What it is and why it is important Every September, the world celebrates World Zero Emissions Day , an opportunity to try, for 24 hours , not to emit CO₂ and other greenhouse gases. A symbolic day that reminds us: living with a low environmental impact is possible , and that our daily choices make a difference. A bit of history Zero Emission Day (or World Zero Emission Day) has its roots in the early 2000s in Canada , specifically in Nova Scotia, by an activist named Ken Wallace. The inspiration for this event came from Earth Day, established in 1970, which had already demonstrated the power of a day dedicated to environmental awareness. The underlying idea was simple yet powerful: to dedicate one day a year when the Earth could "take a break" from carbon emissions, inviting everyone to avoid using fossil fuels for 24 hours. This day falls on September 21st , a symbolic date that coincides with the autumn equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the spring equinox in the Southern Hemisphere, symbolizing a balance between humanity and nature. In the early years, the diffusion was slow, but since 2017, Zero Emissions Day has begun to reach a global dimension thanks to the commitment of the Climate Leadership Coalition (CLC), which promotes it in various countries, especially in Europe. The primary objective was and still is to raise public awareness of the crucial importance of reducing CO₂ emissions and actively promoting more sustainable lifestyles . The link with the UN objectives Zero Emissions Day contributes to the two United Nations Sustainable Development Goals : SDG 13: Climate Action SDG 7: Clean and accessible energy Why greenhouse gases are a problem Greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) , have the ability to trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. This natural phenomenon is essential to maintaining habitable temperatures on the planet, but the anthropogenic increase in these gases is causing excess trapped heat, causing global warming. This warming has many negative consequences, including melting ice sheets, rising sea levels, more frequent and severe extreme weather events, and ecosystem disruption. In Italy, the main sectors responsible for greenhouse gas emissions are transportation (about 26%), energy production (23%), and industry (13%), with a significant share also coming from the residential sector. Globally, the combustion of oil, coal, and natural gas accounts for approximately 75% of CO₂ emissions, exacerbating this problem on a global scale. Fossil fuels vs. renewable energy Oil, coal, and natural gas pollute, are limited resources, and damage the environment. The alternative? Sun, wind, water, and geothermal energy : renewable energies that produce no direct emissions and are driving the energy transition. What science says The IPCC warns: we must cut global emissions by 43% by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Exceeding that threshold risks unpredictable climate events, biodiversity loss, and irreversible damage to our ecosystems. Zero Emissions Day Initiatives in Italy and Around the World Here are some of the most significant initiatives contributing to World Zero Emissions Day, both nationally and internationally: In Italy: Milan: Car-free Sundays and bike races. Turin: urban reforestation projects. Trento: conferences on renewables. Bergamo and Brescia: school workshops. In the world: Oslo: car-free city center. Amsterdam: Clean Energy Festival. Vancouver: Green Community Projects. Tokyo: Environmental Education in Schools. What can you do? Reduce CO₂ every day. Opt for reusable and refillable products, such as carbon-neutral packaging or detergents with concentrated refills that reduce waste and single-use plastic. Many products today are designed to last, thus reducing waste and environmental impact. Choose sustainable mobility : use a bike for your daily commute, take public transportation, or opt for electric car sharing. These options reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in cities. Prioritize low-impact purchases by choosing products of natural origin, seasonal, and packaged with recyclable or compostable materials. Support brands and manufacturers that adopt circular economy practices and environmental awareness. Commit to methodically offsetting the CO₂ you produce by calculating your carbon footprint (you can find online tools that estimate travel, energy, food, and purchases) and offsetting emissions by supporting reforestation or clean energy projects (carbon offset). From a symbolic day to a daily commitment World Zero Emissions Day is a call to action today for a cleaner tomorrow. R5 Living has transformed the principles of the circular economy and zero emissions into a daily practice that can be replicated by citizens (and other businesses), demonstrating that a more sustainable future is possible and that large-scale events like Zero Emissions Day aren't just symbolic showcases of good intentions, but also speak to concrete and achievable actions.
