Why ‘Carbon Neutral’ Is the New Climate Change Mantra

The industrialized world has been spewing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases faster than they can be contained for centuries. Climate change, and growing popular frustration about the inadequate response, is pushing countries to take action, or at least say they will. Becoming carbon neutral -- also known as climate-neutral or net zero -- is now a legal requirement in some countries, while European authorities are adopting legislation to become the first net zero continent. Even oil companies are getting in on the act.

It means cutting emissions to the very limit and compensating for what can’t be eliminated. Countries, for example, can spur the use of cleaner vehicles, transition their economies away from carbon-intensive heavy manufacturing and switch to greener sources of electricity such as wind and solar. Companies can adjust their practices, so a data center operator might switch to renewable power or an airline might purchase carbon offset credits.