Net zero explained

Net zero by 2050

The NSW Government has committed to net zero by 2050 and has a plan to get there. Here's what that means for you.

Illustration representing community moving towards net zero

Net zero doesn't mean zero

Net zero means avoiding emissions from activities like burning fossil fuels by investing in renewable energy. It also means balancing those emissions we can't avoid with positive actions like planting more trees. We need to reach the point where climate pollution going into the atmosphere is balanced by removal out of the atmosphere, meaning our impact is neutral or 'net zero'.

If we get it right, net zero means new jobs, reliable, affordable, clean energy, more comfortable homes, healthier living and green spaces.

Our net zero commitment

The NSW Government has set our emissions reduction targets in law through the Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023. Together with the Net Zero Plan, it provides the framework that will help us reach net zero by 2050.

This framework provides clear emissions reduction targets. Meeting these targets is both a challenge and an opportunity to set our state up for a safe and prosperous future.

That's why we're currently developing a new net zero plan to accelerate the pace to ensure we reach net zero. The new plan will outline ambitious climate action to ensure we achieve our 2030 and 2035 emissions reduction targets and reach net zero by 2050.

Net Zero Plan and the NSW economy

Over the last 30 years the NSW economy has grown by about 2.4% a year, while emissions have continually fallen. This shows that our economy can thrive without increasing emissions.

Our Net Zero Plan will continue to balance the impacts and interests of the people of NSW with economic growth and prosperity — all while meeting our net zero targets.

Net Zero Future Act

It’s the NSW Government’s responsibility to help us all take action against climate change and protect our homes. That’s why we've legislated whole-of-economy climate action in the Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023.

This legislation commits us to effective action on climate change. Action that will ensure a sustainable and fair future for the people, economy and environment of NSW.

How we compare to the rest of the world

114.5 million tonnes

of CO₂e produced by NSW in 2023.

That's less than one per cent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. But, it's a different picture when you look at how much we produce as individuals.

13.7 tonnes

of CO₂e produced per person in NSW in 2023.

That places us right up with the United States as the highest per capita emissions producers among developed regions (OECD countries).

4.7 tonnes

CO₂e produced per person in the world.

We're producing fewer emissions as our energy transition progresses, but it's still much higher than the world average.

CO₂e means carbon dioxide equivalent.

The net zero language

What’s the difference between net zero and zero emissions?

Net zero refers to the balance between the emissions produced and the emissions that can be removed from the atmosphere. Zero emissions means producing no emissions at all.

What’s the difference between carbon neutral and net zero?

Carbon neutral refers to the balance between carbon emissions produced and carbon emissions that can be removed from the atmosphere or offset. In comparison, net zero refers the balance of all greenhouse gases.

What’s the difference between climate positive and carbon negative?

Both climate positive and carbon negative refer to removing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or storing more carbon than you emit. While net zero aims to stop the build-up of more emissions, climate positive (or carbon negative) aims to actively reduce the amount already in the atmosphere.

What’s the difference between carbon offsets and carbon sequestration?

Carbon offsets are a financial investment by individuals or businesses to make up for the emissions they produce. They are generated by activities that avoid, reduce or remove emissions. Carbon sequestration is one example of these activities. Carbon sequestration is the storing of carbon in vegetation, soils and oceans, effectively locking the carbon away, out of the atmosphere.

What’s the difference between climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation?

Climate change mitigation means avoiding and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Climate change adaptation means adapting to the impacts of climate change that we are already facing, such as reducing the impact of severe fires or floods.

Offsetting emissions - the other side of the net zero equation

The emissions we produce every day can be offset by removing gases already in the atmosphere. We remove emissions from the atmosphere by storing them under the ground, the sea or in nature. We’re also looking at new technologies that can remove emissions, such as concrete that stores carbon in building materials.

We can't turn back time, but by reaching net zero we can limit further impacts of climate change.

Protecting nature

Climate change and biodiversity emergencies present enormous risks to reaching our net zero goals. The destruction of natural ecosystems is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change is already a major driver of nature loss. We’re working with nature to increase competitiveness, drive innovation and restore the climate balance.

Nature positive

Nature plays an integral role in the transition to net zero.

Along with the other wonderful things natural systems do for us, they’re nature’s carbon stores. Maximising biomass in forests, wetlands, mangroves, marine seagrass and soil restores ecosystems while removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

While planting more trees can’t solve all our problems, we must protect nature, and encourage responsible land management and carbon farming on both land and sea. This way we can harness nature’s ability to reduce emissions in the atmosphere.

Woman planting a native tree with colleagues in the background

Carbon farming

Read how we're helping farmers and primary producers benefit from carbon projects through enhanced biodiversity, increased productivity, increased community resilience and Aboriginal cultural co-benefits.

Carbon for Aboriginal landholders

Read how we’re creating opportunities to heal Country through carbon farming, helping protect cultural heritage and providing economic opportunities.

Blue carbon

Read how we’re working towards our net zero goals while restoring coastal and marine biodiversity and ecosystems as part of the NSW Blue Carbon Strategy 2022-2027.

National parks

Read how NSW national parks protect carbon stocks and create opportunities for carbon sequestration while they halt and reverse biodiversity loss and protect ecosystems.

Biodiversity Conservation Trust

Biodiversity plays a key role in balancing atmospheric gases such as carbon. The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust partners with landholders to connect, protect and enhance biodiversity across NSW.

Saving our Species

See how Saving our Species is using science and research to secure the future of threatened species.

We need to reduce emissions to reach our net zero goals

We all play a part in reducing emissions and with your help, we’re one step closer to reach net zero goals by 2050.

By understanding where greenhouse gases come from and which emissions we produce on a daily basis, you can take action and make the decisions that will determine the way we live now and in the future.