Carbon neutrality, also known as“net zero emissions“, is a global objective that aims to reduce and offset greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through eco-responsible measures. In Canada, numerous commitments have been made to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Let’s find out more about this concept, the issues involved and the solutions that DroneXperts hopes to make available in the fight against GHGs.
Understanding carbon neutrality
What is carbon neutrality? Concept definition
Carbon neutrality refers to a state in which the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of an entity, such as a company, a city, a country or even an individual, are accompanied by actions aimed at balancing or reducing their total emissions. The ultimate goal of carbon neutrality is to maintain a zero overall carbon footprint, i.e. the amount of CO2 emitted is offset by emission reduction measures or carbon capture and storage activities.
To achieve carbon neutrality, organizations can implement various strategies, such as adopting cleaner technologies, increasing energy efficiency, using renewable energy sources and participating in carbon offset projects, such as tree planting. The overall aim is to minimize the impact of human activities on climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon neutrality has become a major objective for many companies and government bodies due to growing concern about climate change.
Carbon neutrality by 2050 in Canada
An ambitious goal
Canada, like many other countries, is committed to fighting climate change. The country wants to achieve carbon neutrality to help limit global warming in line with international agreements.
This goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 is considered ambitious. Carbon neutrality means significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and offsetting any residual emissions.
To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Canada would need to implement significant policies and initiatives to reduce emissions in key sectors such as energy, transportation, industry and agriculture. This could involve a transition to renewable energy sources, improvements in energy efficiency, sustainable land and forest management policies, and investment in carbon capture and storage technologies.
Achieving this goal will require close collaboration between government, industry, society and other stakeholders. Challenges may include the transition of high-emitting industries, the financing of emissions reduction initiatives, and social acceptance of the necessary changes. Significant progress in reducing emissions will be essential to meet global climate imperatives and limit the impacts of climate change.
The Canadian law on material liability: a key step
The Canadian Carbon Neutrality Accountability Act (June 29, 2021), is a major legislative step forward in the fight against climate change. As part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, the Act establishes a framework of accountability and transparency to help achieve this goal.
Key measures include :
- The establishment of an independent advisory group to advise the government on how to achieve carbon neutrality.
- The obligation for the Ministry of the Environment to present a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions every five years, accompanied by an annual report on progress made.
- A commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% below 2005 levels by 2026.
- The obligation for major projects with a lifespan beyond 2050 to present a credible plan to achieve carbon neutrality.
How to achieve carbon neutrality: strategies.
Climate plan: an effective approach?
As a strategy, the Climate Plan plays a crucial role in the quest for carbon neutrality. It defines the measures to be taken to reduce GHG emissions and sets the course for a sustainable future.
Several initiatives have been put in place in Canada, such as the Montreal Climate Plan and Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan. These plans include precise objectives and propose concrete actions to achieve carbon neutrality.
- Visit Montréal Climate Plan is built around 46 measures to make Montreal a resilient, carbon-neutral city.
- Visit Canada’s Emissions Reduction Plan 2030 sets out a sectoral path to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030.
However, according to some experts, these plans do not go far enough and do not include all the transformations required for a transition to carbon neutrality. It is therefore essential to continue evaluating and improving these actions to guarantee their effectiveness and ensure that they lead to a real reduction in GHG emissions.
How do you go carbon neutral?
At individual or corporate level, becoming carbon neutral requires a well thought-out strategy. It is crucial for them to establish a carbon neutrality plan. This plan should take into account various aspects, including :
- Assessing emissions: To achieve carbon neutrality, we first need to quantify the CO2 emissions produced. Several tools and methods are available to help you carry out this assessment.
- Implementation of reduction actions: Once the sources of emissions have been identified and quantified, concrete reduction actions can be implemented. This may involve improving energy efficiency, adopting renewable energies, or modifying production processes.
- Compensating for residual emissions: Despite all our efforts to reduce emissions, some will remain unavoidable. These can then be offset by purchasing carbon credits or participating in carbon capture and storage projects.
Companies can also get involved in sectoral initiatives to collaborate with other players in their field and share best practices for reducing GHG emissions.
In short, becoming carbon neutral is an ambitious process that requires the involvement of all sectors of society.
