Today, when it comes to discussing sustainability, net-zero is the first thing on everyone’s lips, followed by the question, is it really possible? Can it be achieved by 2050? But do not fret, I am here to deliver the answer to these pressing questions.

Whilst there is some pessimism towards meeting net-zero, exacerbated by the very public withdraw of support from various political leaders, I do have some good news. Some countries have managed to achieve net-zero – eight to be precise! And, according to an article by ‘the eco experts’, there are four others well on their way to joining the net-zero club. It seems the Maldives are the favourites in this race and responsible for just 0.01% of global emissions. However, Finland, Austria and Iceland are hot on their tail. I wonder who will reach the finish line first.

One thing that sets these carbon-neutral countries apart from the rest is their dedication to protecting the environment. Located in the Americas, Africa, Asia and in the Southern Pacific coast, these countries are small, sparsely populated and heaving with natural resources like rainforests which soak up CO2 by simply existing. Yes, these natural factors make achieving net-zero much easier, but it wouldn’t have been possible without prioritising the environment and enforcement of climate policies. These net-zero countries have all dealt with climate related challenges, with some inventing solutions to resolve them.

For example, Madagascar cleverly developed a sustainable method of rice farming called System of Rice Intensification (SRI), to tackle the issues of food security, water scarcity and environmental damage. It works by implementing controlled and intermittent flooding of the fields, reducing plant density per hill and switching from chemical fertilisers to organic matter.

These alterations have made a massive difference and revolutionised farming practices globally, recognised by over 60 countries worldwide. Not only has it created more robust, healthier and higher yielding crops but it has been adapted by other crop-producing countries like Taiwan, India and Pakistan, to overcome similar issues.

More importantly it has played a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Reading ‘How bad are bananas?’ by Mike Berners-Lee opened my eyes to just how bad rice can be for the environment. The farming process is responsible for 1.2% of the total global carbon footprint, releasing a whopping 600 million C02e of methane from the rice paddies alone as well as nitrogen and carbon along the way. Learning this, I don’t think I’ll be able to look at rice in the same way again, it really is a dark horse when it comes to emitting greenhouse gases.

It’s not just countries that are reaching their net-zero goals, companies are too. Amazon has been able to reach its targets of switching to 100% renewable energy, set in 2019, seven years early! Through investing in and facilitating renewable energy projects globally right down to decreasing the amount of single-use plastic in their packaging, Amazon has earned the title of ‘largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy in the world’ four years in a row.

I hope I have been able to restore even just an ounce of faith that net-zero can be achieved. There are some amazing examples of countries and organisations going the extra mile to create a cleaner and greener planet. We are not doomed just yet!