Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The escalating threat of climate change necessitates global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A key concept in this endeavor is ‘carbon neutrality’, which refers to achieving a net-zero carbon footprint – balancing anthropogenic carbon emissions with carbon removal. While many nations have pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century, some are already ‘carbon positive’ (removing more carbon than they emit) and others remain ‘carbon negative’ (emitting more than they remove). Understanding the strategies employed by these nations provides valuable insights into the feasibility and pathways towards a sustainable future. The recent IPCC reports (AR6, 2022) emphasize the urgency of achieving net-zero emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Understanding Carbon Neutrality, Positivity & Negativity
Carbon Neutrality: This signifies a state where a country’s emissions are balanced by an equivalent amount of carbon removal. This can be achieved through a combination of emission reductions and carbon offsetting mechanisms like afforestation, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and direct air capture (DAC). It doesn’t necessarily mean zero emissions, but net-zero emissions.
Carbon Positive: A nation is considered carbon positive when it removes more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits. This is typically achieved through extensive natural carbon sinks like forests and peatlands, coupled with sustainable land management practices.
Carbon Negative: Conversely, a carbon-negative nation emits more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than it removes. Most nations currently fall into this category, relying on fossil fuels for energy and industrial processes.
Measures Taken by Carbon Positive Nations
Currently, only a handful of countries can be definitively classified as carbon positive. Bhutan is a prime example.
- Bhutan: Bhutan is famously carbon negative, absorbing more carbon dioxide than it emits. This is largely due to its constitutional mandate to maintain at least 60% forest cover (currently over 70%). The country’s reliance on hydropower for electricity generation also contributes significantly. Bhutan’s commitment extends to remaining carbon neutral for all time.
- Suriname: With over 98% forest cover, Suriname also functions as a significant carbon sink. Sustainable forestry practices and limited industrialization contribute to its carbon-positive status.
These nations primarily rely on preserving and expanding their natural carbon sinks rather than technological solutions.
Measures Taken by Carbon Negative Nations (Towards Neutrality)
Most nations are actively pursuing strategies to transition from carbon negativity to neutrality. These strategies can be broadly categorized as follows:
1. Emission Reduction Strategies
- Renewable Energy Transition: Countries like Germany (Energiewende policy) and Denmark are heavily investing in wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Energy Efficiency Measures: Implementing stricter building codes, promoting energy-efficient appliances, and investing in public transportation are crucial. The European Union’s ‘Fit for 55’ package aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
- Carbon Pricing Mechanisms: Implementing carbon taxes (e.g., Sweden) or cap-and-trade systems (e.g., EU Emissions Trading System - EU ETS) incentivizes emission reductions.
- Decarbonizing Transportation: Promoting electric vehicles (EVs) through subsidies and infrastructure development (e.g., Norway, leading EV adoption rate) and investing in sustainable public transport.
2. Carbon Removal Strategies
- Afforestation and Reforestation: Large-scale tree planting initiatives (e.g., the Bonn Challenge) aim to restore degraded forests and create new carbon sinks.
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Capturing CO2 emissions from industrial sources and storing them underground (e.g., Norway’s Longship project).
- Direct Air Capture (DAC): Removing CO2 directly from the atmosphere (still in early stages of development, but gaining traction).
- Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS): Utilizing biomass for energy generation and capturing the resulting CO2 emissions.
3. Policy and International Cooperation
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Under the Paris Agreement (2015), countries submit NDCs outlining their emission reduction targets.
- International Climate Finance: Developed countries have pledged to mobilize $100 billion per year to support climate action in developing countries.
- Technological Collaboration: Sharing best practices and technologies to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Comparative Table of National Approaches
| Nation | Status | Key Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Bhutan | Carbon Positive | Constitutional mandate for 60% forest cover, Hydropower reliance |
| Germany | Carbon Negative (transitioning) | Energiewende policy, Renewable energy investment, EU ETS participation |
| Sweden | Carbon Negative (transitioning) | Carbon tax, Renewable energy investment, Energy efficiency measures |
| Norway | Carbon Negative (transitioning) | Hydropower reliance, EV adoption incentives, CCS projects (Longship) |
Conclusion
Achieving carbon neutrality is a complex undertaking requiring a multifaceted approach. While carbon-positive nations offer a valuable model based on natural carbon sinks, most countries must rely on a combination of emission reductions and carbon removal technologies. International cooperation, robust policy frameworks, and sustained investment are crucial for accelerating the transition to a low-carbon future. The success of these efforts will ultimately determine the extent to which we can mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a sustainable planet for future generations.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.