Scientists behind ‘net zero’ concept say nations are getting it wrong

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Japan Times or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The scientists who coined the term "net zero" in 2009 warn that nations are misusing the concept due to flawed carbon accounting
• A new paper reveals that treating all carbon emissions as equal—whether stored in forests or underground—ignores fundamental differences in the carbon cycle
• This miscalculation could undermine efforts to meet climate targets, such as limiting warming to 1.5°C

🔭 The context: Natural processes like forests and oceans absorb past emissions but cannot also offset future fossil fuel emissions
• This double counting has led countries to claim credit for natural absorption while continuing to emit
• The study calls for a shift to "geological net zero," where carbon is permanently stored underground, not just absorbed temporarily by nature

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Misusing natural carbon absorption risks worsening climate change, especially as ecosystems like forests are increasingly unstable due to wildfires and extreme heat
• True "net zero" requires reducing fossil fuel use and permanently storing carbon, rather than relying on nature's finite capacity

⏭️ What's next: Governments must separate natural and industrial carbon ledgers to prevent double counting and set uniform standards for "managed land" 
• Rich nations bear responsibility for funding both carbon sequestration and conservation of natural carbon sinks
• Without reforms, climate targets may be further out of reach

💬 One quote: "Achieving ‘net zero’ no longer means what we meant by it.” – Myles Allen, University of Oxford professor and co-author of the study

📈 One stat: In 2023, the hottest year on record, trees and land absorbed virtually no carbon, highlighting the risks of relying on natural systems

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