Introduction to this special section: The role of geophysics in a net-zero-carbon world

Human activities are changing the earth's climate, causing increasingly disruptive social and ecological impacts. These impacts can be reduced if global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reach net zero in the near future. A net-zero-carbon world can be achieved by using energy more efficiently and responsibly; transitioning toward energy sources, products, and services that minimize greenhouse gas release; and implementing existing and novel technologies to remove and store CO2 from the atmosphere