What does "net-zero emissions" mean?

"Net-zero emissions" refers to the balance of emissions produced and emissions removed from the atmosphere, meaning that the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted is equal to the total amount removed, resulting in no net increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases. This concept is critical in efforts to mitigate climate change, as it aims to reduce the impact on global warming by ensuring that any emissions produced, such as from industrial processes, transportation, or energy production, are counteracted by actions that remove an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. These removal actions can include natural processes, such as afforestation, or technological solutions like carbon capture and storage.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of "net-zero emissions." Complete elimination of all greenhouse gases implies a total eradication, which is not achievable with current technologies and practices, while the increase in fossil fuel extraction would actually contribute to higher emissions rather than achieving a balance. Lastly, while reducing individual carbon footprints contributes to the broader goal of reaching net-zero, it does not fully encapsulate the systemic approach required to balance emissions on a larger scale.