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Today, I will get straight to the point. Carbon neutrality refers to a state where the amount of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), emitted is balanced by the amount reduced or absorbed.

To be more specific, it means that the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted due to human activities is absorbed or reduced through natural or technological means, resulting in no net increase or decrease in the atmospheric level of these gases.

This definition may seem straightforward, but did you know that the context of carbon neutrality includes greenhouse gases other than CO2? The seven types of greenhouse gases are targeted in carbon neutrality, and they include gases that do not contain carbon, such as nitrous oxide (N2O) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Therefore, while called carbon neutrality, it involves more than just carbon, making it feel complex.

So why is carbon specifically emphasized? Let's confirm this with a case study from Japan. According to the "FY 2023 White Paper on the Environment, Circular Economy, and Biodiversity" by the Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan, the effect on global warming by type of greenhouse gas (FY 2021) in Japan are is as follows: carbon dioxide (CO2) at 90.9%, methane (CH4) at 2.3%, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) at 4.6%, and perfluorocarbons (PFCs) at 0.3%, with carbon-based emissions accounting for 98% of the total. This indicates that, at least in Japan, gases containing carbon, predominately CO2, are the primary contributors to global warming.

So, what approaches can we take to achieve carbon neutrality?

①Introduction of Renewable Energy:

Utilizing renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power to create an energy supply system that does not rely on fossil fuels. This approach includes use of clean energy such as green hydrogen in fuel cell generators and forklifts.

②Improving Energy Efficiency:

Reducing overall energy consumption through the introduction of energy-saving technologies and optimization of energy use. This includes designing high-efficiency machinery and buildings, as well as improving transportation systems. The use of highly efficient devices, such as our Toyota Super Drive motors and NEOS controllers, is exactly part of this approach.

③Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry Management:

Enhancing the CO2 absorption capacity of nature by practicing sustainable agriculture and protecting or expanding forest carbon sinks.

④Carbon Offsets:

Methods aimed at offsetting emitted greenhouse gases. This includes investing in reforestation projects or supporting greenhouse gas reduction projects.

⑤Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Technology:

Capturing CO2 emitted from industrial activities and power plants and safely storing it underground or under the sea, or reusing the CO2. This prevents CO2 from being released into the atmosphere, although there are some uncertainties, such as whether the stored CO2 will stay in place as expected over the long term.

⑥Establishing a Circular Economy:

This involves reducing waste and limiting CO2 emissions associated with disposal through maintenance, recycling, reuse, and resource recovery. Unlike the linear flow (production → use → disposal), the circular economy is gaining attention to directly contribute to sustainability as well as carbon neutrality by recirculating resources.

Currently, more than 150 countries and regions worldwide have expressed their commitment to achieving carbon neutrality. Under the Paris Agreement of the United Nations, each country sets its own greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and aims to achieve them. Additionally, many companies, including ours, calculate their carbon footprint and set reduction targets.

However, realization of carbon neutrality in the future depends not only on the efforts of countries and companies but also on whether each of you can make choices in your daily lives that minimize the impact of climate change, beyond economic rationality. Even if the government establishes better systems and companies release carbon-neutral products, achieving carbon neutrality will be impossible if you, the consumers, do not choose them. It might be said that whether we can pass on this wonderful global environment to the next generation depends on each one of you.