Climate change is arguably the most severe challenge facing our planet. During the upcoming Boao Forum for Asia from April 18 to 21, experts, industrial leaders and officials will gather and discuss our path to carbon neutral.

What is carbon neutrality?

The leading cause of climate change is greenhouse gas emissions, in which carbon dioxide is the main contributor.

More than 110 countries have committed to achieving carbon neutrality by the half of this century, to save the environment. You might have heard of this concept but may not be sure of its meaning.

Carbon neutrality refers to achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. To further explain, the amount of carbon dioxide released by human activities into the atmosphere should be absorbed by carbon sinks like forests and oceans. Only when what we generate is totally soaked up then can we achieve carbon neutrality.

Excess carbon dioxide emissions coming from human activities are from sectors like energy, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture and construction.

You might wonder if the carbon dioxide produced by human breathing contributes to climate change. Don't worry, it doesn't because it is a part of the natural cycle. The natural process adds and removes carbon dioxide to keep a balance. In contrast, industrial activities add extra carbon dioxide without removing any. Plus, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by human breathing is too negligible to be counted.

Last year, China pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Researchers said if the world achieves its goal of emission control, then we will be able to limit the global temperature rise within two degrees Celsius by the end of this century.

What can we do to reduce carbon emission?

As individuals, we can help achieve carbon neutrality as well. To do that, we need to reduce our carbon footprint.

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, generated by our actions. And here are some tips to reduce it:

- Using public transportation to get to work instead of driving a car.

- Turning off lights and unplugging devices when not in use.

- Line drying laundry instead of using a dryer.

- Re-using items wherever you can because everything you put in the bin adds to your carbon footprint.

Simple actions could add up when everyone joins in. And with countries putting more and more efforts, we will achieve our goal, of building a low-carbon future.

Scriptwriter: Guo Meiping

Videographer: Hu Hanpeng

Video editor: Zeng Hongen

Cover image: Gao Hongmei

Producer: Wang Kailin

Chief editor: Wu Gang

Supervisor: Si Nan