Defining a ‘Carbon Neutral’ City

The city of Seattle, Wash., is looking at what it would take to become the first carbon neutral city in North America, aiming to do so by 2030. But what does carbon neutral even mean? A critical first step in pursuing ‘carbon neutrality’ is defining it. This article looks at three key questions to consider:

1. How does carbon neutrality relate to the global limits that scientists warn us we must not exceed – 350 ppm CO₂ (or 2° C over pre-industrial levels)?
2. Would a city have to actually quit emitting greenhouse gases, or could it use offsets (purchase carbon credits) to reach its goal?
3. Are we trying to account for only emissions that occur within city limits, or all emissions for which Seattleites are responsible?

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