The countries that have reached net zero emissions

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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on World Economic Forum blog or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Seven countries have already achieved net-zero emissions, balancing greenhouse gases emitted with those absorbed, largely thanks to vast forests or minimal industrial activity

🔭 The context: These countries include Bhutan, Suriname, Panama, Gabon, Madagascar, Niue, and Comoros
• Many rely on extensive forest coverage or low emissions profiles, rather than large-scale industrial decarbonisation seen in developed economies

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: These nations highlight the critical role of natural carbon sinks like forests in stabilising the climate
• However, their success also underscores a gap: major emitters must still drastically cut emissions, as net zero driven by low output alone is not scalable globally

⏭️ What’s next: Protecting forests and ecosystems in these countries will most likely be essential to maintain progress
• Global climate effortsmay increasingly focus on combining emissions reductions with nature-based solutions

💬 One quote: “One country has 72% forest cover, with its trees absorbing millions of tonnes of CO₂ each year.” — Visual Capitalist

📈 One stat: Bhutan absorbs around 9 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, far exceeding its emissions

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