Table of Contents
Net Zero?
Net zero is a balance between CO2 emissions in the atmosphere, from sources within the fossil fuel industry and removals such as carbon capture. Also known as Carbon Neutral, this concept involves not only curbing emissions from emission sources but also employing innovative methods to restore equilibrium.
In order to understand the road to net zero it is important to first understand the climate science that sits behind it.
Climate Change
Climate change is defined as the large-scale long-term shift in the Earth’s weather patterns and average temperatures. It encompasses systematic changes within the climate system that are triggered by external forces, such as volcanic eruptions or shifts in land use. The Greenhouse Effect maintains a natural equilibrium of greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane in the atmosphere, and is integral to this delicate balance. Unfortunately, this equilibrium is now under threat as rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap heat, contributing to a stark increase of global temperatures.
The leading forcing agent for climate change of the past century has been anthropogenic (human) factors. These factors are lead by the fossil fuelled parts of the power industry as seen in the pie chart.
Before the industrial revolution, the world’s dependence on fossil fuels was at a minimum. Since then, these factors have caused a 1.1°C temperature increase which is likely to reach 1.5°C by 2040. The IPCC 21/22 shows that the past 6 decades have seen a sharp increase in CO2 emissions, from 315ppm in 1959 to 307ppm in 1970 and 420ppm in 2022. (Greenhouse gas concentrations are measured in parts per million (ppm); which is a way of expressing dilute concentrations of substances. One part is equivalent to one milligram of something per litre of water).
Impacts of Climate Change
So, How Are We Responding?
There are two main responses to climate change, adaptation, and mitigation. Adaptation looks to address the impacts of climate change whereas mitigation looks to address the causes. Adaptation is something that will evolve with us. As we grow and change, the Earth will do the same, and so we will change together.
There are many adjustments to ecological, social, or economic systems that will be needed to respond to actual or expected climate stimuli and their affects/ impacts.
There are also lots of mitigation strategies already being looked at, these include:
- Alternative, low carbon energy sources (Wind, Solar, Hydro, Nuclear).
- Carbon capture and storage (Afforestation).
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International Agreements (Paris agreement).
The Role of Nuclear
As of 2022, the World Nuclear Association (WNA) reported 437 operational nuclear reactors for electricity generation in 32 countries, with an additional 60 reactors under construction across 18 countries. Together, nuclear power accounted for approximately 10% of the world’s electricity in 2021. In the UK, 9 operational reactors across 6 plants generated 15% of the country’s electricity in the same year.
Nuclear power boasts a minimal carbon footprint, ranging from 15 to 50 grams of CO2 per kilowatt-hour. In contrast, gas-powered reactors average around 450 gCO2/KWh, and coal-fired ones emit approximately 1,050 gCO2/KWh. This low carbon footprint positions nuclear power as a significant contributor to global decarbonization, currently providing 30% of the world’s low-carbon electricity, ranking second only to hydroelectric power. For more information on the benefits of nuclear, check out our page on nuclear vs other sources!
Explore Further
Choose from the articles below to continue learning about nuclear.
Did you know? Explore Nuclear also offers great careers information and learning resources.
Below you can find references to the information and images used on this page.
Content References
- What is Net Zero? What is the Role of Nuclear Power and Innovations? | IAEA
- NetZero Nuclear | The essential role of nuclear energy in achieving Net Zero – NetZero_Nuclear
- Nuclear energy for net zero – Dalton Nuclear Institute – The University of Manchester
- Temperature Data – Peak CO2 & Heat-trapping Emissions
- CO2 Emissions of Past Decades – The Keeling Curve
- London School of Economics – What is the role of nuclear in the energy mix and in reducing green house gas emissions?
- Harnessing nuclear power for sustainable electricity generation and achieving zero emissions – Mohamed Khaleel, Ziyodulla Yusupov, Sassi Rekik, Heybet Kılıç, Yasser F. Nassar, Hala J. El-Khozondar, Abdussalam Ali Ahmed, 2025
Image References
- Graph – Data from climate risk course.
- Carousel Images –
- Habitat Loss Photo by Matt Palmer on Unsplash
- Air Pollution Photo by Amir Hosseini on Unsplash
- Water Pollution Photo by Naja Bertolt Jensen on Unsplash
- Thermometer Photo by Jarosław Kwoczała on Unsplash
- Flood Photo by Phillip Flores on Unsplash
- Weather Photo by NASA on Unsplash
- Map Photo by Andrew Stutesman on Unsplash
- Water Photo by mrjn Photography on Unsplash
- Illistration of energy mix – Bing Image Creator
