Net Zero - What does it mean to you and your business?

Since COP26 back in November, we have all heard the phrase Net-Zero again and again. But what exactly does it mean and how does it affect you and your business? 

Net-Zero is a phrase used to describe Carbon Neutrality, which is the aim of not adding to the greenhouse gases that are currently in our atmosphere. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide and methane which are commonly released into the atmosphere in specific sectors including farming and transport among many others. 

It was revealed last year that the Scottish Parliament aims to be Net-Zero by 2045. While it's still a sizeable number of years away it is still important for you and your business to take action as the community around us begins to evolve to reach this goal.  

So far Scotland have halved the carbon emission levels that were reached in 1990 and have planted over 44 million trees in the past two years! They plan on focusing on heating and transport next as these are some of the top contributors of carbon emissions and improve and adapt these sectors to ensure they are greener and planet conscious.  

In more local moves, Dundee has announced phase two of the Eden project, a revamping of the old abandoned gas structures into a thriving utopia of native and exotic plants and flowers. Dundee also has projects such as Circular Tayside which focuses on supporting businesses to utilise the circular economy to reduce material waste and instead to reuse, recycle, repair and refurbish to extend the life cycle of a product and get more value from them whilst also helping the planet.  

More than 130 countries around the world are already making moves to reach Net-Zero and help stop the impact of Climate Change, with a large majority aiming to reach this by 2050. Some countries such as the Republic of Suriname and Bhutan have already reached Net-Zero and are actually carbon negative.  

There are many global projects that are helping climate change such as #teamtrees and #teamseas, two social media campaigns that got influencers and internet personalities promoting, donating, and even participating in cleaning rubbish from the ocean and planting trees. 

But what is the point of all this I hear you ask?

With Net-zero in place, the aim is to slowly reduce climate change and global warming. Thus, protecting the earth from the devastating and irreversible damage that will result if we don't do anything to reduce climate change. 

But what can I do to help?

As Earth Hour is approaching, come join us on the 24th of March at 37 City Quay with Dundee City Council, Circular Tayside, and Zero-Waste Scotland as we explore how we can help make an impact on the mission to Net-Zero along with case studies and advice to help your business become Net-Zero and greener.  

Book your place over on the website 

Written by Beth Millar, Digital Assistant, Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce

Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce

As the leading business membership organisation in Dundee & Angus and part of the worldwide long-established Chamber of Commerce brand, we help local businesses to connect, communicate and develop for business benefit.

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