Residual emissions
Emissions remaining after mitigation measures have been implemented within a specified pathway or system.
Example
A net-zero plan should explain what remains and why further reductions are difficult.
The catch
The term should not excuse avoidable emissions or an undefined future pathway.
In more depth
Residual emissions, explained.
The size of a plan's residual emissions decides how much carbon dioxide removal it will need, so a generous estimate shifts work from cutting today to removing later. The usual candidates are emissions from farming, process emissions from cement and some long-haul aviation. Analyses of national long-term strategies find that planned residual levels vary widely between countries.
Under the Science Based Targets initiative's approach, companies must neutralise what remains at net zero with permanent removals, after cutting most of their emissions. Expect each residual source to carry its own justification and a review date, since options for cement, shipping and agriculture continue to develop. A list that never shrinks is a warning sign.