NO ES CERO: Cómo las metas de emisiones “cero neto” encubren la inacción frente al cambio climático

The document critiques 'net zero' targets as a form of 'greenwashing' that allows continued greenhouse gas emissions by relying on unproven future technologies and carbon offsets. It argues that these targets often shift the burden of carbon sequestration to the Global South, facilitating 'carbon colonialism'. The authors call for 'Real Zero' targets, which require immediate, absolute reductions in emissions, particularly from developed nations, and the implementation of systemic solutions in energy, agriculture, and transport.

• The term 'net zero' is frequently used by major polluting companies and governments as a facade to avoid responsibility and hide inaction or harmful activities regarding climate change.
• Net zero targets are distinct from 'zero emissions' because they often allow emissions to continue increasing for decades, based on the assumption that carbon dioxide can be removed from the atmosphere in the future via technology or tree planting.
• The reliance on carbon offsets and Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) is viewed as a form of 'carbon colonialism,' as it transfers the burden of carbon capture to lands and plantations in the Global South, potentially displacing indigenous and rural communities.
• There is insufficient land available globally to support the scale of emission offset projects and BECCS plantations required by the combined plans of governments and large corporations.
• Targets such as 'net zero by 2050' are criticized as being too late and lacking ambition, as they allow current leaders to defer responsibility to successors while the planet risks crossing irreversible tipping points.
• Fossil fuel companies like BP and Shell have announced 2050 net zero targets, yet their actual plans involve extracting and burning 120% more fossil fuels than the limit required to keep global warming below 1.5°C.
• To avoid climate catastrophe, the report advocates for 'Real Zero' emissions, which requires developed nations in the Global North to reduce annual emissions to nearly zero within a decade and provide financial support to developing countries.

APA

Friends of the Earth International (2020). NO ES CERO: Cómo las metas de emisiones “cero neto” encubren la inacción frente al cambio climático. https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/No-es-cero-informe-Esp.pdf

Chicago

Friends of the Earth International. NO ES CERO: Cómo las metas de emisiones “cero neto” encubren la inacción frente al cambio climático. 2020. https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/No-es-cero-informe-Esp.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Friends of the Earth International |title=NO ES CERO: Cómo las metas de emisiones “cero neto” encubren la inacción frente al cambio climático |date=October 2020 |url=https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/No-es-cero-informe-Esp.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{friendsoftheearthinternational2020cero, author = {{Friends of the Earth International}}, title = {{NO ES CERO: Cómo las metas de emisiones “cero neto” encubren la inacción frente al cambio climático}}, institution = {Friends of the Earth International}, year = {2020}, month = oct, url = {https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/No-es-cero-informe-Esp.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }