Do net zero and zero carbon mean the same thing?

Do net zero and zero carbon mean the same thing?

No, net zero and zero carbon are not the same thing. Net zero is equalizing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere to the amount of greenhouse gases withdrawn from the atmosphere. Zero carbon means emitting no greenhouse gases at all.

Net zero is a path to zero carbon. To achieve net zero, greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced. To reach zero carbon, greenhouse gas emissions must be eliminated.

Net zero and zero carbon are important goals in the fight against climate change. In order to achieve these goals, we all need to make individual and institutional efforts.