Neutrality Won't Save Us: Why Businesses Must Become Carbon Negative

Moving Beyond Carbon Neutrality to Heal Our Planet

A Mark: The Imperative for Carbon Negativity

The fight against climate change has reached a critical juncture. While carbon neutrality—a state where the carbon dioxide emissions released by an entity are balanced by the carbon dioxide they remove from the atmosphere—has been a primary goal for many businesses, it's increasingly clear that this is not enough. The reality is stark: the global average temperature is on track to exceed the 1.5°C increase above pre-industrial levels, a threshold that scientists warn will lead to severe and irreversible damage to our planet.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), we must cut global emissions by 45% from 2010 levels by 2030 to avoid catastrophic climate impacts. Yet, current policies are projected to result in a 2.7°C increase by the end of the century. This gap between where we are and where we need to be underscores the need for businesses to move beyond carbon neutrality and adopt carbon negative strategies—removing more carbon from the atmosphere than they emit.

The environmental impact of various industries further emphasizes this need. For instance, the gaming industry alone contributes approximately 3.7% to global greenhouse gas emissions, often referred to as "internet pollution." The production and operation of gaming consoles, the energy consumption of data centers, and the e-waste generated contribute significantly to this footprint.

A Brand: Supercell and the Path to Carbon Negativity

Supercell , a gaming company renowned for hits like Clash of Clans and Brawl Stars, exemplifies how businesses can lead in the fight against climate change. Recognizing that neutrality isn't enough, Supercell has committed to going beyond balancing emissions to actively removing carbon from the atmosphere.

In 2019, Supercell achieved carbon neutrality by offsetting 100% of its emissions, including those generated by players’ devices. This was achieved through partnerships with organizations like South Pole, which help businesses invest in carbon offset projects. By 2020, Supercell had upped its commitment, pledging to offset 200% of its direct CO2 emissions.

Supercell ’s efforts are part of a broader industry movement. The Playing for the Planet Alliance, launched during the UN Climate Action Summit, includes over 40 game companies committed to integrating environmental actions into their games and operations. These companies aim to reduce CO2 emissions by 30 million metric tons by 2030, demonstrating the collective power of industry-led initiatives.

An Impact: How You Can Contribute as a Consumer, Professional, and Entrepreneur

As a Consumer:

• Support Carbon Negative Brands: Choose products and services from companies that are committed to carbon negativity. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also encourages more businesses to adopt similar practices.
• Advocate for Change: Use your voice to advocate for stronger climate action. Share information about the importance of carbon negative strategies and support policies that promote renewable energy and carbon sequestration.

As a Professional:

• Champion Sustainability Initiatives: Within your organization, advocate for sustainability initiatives that go beyond neutrality. Propose projects that focus on reducing emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and investing in carbon removal technologies.
• Educate and Engage: Educate your colleagues about the importance of carbon negativity. Engage with industry groups and networks to share best practices and learn from others.

As an Entrepreneur:

• Innovate for Impact: Develop products and services that contribute to carbon negativity. This could involve creating energy-efficient technologies, investing in renewable energy, or designing carbon capture solutions.
• Lead by Example: Set ambitious climate goals for your business. Measure your carbon footprint, implement reduction strategies, and invest in projects that remove carbon from the atmosphere.

As we face the urgent challenge of climate change, it is clear that being carbon neutral is not enough. Businesses must aim to become carbon negative to truly address the climate crisis. By removing more carbon from the atmosphere than they emit, companies like Supercell are setting a powerful example. It is up to all of us—consumers, professionals, and entrepreneurs—to support and drive these efforts. Together, we can move from neutrality to negativity and help secure a sustainable future for our planet.

Recommended Readings:

1. How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates
2. This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate by Naomi Klein
3. The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming by David Wallace-Wells