Put simply, net zero means cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, with any remaining emissions re-absorbed from the atmosphere, by oceans and forests for instance.

Greenhouse gases consist of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane. CO2 is released when oil, gas and coal are burned in homes, factories and to power transport. Methane is produced through farming and landfills.

These gases increase global temperatures by trapping extra energy in the Earth's atmosphere.

Meanwhile, rapid deforestation across the world means there are fewer trees to absorb CO2.

Why is net zero important?

Science shows clearly that to avert the worst impacts of climate change and preserve a liveable planet, global temperature increase needs to be limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. To keep global warming to no more than 1.5°C  – as called for in the Paris Agreement – emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.

Under the 2015 Paris climate agreement, 197 countries - including the UK - agreed to try to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C by 2100.

To achieve this, net zero CO2 emissions should be reached by 2050. However, the UN wants countries to bring forward their net zero targets by a decade to avoid what is called "the growing climate disaster".

What can I do?

Whilst the most significant changes will come from the Government level, there are lots of smaller actions we can take as individuals to positively affect our carbon footprint.

• Taking fewer flights - Flying is responsible for 2.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 8% of UK emissions.

• Reducing energy use- An insightful article from the BBC on tips for reducing energy costs

• Switching to electric vehicles- There are numerous benefits to making the switch to an electric vehicle.

• Eating less red meat- The UN estimates the agricultural sector makes up more than 14% of all man-made greenhouse gases.