What is carbon neutrality?

• Carbon neutrality is the equivalent of a net result of zero emissions. It means the sum of all the greenhouse gases that we put into and take out of the atmosphere should balance out to zero. 
• Achieving carbon neutrality is done by using renewable energy, growing more trees, minimising the current use of fossil fuels and also by purchasing carbon credits.
• Achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 is the goal under Paris Climate Agreement 2015.
• Achieving carbon neutrality helps to cope up with global warming and reduce the effects of climate change.

Why in the news?

• China at the UN General Assembly has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2060. 
• China has called for the GREEN FOCUS post COVID-19 crisis through which all countries can achieve the Paris agreement commitments. 
• China is presently the top greenhouse gases emitter whose emissions are equal to quarter of the total global emissions. The US is next in the chart but it has pulled out of the Paris Agreement. 
• China at the UN assembly blamed the US for disrupting the path of the world tackling global emissions.

Reference:

1. https://www.eco-business.com/news/explainer-what-is-carbon-neutrality-and-can-it-really-be-achieved/
2. https://www.theelders.org/news/what-carbon-neutrality-%E2%80%93-and-how-can-we-achieve-it-2050
3. https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-vows-to-go-carbon-neutral-by-2060/article32680241.ece