Carbon neutrality

Carbon neutrality, or having a net zero carbon footprint, refers to achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing carbon emissions with carbon removal (often through carbon offsetting) or simply eliminating carbon emissions altogether (the transition to a 'post-carbon economy'). It is used in the context of carbon dioxide-releasing processes associated with transportation, energy production, agriculture and industrial processes. Carbon-neutral status can be achieved in two ways: Carbon neutrality, or having a net zero carbon footprint, refers to achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing carbon emissions with carbon removal (often through carbon offsetting) or simply eliminating carbon emissions altogether (the transition to a 'post-carbon economy'). It is used in the context of carbon dioxide-releasing processes associated with transportation, energy production, agriculture and industrial processes. Carbon-neutral status can be achieved in two ways: The concept may be extended to include other greenhouse gases (GHGs) measured in terms of their carbon dioxide equivalence. The phrase was the New Oxford American Dictionary's Word of the Year for 2006. The term climate neutral reflects the broader inclusiveness of other greenhouse gases in climate change, even if CO2 is the most abundant. The terms are used interchangeably throughout this article.