloitte). By adapting green solutions, brands can strengthen their image, gain customer trust and meet their expectations. (Co2AI)

A carbon neutral activity is one that has a zero carbon footprint.

A carbon "footprint" is a way of describing how much greenhouse gas has been added to the atmosphere as a result of some activity, measured as an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide (CO ₂ e). For example, the carbon footprint of someone who drives a petrol car to work will be greater than someone who uses a bus to travel the same distance, because the car driver is responsible for more CO emissions ₂ e as someone who commutes by bus.

A carbon neutral activity is one that has a zero carbon footprint. Some activities that produce a lot of greenhouse gases are sometimes combined with other activities that reduce the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as converting land to grow trees. This is known as carbon offsetting and is one way that activities or products can be presented as 'carbon neutral'.

In some cases, the carbon footprint of an activity includes all emissions produced during its life cycle. This is known as life cycle analysis. (Co2AI)

From the UEFA European Football Championships to Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics, an exciting summer of sport is underway. MD Sylvain Fillipi of Envision Racing explores how sports teams can use the spotlight to promote environmental sustainability. Unfortunately, the climate crisis is unlikely to be part of the mainstream conversation around any of this summer's sporting events. And yet, on a burning planet, shouldn't all major sporting events, teams and stars use their profile to incite public action to address an emergency that threatens their very existence? (More on edie.net)

Carbon sequestration is a key component of many environmental goals. Plants do not sequester carbon for as long as previously thought, how might this affect our strategies to achieve net zero goals? Much of our carbon sequestration strategies have relied on uptake by vegetation, but a recent study has shown that carbon is not stored in plants for as long as previously thought. This highlights the importance of considering a diverse range of sequestration strategies and emissions reduction efforts in the first place to contribute to net zero targets. (Mazz Cummings, more at yourweather.co.uk)

In 2019, EU leaders approved the goal of achieving a climate-neutral EU by 2050. This follows on from the commitments the EU and its member states made when signing the Paris Agreement in 2015.

What does climate neutrality mean and how will the EU achieve this goal while promoting the well-being of its citizens? Here are five facts you need to know about the EU's climate ambitions.  When we talk about fighting climate change, we always talk about reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But it's not just about that. 

Becoming "climate neutral" means reducing greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible, but it also means offsetting any remaining emissions. In this way, a balance of net zero emissions can be achieved. A balance of net zero emissions is achieved when the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere is neutralized. This can be achieved through carbon sequestration, i.e. removing carbon from the atmosphere, or through compensatory measures, which usually include support for climate-focused projects.  (More on consilium.europa.eu)

Climate change is intensifying and its real costs are accelerating. A historically high acceleration of climate disruption in 2023 meant global warming reached 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time, and ocean temperatures and Antarctic ice loss far exceeded records. It is clearer than ever that achieving a stable climate and protecting a livable planet for current and future generations means sharply and rapidly reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and preparing for the future consequences of climate change ( 1 ). This path can and must go hand in hand with shaping a prosperous and fair society and an EU industry and agriculture that is agile and strong in a globally competitive and increasingly sustainable economy that benefits all people and is in line with the 20 principles. European Pillar of Social Rights and its Action Plan.  

The outcome of COP28 in Dubai and the first global assessment of climate action show that the rest of the world is also rapidly moving on this path. The EU, which has enshrined climate neutrality in law by 2050, is leading the fight against climate change and will remain so.

The vision of Europe at the end of the next decade is comprehensive: it should remain a major destination for investment opportunities that will bring stable quality jobs for the future with a strong industrial ecosystem. Europe should lead in the development of future cleantech markets, where all major countries and businesses are trying to take advantage of market opportunities. Becoming a continent with clean, low-carbon, affordable energy and sustainable food and materials will make it resilient to future crises like the ones currently caused by fossil fuel cuts. By remaining a global leader and trusted partner in the fight against climate change, Europe will simultaneously strengthen its open strategic autonomy and diversify its sustainable global value chains to master its own destiny in a volatile world. (More on eur-lex.europa.eu)