carbon-neutral
KAR-bun NOO-trul
/ˌkɑːbən ˈnjuːtrəl/
Making or resulting in no net release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
This usually involves a combination of reducing emissions and 'offsetting' the remaining emissions (e.g., by planting trees).
The story behind the word. The term gained massive popularity in the early 2000s. It was even named the New Oxford American Dictionary's 'Word of the Year' in 2006, reflecting the growing global concern over climate change.
Word relationships
- net-zero: Often used interchangeably, though net-zero sometimes includes all greenhouse gases, not just carbon.
- carbon-intensive: Producing a high amount of carbon emissions.
Commonly confused with
- carbon-negative: Carbon-neutral means zero balance; carbon-negative means you are removing more carbon than you emit.
Word family
- carbon neutrality (noun): The state of being carbon-neutral.
Collocations
- carbon-neutral status
- achieve carbon-neutral
- carbon-neutral certification
- carbon-neutral economy
Example sentences
- "The airline announced its plan to become carbon-neutral by 2050 through the use of sustainable aviation fuels and reforestation projects." A corporate sustainability goal.
- "Our carbon-neutral tours include a fee that funds renewable energy projects in the regions we visit." Describing a specific travel package.
Memory hook
Think of a scale: Carbon on one side, Offsets on the other. If they are equal, the scale is 'Neutral.' Carbon-neutral = Zero net impact.
When not to use
Don't confuse with 'carbon-free,' which means no carbon was emitted at all. Carbon-neutral allows for emissions if they are balanced out.
Fun facts
- The country of Bhutan is not just carbon-neutral; it is actually carbon-negative, meaning it absorbs more CO2 than it emits.
Related words
Explore more words
offset, Carbon Footprint, decarbonization, decarbonize, mitigation, neutral
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