Definitions for a clearer understanding
Carbon, greenhouse effect and climate
The greenhouse effect is basically natural and even necessary to life on earth. Some of the heat emitted by the sun's rays is trapped by the various greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane. This keeps the planet at the temperature necessary for the life of its ecosystems. However, owing to the mass production of CO2 associated with human activities and population growth, more heat is being trapped, increasing the temperature at the Earth's surface. This is the main factor in climate disruption, leading to an increase in the number and frequency of extreme and devastating natural events (floods, storms, forest fires, droughts, etc.). Ultimately, the survival of all ecosystems is under threat.
The carbon cycle
CO2 emissions from living organisms and human activity are captured by the oceans and plants, which keep the quantity of carbon at a stable level. This balance is being disturbed by the mass combustion of fossil fuels (gas, oil, coal) for human activity, and by aggravating factors such as the artificialisation of land (urban sprawl). The process can be limited through the deployment of renewable energies, recycling and the use of non-motorised transport (bikes). The capacity for capture can also be increased through reforestation or the development of carbon collectors.
Carbon footprint
The carbon footprint is a measure of the greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by human activities. The potential impact of these greenhouse gases on global warming is expressed in CO2 equivalent or ‘CO2e’. The carbon footprint of a company corresponds to the GHG emissions generated by its activities. Renault Group measures its carbon footprint using the international Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. This measures GHG emissions from the company's main activity of vehicle manufacture (Scope 1), as well as indirect emissions such as energy consumption (Scope 2) and emissions generated upstream and downstream of manufacture, such as procurement from suppliers and vehicle use (Scope 3)
Net zero carbon
Net zero carbon is achieved when the amount of greenhouse gas emitted (measured in “CO2 equivalent” or “CO2e”) by an organisation or region is offset by an equivalent amount being removed, whether by natural sinks or by industrial processes to sequester or reuse carbon. This is known as net zero carbon.
This term should be distinguished from carbon offsetting, which involves neutralising the impact of fossil fuel emissions in one place by financing new carbon sinks elsewherre (reforestation, carbon collectors, etc.).