1. Mitigation and Adaptation
1.1. Mitigation involves stopping emissions as they happen and preventing them in the first place. This removes the problem, but does not stop impacts of any emissions already in the atmosphere.
1.2. Adaptation involves schemes and inventions designed to cope with the effects of climate change and global warming. This means the original sources of the emissions aren't stopped, but only our lifestyles are adjusted so we can live with it.
2. How to design a net zero product
2.1. 1. set a design brief and a strategy. What about the product will make it net zero?
2.2. 2. concept design. How will I go about making the design eco-friendly and to prevent / offset carbon emissions?
2.3. 3. Measure and reduce carbon usage using life-cycle assessment. analyse each stage of manufacture / component of the product to ensure zero CO2 / waste is produced.
2.4. 4. Manage carbon in making the product. Either offset the carbon or prevent its use in the first place.
2.5. 5. Create a prototype and monitor the product's success in being net zero. Does anything need to be changed before final design is set?
3. Achieving net zero carbon
3.1. reduce energy demand and consumption (e.g. by increasing product efficiency)
3.2. eliminate fossil fuels by researching and funding new methods of energy production
3.3. For companies: provide onsite renewable energy and storage where possible
4. Circular Economy
4.1. product adaptability
4.1.1. building adaptation to prevent demolition or extra building materials
4.1.2. design for adaptability so products can be put to other purposes: this limits waste and reduces need for new materials.
4.2. reuse of materials
4.2.1. metal and other material reuse (in same design or in other manufacturing processes)
4.2.2. demolition processes could be changed to allow for reuse of materials on the same project - or for smaller products
5. Sustainability
5.1. economic
5.1.1. purchasing items from second-hand shops (e.g ebay or charities)
5.1.2. buying from local businesses to support local economy rather than from larger corporations
5.2. social
5.2.1. quality of life, equality and diversity. My product must be accessible to as many people as possible.
5.2.2. identifying and managing impacts, both positive and negative, on people.
5.3. environmental
5.3.1. the responsible mangement of natural resources to fulfil current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
6. Global Net Zero Emissions
6.1. emissions of greenhouse gases by humans, and removal of these greenhouse gases, are in balance over a given period.
6.2. 'emissions' can refer to all greenhouse gases, or just CO2.
7. reaching net zero requires action to reduce emissions.
7.1. e.g. shifting from fossil fuel based energy sources to sustainable ones
7.2. organisations can reduce emissions by buying carbon credits. this involves investing in projects that reduce, avoid or remove emissions elsewhere.
8. net zero has become the main framework for climate action. Many countries and organisations are setting net zero targets to reduce their emissions.
8.1. As of November 2023, 145 countries has announced or are considering net zero targets, covering close to 90% of global emissions.
8.1.1. However, many net zero targets have low credibility despite the increasing number of commitments and targets being made.
8.1.2. 61% of global carbon dioxide emissions are covered by some sort of net zero target but credible targets cover only 7% of emissions.