Net Zero
A state in which the greenhouse gases an entity emits are balanced by an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere.
Definition
Net zero refers to a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by an activity, organization, or country, and the amount removed from the atmosphere over the same period, resulting in no net increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases. It does not require emitting zero greenhouse gases -- it requires balancing remaining emissions with removals, typically achieved by cutting the vast majority of emissions first and offsetting the small remainder through carbon capture or restoration projects.
Many countries and companies have adopted net zero targets, usually for a target year several decades out, as the framework for their long-term climate strategy.
In Practice
A company that cuts 95% of its emissions through renewable energy and efficiency, then offsets the remaining 5% through verified forest restoration projects, has achieved net zero.