For a livable climate:
Net-zero commitments must be backed by credible action
- Net-zero commitment*
- New or updated NDC **
- Net-zero commitment and new/updated NDC
Sources: * Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit ** UNFCCC
The global coalition for net-zero emissions is growing
Along with companies, cities and financial institutions, more than 130 countries have now set or are considering a target of reducing emissions to net zero by mid-century. While net zero is a critical longer-term goal, steep emissions cuts – especially by the largest greenhouse-gas emitters – are imperative in the next 5 to 10 years in order to keep global warming to no more than 1.5 °C and safeguard a livable climate. Of the 191 Parties to the Paris Agreement, more than 150 Parties have so far submitted a new or updated national action plan – called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – as required by the agreement. Their planned combined emissions reductions by 2030 still fall far short of the level of ambition needed to achieve the 1.5 °C goal.
For more information: UNFCCC NDC synthesis report
Most emissions come from just a few countries
- 3%
Contribution of the 100 least-emitting countries - 68%
The 10 largest greenhouse gas emitters contribute over two-thirds of global emissions - 46%
The top 3 greenhouse gas emitters contribute 16 times the emissions of the bottom 100 countries
Source: WRI - Figures are rounded.
Increasing ambition is urgent since current targets fall short
- 5%
Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 for the 74 Parties with long-term mitigation visions, strategies and targets
- 45%
Emissions reductions needed by 2030 to keep warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius
I welcome the announcement of new and enhanced nationally determined contributions."
Net-zero news
Climate calls for a unity of purpose
Patricia Espinosa is the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the foundational 1994 international agreement on climate action most recently elaborated in the 2015 Paris Agreement. In a make-or-break year for climate action, Espinosa reflects on the climate emergency, urging a unity of purpose. Since climate knows no boundaries, bold action is in the best interest of everyone. Learn more
All About the NDCs
An NDC is a climate action plan. How do NDCs work and why they are important? What's happening in different countries? Read up on the basics
Join the Race to Zero
Through this UN-backed campaign, companies, cities, financial and educational institutions and others are taking ambitious, immediate actions to halve global emissions by 2030. Find out more
The road to net zero
2015
196 countries adopted the historic Paris Agreement to reduce global warming and build resilience to climate change. Its overall goal: limit warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius.
