Double-entry accounting system for greenhouse gases : Can carbon neutrality mitigate climate change?
Double-entry accounting system for greenhouse gases : Can carbon neutrality mitigate climate change?
Jang, Yong-chang
Jang, Yong-chang
This study explores whether carbon neutrality policies can mitigate climate change. A double-entry accounting report of greenhouse gases was developed for this purpose. The accounting report integrated both the flow amount (emissions and absorption) and the stock amount of carbon dioxide to compare the two values using a unified unit of measurement. Based on the accounting report, the stock of carbon dioxide in the global atmosphere at the end of 2021 was estimated to be 3,246.6 billion tons. The accounting report also indicates that the annual emission from human activities was 39.3 billion tons, while absorption by land and ocean ecology is 22.7 billion tons. Consequently, the net emission of carbon dioxide was 16.6 billion tons in 2021. Even if all countries achieve carbon neutrality, the atmospheric stock of carbon dioxide will remain at 3,246.6 billion tons, which is 1,080.8 billion tons more than in the year 1750. Hence, abnormal climate phenomena will persist. Given that the annual anthropogenic emission of 39.3 billion tons and net emission of 16.6 billion tons only accounts for approximately 3.6% and 1.5% of that 1,080.8 billion-ton surplus, respectively, carbon neutrality alone may not reduce the surplus fast enough to avoid natural disasters from climate change. Therefore, this double-entry accounting report on greenhouse gases shows that preventing climate change through carbon neutrality alone will be difficult, and highlights the need for alternative approaches.
CO2, Flow, Stock, Material Flow Analysis, Net Zero
1403-03.pdf
