Chapter 3

Set target

  1. Introduction
  2. Step 1: Understand the fundamentals of net zero target
  3. Step 2: Shape short and long-term targets to define your net zero commitment
  4. Step 3: Turn your targets into action
  5. Learn more
    1. Understand the role of carbon removals in your net-zero strategy
    2. 7 attributes for high-credibility net-zero targets
    3. Net zero comparable climate pledges
    4. Science Based Targets Initiative
    5. Case studies: net-zero strategies in action
    6. Climate Justice, biodiversity, and their relevance to net zero targets
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7 attributes for high-credibility net-zero targets

Table: Reference table of 7 attributes for targets of high credibility

Attribute

Why?

1. FRONT LOADED EMISSION REDUCTIONS IN A 1.5 ALIGNED PATHWAY

Speed is crucial – we need to combine long-term net zero commitments with immediate action and short-term interim targets. Front loading emission reductions is important for increasing the likelihood of the less than 1.5°C scenario, and providing options for the future adjustments

2. A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO EMISSION REDUCTIONS

We must tackle all emissions, including in the most difficult sectors.

A critical facet of net zero is the comprehensive emissions abatement that it implies. Under partial emissions targets, it was possible to subsume difficult emissions sources under the residual emissions that would remain, but net zero removes this option

3. CAUTIOUS USE OF CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL AND STORAGE

We need both emissions reductions and regulated carbon dioxide removal. Producing carbon dioxide from fossil sources has a permanent impact which must be balanced by removal and equally permanent storage for a lasting net zero strategy.

There is a strong case for a net zero carbon balance that combines a very low level of residual emissions with low levels of multi-decadal removals.

4. EFFECTIVE REGULATION OF CARBON OFFSETS

We need rigorous quality standards to ensure the environmental integrity of carbon offsets.

The need for social and environmental integrity in carbon dioxide removal is linked to the integrity, and appropriate regulation, of carbon offsets. Past experience implies the environmental integrity of carbon offsets will be problematic, unless quality standards are upgraded and scrupulously enforced.

5. AN EQUITABLE TRANSITION TO NET ZERO

The burden of meeting net zero must be shared fairly. Some countries may need to reach net zero faster than others; developing countries will need support.

Fairness is an essential aspect of climate action and depends on how the burden of meeting the global target is shared across countries and within countries

6. ALIGNMENT WITH BROADER SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES

Net zero plans should be aligned with complementary sustainability objectives, otherwise there can be unintended consequences (e.g., negative impacts on biodiversity and indigenous people).

Climate change should be assessed as one of several pressing socio-ecological challenges, most of them interlinked. For example, land-use change is both the biggest driver of biodiversity declines (accounting for approximately 30% of declines in global terrestrial habitat integrity) and the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions (accounting for 23%)

7. PURSUIT OF NEW ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Net zero prosperity may materialize, for example, through a virtuous cycle of clean investment, renewal and growth. To ensure this transition is fair, we need cross-sector collaboration, generous social protection and investment in education and skills.

It is increasingly becoming clear that net zero can also be an economic opportunity, and net zero frameworks should pursue the opportunity in a way that promotes fairness and encourages broader societal action

Source