With the recent COP26, a UN conference on climate change, being pushed back an entire year, the climate Ambition Alliance has launched a campaign called the Race To Zero.
This follows a number of recent stories we have covered with business leaders within the UK calling for a green recovery alongside a renewed focus for clean energy as a whole.
What is it, and what are the criteria? – In short the campaign is aimed at business, countries, and other entities to accelerate plans to reach a goal of net zero earlier than previously outlined dates by ensuring changes are made immediately. In order to achieve this, some criteria for participation has been agreed upon;
Pledge – At the head of organisation level, pledge to reach net zero in the 2040’s or sooner, or by mid-century at least, alongside global efforts to reduce warming by 1.5C.
Plan – Explain what steps you will be taking to reach this goal, with shorter to medium term goals especially. Set interim targets over the next decade to reflect a 50% global CO2 reduction by 2030.
Proceed – Take immediate action towards achieving this goal, whilst consistently delivering on interim targets.
Publish – Commit to reporting changes and success at least annually, where possible to the platforms that feed into the UNFCCC.
If you are interested, you’re able to find the expanded criteria list here which goes into a little more detail around what the requirements are and what expectations need to be met, with mentions being toward offsetting practices and other factors that may influence your approach. It’s clear that the goal is to push the net zero initiative a little faster than previously intended, however, as the goal within the UK had been set for 2050 – this also comes at a time where experts warn of a bit of a step backwards as countries across the world start recovery from the impact of COVID-19.
If successful, this campaign may be a catalyst for change pushing net zero goals much faster, something that we here at Utility Trade Group fully support. If you want to explore options available for your own race to zero, then please get in contact with us today.
