what is “net” zero emissions? I understand the concept of gross vs net, just not in this instance.

Question

what is “net” zero emissions? I understand the concept of gross vs net, just not in this instance.

In: Earth Science

Answer 1

Some things emit pollution. The amount of pollution they emit can be reduced. In theory it might be reduced to zero, but in practice it probably cannot.

But pollutants can also be pulled from the atmosphere.

So net zero emissions is when the total emissions is zero. Which might be zero emissions or it might be some emissions canceled by some pulling of pollutants from the atmosphere.