Net Zero or Not Zero: the involvement of non-state actors in climate action
SustainAbility School #63
Global emissions must decrease rapidly for humanity to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Non-state actors, such as companies, investors, cities, and regions, can play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To mobilize these key actors, international initiatives, often led by governments, aim to mobilize and engage sectors so they can set ambitious targets.
Research on these actors and their initiatives is evolving quickly, with new methods for assessing their potential climate impact being actively developed. At the same time, criticisms of greenwashing, both at the level of international initiatives and in the economic environment, are increasingly drawing public attention. The general perception is that climate action goals are not ambitious enough and primarily attract developed countries, mostly in Europe and North America. Furthermore, a concerning number of companies are misleading or exaggerating the green attributes of a product, service, or brand, a practice that deceives consumers, investors, and regulators, generating waves of skepticism and vehement public reactions from more and more environmental organizations.
However, non-state actors are invited to contribute to international climate policy processes, such as the Global Stocktake (GST), a fundamental component of the Paris Agreement. The findings of the first GST will be presented at COP28 and are based on a two-year consultative process that brought together climate change experts, decision-makers, practitioners, and other civil society stakeholders to assess the world’s collective progress in meeting the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement.
In this context, how valuable are the actions of non-state actors on climate change, and how can society harness their efforts in the race against time to reduce emissions?
Research on these actors and their initiatives is evolving quickly, with new methods for assessing their potential climate impact being actively developed. At the same time, criticisms of greenwashing, both at the level of international initiatives and in the economic environment, are increasingly drawing public attention. The general perception is that climate action goals are not ambitious enough and primarily attract developed countries, mostly in Europe and North America. Furthermore, a concerning number of companies are misleading or exaggerating the green attributes of a product, service, or brand, a practice that deceives consumers, investors, and regulators, generating waves of skepticism and vehement public reactions from more and more environmental organizations.
However, non-state actors are invited to contribute to international climate policy processes, such as the Global Stocktake (GST), a fundamental component of the Paris Agreement. The findings of the first GST will be presented at COP28 and are based on a two-year consultative process that brought together climate change experts, decision-makers, practitioners, and other civil society stakeholders to assess the world’s collective progress in meeting the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement.
In this context, how valuable are the actions of non-state actors on climate change, and how can society harness their efforts in the race against time to reduce emissions?
By attending this webinar, you will learn about:
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Climate Action Tracker compares government policies to Paris Agreement goals, showing a 2.7°C warming with current policies. Non-state actors, like businesses and cities, complement national efforts through initiatives like the Glasgow Forest Declaration and Power Past Coal Alliance;
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Role of COP Commitments: The COP (Conference of the Parties) conferences drive international climate agreements, with COP26 in Glasgow focusing on sector-specific initiatives, Initiatives proposed in Glasgow cover roughly 75% of the emissions reduction gap required to achieve the 1.5°C target;
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Corporate Climate Action: The 2023 Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor reveals that many companies' net-zero pledges lack integrity and are insufficient to meet climate targets, Common issues include limited transparency, reliance on offsets rather than real reductions, and a focus on “insetting” without substantial emissions reductions;
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Key Challenges in Achieving Net Zero: Many companies do not include major emission sources in their targets, and some use non-permanent carbon removals as offsets, Only a few companies, like Maersk and H&M Group, demonstrate best practices, with ambitious emission reductions aligned with net-zero commitments;
About the guest speaker
Sybrig Smit specializes in monitoring climate actions and policies. She focuses on non-state and subnational climate actions, including assessing the potential impact of climate targets set by cities, regions, companies, and international initiatives.
Sybrig holds a degree in Planetary Futures Studies from the University of Amsterdam, with a specialization in human geography, and a Master's in Sustainable Development from Utrecht University, with a focus on energy and materials. In her Master's thesis, she developed a refined methodology to quantify the impact of net GHG emissions reductions generated by non-state and subnational global actions.
Sybrig holds a degree in Planetary Futures Studies from the University of Amsterdam, with a specialization in human geography, and a Master's in Sustainable Development from Utrecht University, with a focus on energy and materials. In her Master's thesis, she developed a refined methodology to quantify the impact of net GHG emissions reductions generated by non-state and subnational global actions.
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Dacă angajatorul tău nu s-a implicat încă, dar vrei să participi la edițiile viitoare și să ai acces la edițiile trecute, cere decidenților din organizația ta să devină membru.