What does net zero emissions actually mean?

Let's start with the problem.

Climate change is being triggered by an excess of greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide and methane) in the Earth's atmosphere.

These gases trap the heat from the Sun, which warms our planet at a faster rate than would otherwise be occurring.

A warmer planet means polar ice melts, contributing to rising sea levels.

Now, think of a bath.

When you turn on the tap, water is added to the bath. When you pull the plug out, water flows out. How do you keep the water at the same level?

You have to make sure that what you put in to the bath (via the tap) is balanced with how fast the water goes out through the plug.

Net zero emissions means adding no greenhouse gases overall to the atmosphere through reducing activities that lead to carbon emissions.

The important word? "Net" - this means overall. If you earn $100, and spend $100, your 'net' position is 0.

Therefore, reaching 'net zero emissions' doesn't necessarily mean not emitting any carbon dioxide - it just means balancing it out so that the 'net' position is 0.

Here's another way to think about it: if Australia reaches net zero emissions, this means our business operations and human activity are in balance with our environment.