If 'carbon negative' and 'carbon positive' are terms used interchangeably to mean completely opposite things, what are alternative terms that clarify the difference without confusion?

SeahorseTreble@lemmy.world to Asklemmy@lemmy.ml – 42 points –

For example, could alternative terms like "carbon reducing" and "carbon increasing" make it more clear and avoid misinterpreting which means which?

17

You are viewing a single comment

I don't get where you think those terms are confusing.

Not OP, but I imagine "carbon negative" sounds negative because it has the word "negative" in it.

When it fact "carbon negative" means you're reducing carbon, which is generally regarded as a positive thing.

2 more...

It sounds like OP has heard people say "carbon negative" to mean that something outputs more CO2 than it consumes, and vice versa, which is contrary to how I hear the terms used.

“Our approach to carbon is negative for the planet”

Though I agree it’s not really used in this way.

2 more...