Foundational Papers

This collection presents the origins and development of the Geological Net Zero concept, from early proposals on fossil carbon responsibility to the formulation of the GNZ Principle and the GNZ Pact.

The publications are presented chronologically, with their original references, publication dates and downloadable documents.

Topics: Fossil carbon responsibility · Geological carbon balance · Climate governance · Producer-to-consumer responsibility · International climate agreements

  • French Energy and Climate Strategy — Opinion and Proposal -SNBC3

    This contribution to France’s Energy and Climate Strategy proposes a complementary pathway to decarbonization inspired by biological energy systems and natural carbon cycles. It advocates renewable bioenergy, more efficient energy conversion, decentralized fuel cells and carbon capture with geological sequestration to strengthen territorial energy resilience.

  • Decarbonization and the Fossil Carbon Complex – COP28

    This paper presents three proposals developed by ACP Energies to accelerate the decarbonization of the Fossil Carbon Complex. It calls for shared responsibility across fossil carbon supply chains, from extraction to final consumption, and advocates geological carbon neutrality through durable carbon sequestration.

  • Fossil Carbon Emissions Can Be Neutralized Without a Carbon Tax or Carbon Market

    This policy note proposes an alternative to carbon taxes and carbon markets by making the fossil fuel industry directly responsible for the geological sequestration of carbon corresponding to its activities. It calls for immediate international action to address fossil carbon emissions at their source.

  • Six Recommendations for COP27

    The climate emergency calls for immediate action on fossil carbon emissions and atmospheric CO₂ removal. This paper proposes six recommendations, prioritizing local bioenergy production, restoration of biological carbon cycles, and responsibility throughout fossil fuel producer-consumer chains.

  • “Geological Net Zero” (Geological Carbon Neutrality) – How Could We Get There? – COP26

    Our purpose here is to set out, in as simple terms as we can, our current perspective on how the global fossil carbon problem could in large part be solved (given sufficient political will). Our focus is on key supply-side aspects that have so far received insufficient attention.

  • “Geological Net Zero“: A Proposal for a Simple and Globally Effective International Agreement on Fossil Carbon – COP26

    This paper proposes a simple international agreement to achieve Geological Net Zero by making fossil carbon producers responsible for balancing the carbon they extract with equivalent, durable geological sequestration. It advocates a globally coordinated, supply-side approach to fossil carbon management, complementing emissions reduction policies and accelerating the transition towards geological carbon neutrality.

  • Proposal for a Fossil Carbon Indicator – COP26

    This working paper proposes a new approach to climate policy based on a fossil carbon indicator and on making fossil carbon producers responsible for the ultimate fate of the carbon they extract. It examines the geological carbon cycle and the limitations of existing emissions-accounting mechanisms.