carbon neutrality
KAR-bun nyoo-TRAL-ih-tee
ˈkɑːrbən njuːˈtrælətiːListen
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Syllable breakdown
Dictionary meaning
a state in which greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are balanced by equivalent removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, resulting in no net addition to atmospheric carbon; achieved through a combination of deep emissions reductions and carbon removal (via forests, direct air capture, or carbon capture and storage); often used interchangeably with 'net zero' but technically carbon neutrality may allow more offsetting
Examples
- The company pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2035 through renewable energy and reforestation.
- Carbon neutrality claims must be scrutinized — the devil is in the quality of the offsets.
Synonyms: net zero carbon, carbon balance, climate neutral
Pronunciation tips
The 'tr' cluster in 'neutrality' can trip people up. Break it: neu-TRAL-ih-tee. Do not confuse with 'net zero' — net zero usually refers to all greenhouse gases, not just CO2.
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