What's the difference between net-zero and carbon neutral?

Is there a difference between net-zero and carbon neutral?  Yes.

Although the terms “net-zero” and “carbon neutral” both refer to the balance of emitted GHGs with avoided or removed emissions, the distinguishing factor between the two claims hinges on compensated emissions (aka offsets). A business can claim carbon neutrality by measuring its emissions and then offsetting the balance through financed projects outside of its value chain, without actually reducing its own emissions.

Net-zero, on the other hand, does not permit financed emissions, which compels companies to reduce value chain emissions. Although similar in theory to carbon neutrality, net-zero emissions refers to all greenhouse gas emissions, not just carbon.

But the distinction goes further…

Read all about it here:

[omaralmamlouk]

Great, thanks for the detailed explanation, Alyssa!

[kashmira]

what is the difference between climate neutrality and net zero?