The role of companies in carbon neutrality
The importance of SME involvement
The commitment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is essential to achieving the goal of carbon neutrality in Canada. Indeed, SMEs represent a significant part of the Canadian economy and have a significant impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
That’s why it’s crucial to encourage these companies to adopt environmentally-friendly practices and integrate carbon neutrality into their strategy.
- Implementation of GHG reduction policies,
- Participation in industry initiatives to share best practices.
However, there’s still a lot of work to be done, as many SMEs lack the resources to make reducing their carbon footprint a priority.
The challenges of the transition to carbon neutrality
Managing GHG emissions
Managing GHG emissions effectively is essential to achieving carbon neutrality. Possible approaches include :
- Reduction: This involves actively reducing GHG emissions by modifying processes, improving energy efficiency or adopting cleaner technologies.
- Capture: This approach involves removing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it. This can be achieved by natural means, such as reforestation, or by technological means, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS).
- Offsetting: In cases where emissions cannot be eliminated, residual emissions can be offset by investing in projects that reduce emissions elsewhere, such as renewable energy projects.
A combined approach to these strategies is essential to achieve true carbon neutrality. What’s more, implementing these strategies requires detailed planning and close collaboration between all stakeholders, including governments, businesses and individuals.
Adoption of green technologies
Adopting green technologies is one of the most effective ways of reducing GHG emissions. These technologies, which include renewable energies, energy efficiency, electric vehicles and low-carbon industrial processes, are constantly evolving and offer opportunities to reduce emissions in all sectors.
Several initiatives in Canada support the development and deployment of these technologies:
- The Energy Innovation Program which finances the research and development of clean energy technologies.
- The Green Infrastructure Fund which invests in large-scale green infrastructure projects.
- The Clean Technology Adoption Program which helps companies adopt and adapt clean technologies.
However, despite these initiatives, challenges remain. The transition to these technologies requires significant investment, and not all companies have the resources to make this change. What’s more, some technologies are still at an early stage of development and not yet ready for large-scale deployment.
DroneXperts, environmental solutions for a sustainable future.
At DroneXperts we are actively committed to contributing to a sustainable future by adapting our practices and developing environmentally-friendly solutions.
Our goal goes beyond commercial success. We aim to have a positive impact on society by helping industries minimize their environmental footprint, protect natural resources and safeguard the well-being of communities. We believe that by providing advanced control and characterization tools, we can bring about significant change.
To achieve this, we innovate in the use, implementation and creation of solutions that enable individuals, organizations and governments to make informed decisions and take proactive steps to protect and preserve the environment.
The ENVIRO-DX product range
AIR-SERIES
Visit AIR-SERIES is a tool specially designed to monitor and characterize the environment by collecting and measuring atmospheric pollutants in real time. Paired with a drone, it can cover vast sites, including areas that are difficult to access or potentially dangerous for humans.
This innovative solution enables companies to objectively assess their GHG emissions and reduce their environmental impact by implementing concrete actions. Visit AIR-SERIES provides a better representation of air quality, enabling you to plan a customized carbon neutrality plan .
What makes this innovation unique is its ability to take samples using three methods recognized in the sampling industry. In addition to sampling, AIR-SERIES can also measure up to six different gases in real time, with geo-referenced data.
HYDRO-SERIES
Visit HYDRO-SERIES allows you to carry out water sampling campaigns. Our airborne sampling solutions enable precise and efficient characterization of different water bodies.
By collecting precise data, we can obtain physico-chemical parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen or contaminants present. These elements support efforts in research, environmental management and water resource management.
Conclusion: towards a carbon-neutral future
So, for DroneXperts as for other economic players, the future is carbon neutral. Achieving this goal requires concerted action by all stakeholders, including governments, businesses and individuals. The Canadian government is aware of this challenge, and has put in place various tools to encourage this transition, such as the Carbon Neutrality Advisory Group. The mission of this body, made up of independent experts, is to advise the government and consult Canadians on the most effective ways to achieve carbon neutrality. There is also the Carbon Neutral Challenge which encourages companies to draw up a comprehensive carbon neutrality plan within 24 months of joining the Challenge, and to set at least two interim emissions reduction targets.
Clearly, the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 imposes severe constraints and requires a profound transformation of our economy and our modes of production and consumption.