Carbon neutral (also called net zero carbon) means achieving a balance between carbon emissions produced and carbon emissions removed from the atmosphere, resulting in no net addition of carbon dioxide. This can be achieved by reducing emissions as much as possible and offsetting remaining emissions through activities that remove carbon (like tree planting) or purchasing carbon credits. Many governments, including Canadian municipalities, have set carbon neutral targets—committing to achieve net zero emissions by specified dates (often 2050). Reaching carbon neutrality requires significant changes to energy systems, transportation, buildings, and land use. Critics debate whether offsets genuinely achieve neutrality or allow continued emissions.