Learn in the textbookLaws and Institutions Related to the Digital Society
DefinitionCarbon Neutrality (カーボンニュートラル) means subtracting the amount absorbed or removed by forests and other means from greenhouse gas emissions, so that the total comes to net zero.
ExplanationFirst, energy saving and a switch to renewable energy cut the emissions themselves, and whatever remains is made up for by absorption and removal through tree planting or capture technology. The Japanese government has set a goal of achieving this by 2050. The IT field is also taking steps, such as switching the power for data centers to renewable energy.
AnalogyIt is like managing your weight by burning off the calories you eat through exercise so the balance does not go up. You do not stop eating; you keep what goes in and what goes out in balance.
Memory hook"Neutral" is the same word as the N on a car's gearshift: leaning neither way. Read it as the balanced state where what is emitted equals what is taken out.