The UK along with 109 other countries have committed to net zero by 2050. This was agreed in 2015 at COP21 in Paris to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius. But what is net zero and can it be achieved?
At present, there is no commonly agreed definition of what net zero is, which greenhouse gases it includes or the methods to which it has been determined (Take a look at our last blog for more on this). ‘Net zero’ refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. Net zero is reached when the amount we add is no more than the amount taken away over a defined period. So, greenhouse gas emissions will continue but we will actively manage and reduce the amount that we produce. A key way that this can be achieved is by switching to using clean energy. This would replace burning fossil fuels for our energy with renewable alternatives instead – such as wind or solar. This is a cleaner method as clean energy sources don’t release air pollutants such as CO2. Renewable energy is growing rapidly and in many cases is now cheaper than using fossil fuels.
Another method to reduce greenhouse gas production is by adapting the way we eat. Food waste is a particularly prevalent issue with 3.6million tonnes being wasted every year and over 2 million tonnes of that are still edible. By wasting food we are wasting the sources that are connected to its production, transport, and packaging such as fuel, land, labour, energy and water. Moreover, when this food goes to landfill, it produces the greenhouse gas methane as it rots. To avoid excess food waste there are a few things you can do. Firstly, ensure food is stored properly in the fridge/cupboard and put extras in the freezer to last longer. Also, meal prepping and creating a shopping list is a great way to prevent over-buying and can save you money too! Finally, acknowledge your use-by dates and think twice before throwing food away. By reducing waste, you are contributing towards net zero by decreasing unnecessary GHG production of food that is not being eaten and will be avoiding the GHG produced in landfill.
Our transport is another contributor towards our CO2 emissions. Covid has sparked a cutback on commuting and an increase in electronic communications. This has made positive changes in terms of vehicle-based emissions but as office spaces open back up and face-to-face meetings have to take place, new plans need to be created to continue these environmental changes. One of the ways this could be done is by encouraging a wider audience to use public transport by making it more accessible, especially around cities. As an individual action, using public transport or walking/cycling wherever possible are great ways to reduce your own carbon footprint and contribute towards the net zero 2050 goals.
The UK electricity system loses £9.5 billion a year on wasted energy, most of which is through heat. We need to be more efficient with our energy usage. At District Eating that is exactly what we want to achieve. We are contributing to achieving net zero by firstly, reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that would be released into the atmosphere. We use waste heat and CO2 and channel it into our greenhouses, keeping them warm all year round. Not only is this reducing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, but it provides an ideal environment to grow all year round. The plants we grow in our greenhouses will also be a great contribution towards achieving net zero. As plants absorb CO2, they can also help remove some of the greenhouse gases produced by our source of waste heat. Moreover, this is a reliable source of CO2 removal as our plants will be able to grow in a greenhouse that has a controlled environment, rather than being weather dependent.
Net Zero, although a challenge to achieve, could make the difference that protects our planet. For now, we can start by doing smaller things, cycling or walking instead of driving, meal prepping to avoid food waste and investing in projects that provide solutions to waste heat and CO2 emissions.
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