Why achieving net zero emissions is not so easy

Introduction

In recent years, people have talked a lot about achieving "net zero" greenhouse gas emissions as a way to combat climate change. Net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. Achieving net zero means that a company, organization, or even a country is not adding more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere than it is taking away, typically through measures like carbon offsetting or reducing emissions. It's a critical goal in addressing climate change and involves transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and implementing carbon capture and removal technologies to minimize the impact of human activities on the climate. It's a good goal, but it's important to know that getting there is not simple. This article explains why achieving net zero emissions is not so easy and technically complex.

Why net zero is not so easy

Net zero is specifically aiming on phasing out of fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal. However we do not understand that it is technically complex as renewal energy industry also using carbon based products in their businesses.

Steel Production: Carbon is a fundamental element in the production of steel, which is one of the most widely used metals globally. In the basic oxygen and electric arc furnace processes, carbon is used as a reducing agent to remove oxygen from iron ore, resulting in the formation of molten iron. Controlled amounts of carbon are then added to create various types of steel with different properties.

Alloying: Carbon is a common alloying element in steel and cast iron. By varying the carbon content, manufacturers can tailor the properties of the metal, including its strength, hardness, and ductility. Low-carbon steels are more ductile and easily weldable, while high-carbon steels are harder and more suitable for cutting tools.

Graphite Production: Carbon is used in the production of graphite, a key material in the manufacturing of electrodes for electric arc furnaces. Graphite's high melting point, electrical conductivity, and resistance to chemical corrosion make it ideal for this application.

Reducing Agents: Carbonaceous materials, such as coke or charcoal, are used as reducing agents in the extraction of metals from their ores in processes like smelting and the production of non-ferrous metals. These materials react with oxygen and other impurities, leaving behind the desired metal.

Slow research and development

Major problem is slow pace in the field of research and development. Research and development is a capital intensive field. The majority of companies follow simple earning business model and avoid investment in R & D till they forced to invest due to various business factors.

Problems with technology

One big problem is that we don't have all the right technologies for every part of our economy. Some industries like factories, airplanes, and farming don't have good low-carbon alternatives. To reach net zero emissions in these areas, we need new technologies, and making those takes time and money.

Capital requirements

Switching to a net-zero emissions system means spending a lot of money on new technologies and changes. This can be hard to do because it's expensive, and it also can be a political issue with different groups disagreeing on what to do. Reaching net zero emissions also means changing the way we live and do things. People need to use less, live more sustainably, and travel differently. These changes can be tough to make because people are used to their old ways.

Questions about carbon offsets

Carbon offsetting, where we balance emissions in one place by removing carbon in another, is talked about a lot. But it has issues too. Depending too much on offset projects can lead to problems and might not really reduce emissions. Some ways of removing carbon, like trying big-scale experiments, can have unintended effects on the environment. Using unproven or risky technologies can create more problems.

Conclusions

While the idea of reaching net zero emissions is a good one, it's not as easy as it sounds. There are lots of challenges and things we don't know yet. But that doesn't mean we should stop trying to reduce emissions and make our world more sustainable. Even if we can't achieve net zero right away, we can still work to fight climate change in other ways. It's important to use a mix of strategies to tackle this big problem.

To reach net zero emissions worldwide, every country needs to work together. This is hard because not all countries want to commit to big targets. Without global cooperation, progress can be slow.