What Is Net Zero?
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Provided by: TED|Published on: September 16, 2022
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This short video defines the term net zero in relation to greenhouse gas emissions.
- It describes how stopping all greenhouse gas emissions is a climate change solution, but that it may not be feasible in the near term.
- Instead, a net zero goal would aim for every greenhouse gas emission to be matched with an equal or greater removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
Subjects: Social Studies, Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences, Engineering
Authors: Kristen Bell, Giant Ant
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This video is very brief but effectively explains the concept of net zero in climate science.
- This video would serve as a great introduction to a lesson in exploring carbon capture and storage technology.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should be familiar with the concept that greenhouse gas emissions cause climate change.
- Students should be familiar with the concepts of greenhouse gas emission sources, how much we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to reaching net zero, and the natural systems that lock away carbon, such as forests, mangroves, seagrasses, the oceans, and large mammals.
Differentiation
- Before showing this video it may be helpful to lead a discussion to assess whether students are familiar with strategies for combatting climate change. Have them explore this solutions table that can be sorted by clicking on the columns at the top.
- To help learners understand the concept of net zero or connect it to an economics class, it may be helpful to relate it to net pay on a paycheck or other analogies that use the term "net."
- Have students explore the actions we could take to get to net zero by using this climate model or see the effects of various climate predictions using this other climate model.
- To further explore the topic, have students check out What Does "Net Zero" Really Mean and How Much Clean Electricity Do We Really Need?
The video highlights the benefits of net zero and the need for economies in transition, developing and developed economies, to foster net zero strategies. The resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
