Net zero is achieved when human induced greenhouse gas emissions are balanced by their removal from the atmosphere by humans.

Achieving net zero emissions is essential to limit the impacts of climate change. The goals of the Paris Agreement to keep global warming below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C require reaching net zero as soon as possible. Once net zero is reached, global mean surface temperature will likely stabilise. However, more substantial cooling of the planet can be accomplished by striving for net negative emissions, which will reduce climate risks further.

This briefing note outlines: 

• What is net zero
• Australia’s commitment to net zero
• What happens to the climate after net zero?
• Climate extremes after net zero
• Net negative emissions reduces climate risks