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Why the Net-Zero Carbon Target Matters: Why Thai Industries Should Take It Seriously

As the world faces growing concerns over global warming, greenhouse gas concentrations have now reached 420 ppm, driven primarily by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, industrial production in industrial estates, and deforestation. These activities have caused the Earth's temperature to rise by 1.2°C, with predictions suggesting it could exceed 1.5°C. This increase is causing polar ice to melt and triggering more frequent extreme weather events. In response, the global community has prioritized achieving Net Zero Carbon—a policy that has gained widespread importance. But what exactly is Net Zero Carbon, and how can it be achieved? Let's explore.

What is Net Zero Carbon?
Net Zero Carbon refers to a policy aimed at reducing the net amount of carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sectors to zero. However, “zero” does not mean that no carbon dioxide is emitted at all—this would be nearly impossible in manufacturing processes. Instead, Net Zero Carbon means that the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed through various methods equals the amount emitted into the atmosphere, making the net effect zero. The goal of this policy is to prevent global temperatures from rising more than 1.5–2°C. This commitment stems from the Paris Agreement, signed by 197 member countries of the United Nations, to mitigate climate change.

Pathways to Achieve Net Zero Carbon for Organizations
The goal of Net Zero Carbon is closely tied to factories and industrial estates, as these are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Many countries have already started implementing policies and laws to support sustainable environmental practices, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) from the European Union, which will be fully enforced by 2026. To meet these global requirements, industries must adapt to align with the environmental policies of each country. Here are key approaches that organizations need to be aware of:

1. Establishing Carbon Standards for Organizations, with two main methods:
  • Carbon Footprint Organization (CFO): This measures the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and absorbed by an organization, expressed in tons of carbon dioxide.
  • Carbon Footprint Product (CFP): This assesses the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced throughout the entire production process.
2. Implementing Carbon Absorption Measures, which can be done in several ways:
  • Reforestation efforts through organizations under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
  • Carbon reduction projects such as Carbon Credit initiatives.
  • Purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to offset carbon emissions by supporting renewable energy production.
3. Production Management, including:
  • Utilizing innovations that reduce carbon dioxide emissions during production.
  • Choosing industrial estates with energy management systems that align with Net Zero Carbon policies.
Conclusion
Net Zero Carbon policies aim to improve the planet by bringing together the efforts of all sectors. However, achieving this goal cannot be accomplished by a single organization; it requires collaboration from everyone. For businesses seeking to establish factories that comply with Net Zero Carbon initiatives, 304 Industrial Park offers a supportive environment. This industrial estate continuously promotes renewable energy alternatives, such as biomass with a total production capacity of 398 MW and solar floating systems producing 150 MW. These clean energy solutions provide the necessary power to industrial clients, helping them align with Net Zero Carbon goals and work towards a more sustainable future for the environment.

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