What does the term "carbon neutral" mean?

The term "carbon neutral" refers to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, which means that any carbon dioxide emissions produced by an individual, organization, or activity are balanced out by an equivalent amount of carbon removal or reduction efforts, such as through reforestation, carbon capture, or purchasing carbon credits. This approach focuses on balancing out emissions rather than completely eliminating them, making it a practical strategy for managing climate impact while allowing for continued activity.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of "carbon neutral." Increasing carbon emissions to offset others does not align with net-zero goals; instead, it indicates a net increase in emissions. Using renewable energy sources only is an important step toward reducing carbon footprints but does not necessarily account for all emissions connected to an operation or activity. Eliminating all carbon emissions entirely suggests a level of reduction that may not be feasible in many contexts, as some emissions are unavoidable in various processes, meaning "carbon neutral" is about balancing rather than complete eradication.