The greenhouse gases targeted for reduction by the 'Kyoto Protocol,' adopted in 1997, include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)—a total of six types. Since carbon dioxide constitutes more than 80% of all greenhouse gases among these six, the emissions of the remaining five types are also converted into carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) for comparison. As such, carbon dioxide is often used as a general term for greenhouse gases, and the element of greenhouse gases that exists in the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide is referred to as ‘carbon’. For this reason, the act of eliminating greenhouse gases is called ‘carbon neutrality.’

Carbon neutrality, as promised by the world through the Paris Agreement on Climate Change,

Countless large-scale climate disasters have threatened humanity, including a heat wave in Canada that killed more than 700 people in just one week, and heavy rain in Western Europe that resulted in over 240 fatalities. The world is taking serious steps to reduce greenhouse gases in response to the imminent threat of climate disaster, not just future risks. The Paris Agreement on Climate Change, adopted at the 21st United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties held in Paris, France in 2015, has been in effect since 2021.

Unlike the ‘Kyoto Protocol,’ which was in effect from 2005 to 2020 and specified greenhouse gas reduction obligations only for developed countries, the Paris Agreement is the first global climate agreement that all 195 parties are required to comply with. It recommends efforts to limit the increase in global average temperature to ‘well below 2°C’ compared to pre-industrial levels by 2100, and aims for further reduction to 1.5°C or less. According to the Paris Agreement, the parties must regularly review their implementation status and progress and submit enhanced reduction targets every five years.

Limiting temperature rise: why 1.5°C?

Discussions about the goal of limiting the increase in global average temperature have continued since the adoption of the Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992. EU countries have been advocating for a limit of 2°C since the mid-1990s. This target was formalized with the adoption of the Cancun Agreement in 2010, and a new goal of 1.5°C was set in the Paris Agreement.

Why did the Paris Agreement set the goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C? This decision was based on the Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C, approved by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2018 after intense discussions.

One might wonder if a 0.5°C difference would significantly impact climate outcomes, but the consequences of such a small change are substantial. For instance, a rise of 1.5°C is predicted to increase sea levels by 26 to 77 cm, while a 2°C rise could lead to a 36 to 87 cm increase. This 10 cm difference could protect the homes of about 10 million people. Additionally, the population suffering from water shortages could be reduced by more than 50%, and 30% of coral reefs, which would otherwise be destroyed, could be preserved. Aiming for 1.5°C is not just a recommendation or a choice; it is a necessity for human survival.

Global challenge: 2050 carbon neutrality

To limit the increase in global average temperature to below 1.5°C by 2100, as targeted by the Paris Agreement, global carbon emissions must be reduced by at least 45% compared to 2010 levels by 2030, and carbon neutrality must be achieved by 2050.

Accordingly, countries around the world are committing to '2050 carbon neutrality' to mitigate the acceleration of climate change. Finland has legislated or declared its intention to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035, Sweden by 2045, and the UK, France, Denmark, New Zealand, Canada, and Japan by 2050. The United States, the world's second-largest greenhouse gas emitter, which once withdrew from the Paris Agreement, is also participating in the 2050 carbon neutrality plan after rejoining in 2021. China, the world's largest emitter, aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

Meanwhile, after announcing 2050 carbon neutrality in the President's 2020 National Assembly speech, Korea launched the '2050 Carbon Neutrality Committee (currently '2050 Carbon Neutral Green Growth Committee'), the world's first committee with a goal of carbon neutrality by 2021. A 2050 carbon neutral scenario is being prepared and related laws and policies are being established and implemented. Carbon neutrality is the only way for humanity to confront climate disaster, and it is time for all of us to make efforts to achieve it.

Discuss how individuals can contribute to sustainability, such as reducing waste, supporting renewable energy, and advocating for environmental policies.

Discuss how individuals can contribute to sustainability, such as reducing waste, supporting renewable energy, and advocating for environmental policies.

Discuss how individuals can contribute to sustainability, such as reducing waste, supporting renewable energy, and advocating for environmental policies.

Since greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to Scope 1 are greenhouse gas emissions caused by activities that the organization can directly control, greenhouse gas emissions reduction can also be achieved through direct activities. Key activities include:

Improving energy efficiency - By upgrading process equipment and processes to more energy-efficient technologies or introducing a cogeneration system, waste heat generated in the process can be used as an additional energy source.

Switch to low-carbon fuels - You can reduce your dependence on fossil fuels by using renewable energy sources such as natural gas, biogas, solar energy, or wind power instead of fossil fuels such as coal and oil.

Process Optimization - Change process temperature, pressure or feedstock, improve control systems, or implement more efficient waste disposal processes.

In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to Scope 2, it is important to change the energy source used by the organization to one that comes from low-carbon technology. Examples include the following activities:

Renewable energy generation - By supplying power through new and renewable energy within the workplace, dependence on power supplied from the existing power grid can be reduced.

Purchasing eco-friendly power - You can purchase a renewable energy certificate (REC) or sign a power purchase agreement (PPA).

In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to Scope 2, it is important to change the energy source used by the organization to one that comes from low-carbon technology. Examples include the following activities:

Renewable energy generation - By supplying power through new and renewable energy within the workplace, dependence on power supplied from the existing power grid can be reduced.

Purchasing eco-friendly power - You can purchase a renewable energy certificate (REC) or sign a power purchase agreement (PPA).